Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (1/19)

January 19, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker announces milestones for preschool program, industry development 

“The state on Wednesday announced it inked another tax incentive deal aimed at boosting manufacturing while Gov. JB Pritzker said his plan to add more preschool seats in early childhood ‘deserts’ is ahead of schedule,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Gov. Pritzker Statement on IL Supreme Court Ruling on Pension Reform

“Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement on the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on local pension consolidation,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Some suburbs planning to opt out of Cook County’s new paid-leave rules

“After opting out of the state’s new Paid Leave for All Workers Act to avoid unstaffed public safety and public works shifts, some Northwest suburbs could soon do the same for a similar Cook County ordinance that goes into effect Feb. 1,” by the Daily Herald.

County awards Homeland Security-related grants; Applications open for Invest in Cook program

“The county announced the winners of more than $2 million in total grant funds to prepare for, prevent and respond to instances of terrorism, and the county also opened applications for its annual transportation infrastructure grant program,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

Chicago Federation of Labor fails to endorse real estate transfer tax referendum

In a vote last week, the Chicago Federation of Labor, an organization that represents more than 300 unions in Chicago and Cook County, narrowly declined a motion to endorse the graduated transfer tax referendum.

The vote came up just shy of the two-thirds weighted vote necessary to receive the official backing of the federation.

The Chicago Teachers Union, SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana, and some trade unions supported the vote while building trade unions, including the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, and also Unite Here Local 1, which represents hospitality workers, rejected the measure.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Dems give update on message, logo, security for national convention in Chicago

“Democrats talked security, logistics and messaging at a media briefing at the United Center Thursday, a prelude to the Democratic National Convention this August,” by the Daily Herald.

Chicago Won’t Evict Migrants Until Feb. 1, Officials Announce

“Mayor Brandon Johnson will not evict migrants from city shelters until at least Feb. 1, suspending the 60-day limit he imposed for the second time in less than a week, a city spokesperson said,” by WTTW.

28 City Council members ask Johnson ally to postpone vote on Gaza resolution

“A letter signed by Ald. Debra Silverstein and 27 aldermanic colleagues notes Wednesday’s Council meeting falls three days before International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and that the Council already will be voting on a resolution to mark 79 years since the liberation of Auschwitz,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago to consider an ordinance that would effectively ban natural gas in new buildings

“An ordinance that would fight climate change by effectively banning the use of natural gas in most new buildings is headed to the Chicago City Council. The Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance will be introduced Wednesday, according to Ald. Maria Hadden, a sponsor of the measure,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Ethics Committee discusses possible new restrictions on outside jobs and income for alderpeople

“Alderpeople on Thursday contended with the question of outside employment and income during a subject matter hearing at a Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight meeting,” by The Daily Line.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Decoding The Iowa Caucus

With the Iowa Caucus officially kicking off the presidential campaign, the Public Strategies team analyzes past nomination paths and illustrates scenarios for a presumptive Biden-Trump 2024 rematch. While Nikki Haley may have a “Hail Mary” with Independents in New Hampshire, former president Donald Trump’s momentum among the GOP base appears to be inescapable.

Listen to the full Beltway Briefing here.

Can the Ungovernable Govern?

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is out to prove that his ungovernable caucus is capable of governing.
  • Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Jonathan Kanter had a rough 2023, but with some momentum to start 2024, they are likely to continue with their progressive approach to antitrust.
  • Despite the recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs, the crypto industry will continue to face skeptical Biden administration regulators in 2024.

Read the Cozen Currents 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.

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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