Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (1/29)

January 29, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Illinois election officials to weigh recommendation to remove Trump from March primary ballot

“Former President Donald Trump should be removed from Illinois’ primary ballot, but the decision should be left to the courts, a retired judge recommended Sunday to the state’s election board, arguing that it was clear Trump engaged in insurrection in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The Illinois State Board of Elections is expected to consider the recommendation Tuesday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Gov. Pritzker Announces Statewide Initiative with Google Public Sector to Improve Access to Children’s Behavioral Healthcare Resources

“Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and Google Public Sector on Monday to announce the creation of BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation): A Service Access Portal for Illinois Youth,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

CHICAGO

Update on 60-day shelter policy

Earlier today, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the extension of the 60-day policy for individuals and families in the city’s temporary emergency shelter system.

According to his administration, all shelter residents originally scheduled to exit January 16 through February 29 will be extended by 60 days from their original exit date. All shelter residents scheduled to exit between March 1 to March 28 will be extended by 30 days from their original exit date.

“We are extending the exit date for families due to the delay in fully staffing case management in all City shelters,” said Mayor Johnson. “With this policy extension, we are prioritizing Chicago’s values of compassion and humanity. I have said repeatedly that we are not going to push families into the cold and this policy ensures that families will remain sheltered for the duration of the winter season.”

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

City Of Chicago Demonstrates Commitment To City Workers With $306.6 Million Advance Pension Contributions

“Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago proudly announce a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to its workforce and pensioners – a $306.6 million advance payment to the City’s four pension funds. This strategic move, executed under the Johnson administration’s first annual budget, reflects a dedication to the financial well-being of essential City workers and a commitment to fiscal responsibility,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The DNC is launching a neighborhood ambassadors program to recruit volunteers

“Organizers want 12,000 volunteers and to make sure Chicago’s neighborhoods see economic benefits from the Democratic convention,” by WBEZ Chicago.

Mayor Johnson Joins City Leaders, Homeless Outreach Workers For 2024 Point-In-Time Count

“Mayor Johnson to meet with the Homeless Outreach and Prevention team and volunteers before the teams go out for the annual count,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

City Council committee to hold hearing on conditions inside migrant shelters as possible evictions loom

“A City Council panel will meet Tuesday for a subject matter hearing on the conditions at the city’s migrant shelters and the performance of an agency contracted by the city to operate the shelters,” by The Daily Line.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing, Biden-Trump Rematch: The Unamused Voters

Following Iowa and New Hampshire, the path to the Republican nomination narrows for Nikki Haley, moving former president Donald Trump one step closer to securing the nomination. As the reality of a Biden-Trump rematch weighs heavy on the minds of voters, the Public Strategies team pulls back the curtain on a hypothetical second Trump term.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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