Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/27)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

In Joint Effort, Illinois Election Authorities Try to Tamp Down Misinformation Ahead or 2024 Races

“Six months before the next presidential primary elections in Illinois, county clerks and other local election authorities are asking for the public’s help in stopping misinformation campaigns before they get started,” by WTTW.

Latest DCFS audit finds ongoing reporting non-compliance, 6 new issues

“The 10 new violations included failing to keep segregation of duties at daycares, failure to comply with the school code, failure to comply with the Social Services Contract Notice Act, inefficient voucher processing, not fully using the resource planning system, inadequate controls over timesheets and vehicle maintenance, failure to comply with the Fiscal Control and Internal Auditing Act, not using locally-held funds properly and failure to comply with the Accountability for the Investment of Public Funds Act,” by The Daily Line.

Departing Deputy Gov. Flores reflects on tenure and work to foster better cooperation between agencies  

“Flores is leaving her post next month to take a job leading a family foundation in the Chicago area focused on healthcare and poverty alleviation. Flores joined Pritzker’s administration on day one and spent the next five years fighting COVID-19 and tackling healthcare inequities, homelessness and most recently the migrant crisis. She will be replaced by Department of Healthcare and Human Services Director Grace Hou,” by The Daily Line.

Illinois risks budget cuts when pandemic aid ends, report says

“Twelve states in the US, including some of the country’s largest economies, are at risk of cutting or scaling back programs in essential areas like education and public safety when the federal government’s historic stimulus package expires in 2026,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

CHICAGO

Aldermen advance ordinance establishing ‘Treatment Not Trauma’ working group

The City Council Committee on Health and Human Relations Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance (O2023-0004179) to establish a working group for Mayor Johnson’s “Treatment Not Trauma” initiative.

The program’s goals include reopening the city’s mental health centers, sending mental health professionals for behavioral and mental health crises instead of armed police officers, and increasing community awareness of available mental health resources.

The working group will develop a suggested framework and road map for the city to implement these measures. The group will also make recommendations on the program’s budget needs and revenue sources, including how to expand the program throughout the city and what staffing and recruitment resources are needed.

The ordinance heads to the full city Council for a final vote during its next meeting Oct. 4.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

City Council unanimously confirms Larry Snelling as Chicago police superintendent

“Chicago City Council unanimously confirmed Larry Snelling as Chicago police superintendent during a special meeting Wednesday,” by ABC 7 Chicago.

Federal Judge: Ald. Jim Gardiner Violated First Amendment by Blocking Critics from Official Facebook Page

“Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th Ward) violated the First Amendment by blocking six critics from his official Facebook page in 2021, and now faces a trial to determine whether he should pay those critics damages, a federal judge ruled Monday,” by WTTW.

Over 4,000 more young people employed through One Summer Chicago this year than last

“In 2023, more than 24,000 young people were employed through the program – an increase of 19 percent, or more than 4,000 – from last year,” by CBS News Chicago.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Americans desensitized to the government shutdown

The dysfunction of government shutdown and party in-fighting may only matter as much as the media is willing to cover it. At large, the American people are more concerned about the 2024 presidential election outcome.

Listen to the full Beltway Briefing here.

Cozen Currents: Biden v. Trump Redux: Is This Really Going to Happen?

• Every presidential election is hyped as being the “most consequential.” But given the contrasts between what a Biden and Trump second term would look like, this description very well could prove to be accurate for next year’s anticipated re-match.
• President Biden and former President Trump are expected to face off (again) in next year’s presidential election, despite both suffering from low approval ratings and both parties having deep benches of potential replacements.
• Legislative elections in Virginia this fall give both parties the opportunity to test out campaign strategies before next year’s presidential election, and the results carry national implications.

Read the Cozen Currents article here.

If you have any questions regarding this update or if you’re interested in ways to engage on these issues, please contact one of our team members here.

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