Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (1/12)

Editor’s note: There will be no Illinois Insights on Monday, January 15^th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Updates will resume on Wednesday, January 17^th. 

ILLINOIS

Katz Muhl sworn in as new 57^th District State House Representative

On Thursday night, Democrat Tracy Katz Muhl was sworn in to the 57^th House District seat left vacant by former state representative Jonathan Carroll, who resigned January 5, 2024.

Katz Muhl, a Northfield Township Democratic committeeperson, was sworn in at the Northbrook Public Library.

She is running unopposed for the seat in the upcoming March primary election.

| AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker discusses possibility of supplemental appropriation plan, new options to tackle migrant crisis 

“Lawmakers will return to Springfield on Tuesday, but any action to assist in the migrant crisis is no sure thing. Gov. JB Pritzker held his first news conference of 2024, his sixth year as governor of Illinois, in Chicago on Wednesday to tout the state’s economic progress since he took office in January 2019. But overshadowing Pritzker’s excitement about the state’s business climate are ongoing and increasing challenges to the migrant situation,” by The Daily Line.

Governor Pritzker Celebrates Economic Development Milestones and Positive Momentum in 2024

“Governor Pritzker [Wednesday] joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Salesforce, Intersect Illinois, Metro Edge, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and BMO at the brand-new Salesforce Tower in downtown Chicago to celebrate major economic development milestones and highlight positive momentum as Illinois advances into 2024,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

O’Neill Burke, without party backing in primary, still fundraising more than Harris in Cook County state’s attorney’s race

“Clayton Harris III, the Cook County state’s attorney candidate who has the Cook County Democratic Party’s backing in the upcoming March primary, has raised less cash in his campaign committee than his opponent in the upcoming contest. However, both are fundraising far above the Republican in the race,” by The Daily Line.

Rep. Adam Niemerg removed from March primary ballot

“State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, was removed Thursday from the March 19 primary ballot after the Illinois State Board of Elections concluded that he failed to properly notarize his statement of candidacy,” by The Pantagraph.

Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren says building a ‘magnificent’ downtown stadium remains a possibility

“Kevin Warren addressed the media on a multitude of topics during the Bears’ end-of-season procession at Halas Hall. The ongoing stadium project was a hot topic, of course. And Warren used the opportunity to express a vision for a potential new stadium not far from the current game-day residence at Soldier Field,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson will delay enforcing immigrant shelter evictions policy

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is delaying enforcing his 60-day migrant shelter limit policy for the first group of asylum-seekers who were due to be required to leave this month, his administration announced Friday as heavy snowfall and low wind chills pummeled the city,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Choose Chicago CEO stepping down

“Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond is stepping down as head of the city’s tourism arm, the organization confirmed in a statement. Osmond, a former Chicago Architecture Center president and CEO who has led Choose since May 2022, will leave the tourism group effective Jan. 31 ‘to focus her time and energies on a family health matter,’ the statement said,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee hears CDOT’s plan to create network of bikeways inside and between neighborhoods

“As the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) prepares to add 150 miles of new bikeways in the next several years, the department’s Complete Streets director took questions from alderpeople on a City Council panel Wednesday on CDOT’s plan to improve safety of cyclists and citywide bike friendliness,” by The Daily Line.

Little Village Migrant Shelter Opens In Former CVS Store, Housing About 230 People

“Migrants began moving in Wednesday to the new shelter, the 28th emergency shelter in the city,” by Block Club Chicago.

FEDERAL

The Defining Threat (to Define the Threat) to Democracy

• On the third anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, both Democrats and Republicans argue that democracy is under threat, but from distinctly different perspectives.
• Both parties have drifted toward their more extreme ideologies in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for coalition building, an essential part of both governing and campaigning.
• The first electoral test of 2024, the race to replace expelled Rep. George Santos (R-NY), provides an early opportunity to road test respective GOP and Democratic campaign strategies and to gauge their prospects.

Read the full 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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