Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (10/16)

October 16, 2023

ILLINOIS

IDFPR announces new Acting Director of Professional Regulation

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced that Camile Lindsay has been appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker to serve as the next Acting Director of Professional Regulation, pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

Lindsay previously served in the Pritzker Administration as First Assistant Deputy Governor for infrastructure, public safety, environment, and energy, where she oversaw several Illinois state agencies, including the Department of Transportation, State Police, Department of Corrections, Emergency Management Agency, and the Capital Development Board.

“Camile’s leadership and experience was vital to enacting my vision and goals for the future of Illinois’ energy, environmental, public safety, and infrastructure policy. I have no doubt that Camile is the right person to lead the office that licenses so many industries and professionals in Illinois, and I congratulate her on this appointment,” Gov. Pritzker said.

A full press release can be found here.

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. Pritzker Announces $1 Billion Federal Funding for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub

“Illinois joined Indiana and Michigan in announcing a $1 billion federal funding award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, which is a network that enables decarbonization through strategic hydrogen use and will reduce carbon emission by approximately 3.9 million metric tons per year,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $2.5 million in funding for the new Illinois Economic “Empowerment Centers Program (EEC). Eligible career education agencies and non-profit organizations can now apply to serve as EECs to provide entrepreneurship training to prepare individuals from historically marginalized communities to pursue business opportunities in a more inclusive business ecosystem. EECs will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Advocates push for guns to be taken from domestic abusers when order of protection served

“As lawmakers prepare to return to Springfield later this month for their annual two-week fall veto session, advocates are pushing for a measure that would require law enforcement to take guns away from people hit with domestic violence orders of protection,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Organizations receiving ARPA funding call for continuation as county budget ponders future sustainability

“Members of the public and stakeholders in various organizations that have benefited from county programs participated in public hearings Thursday to call for continued funding for those programs, including ones with limited one-time allocations. The public hearings took place during meetings of the Cook County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee,” by The Daily Line.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, first lady report $2.2 million in taxable income

“Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s personal taxable income has dropped since he took office in 2019, largely because of yearly distributions of trusts benefitting him. Still, his net worth is ranked at $3.5 billion, according to Forbes,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Johnson’s budgeted amount for migrant crisis, $150 million, will only last six months, his floor leader says

“The $150 million Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2024 budget earmarks for Chicago’s ongoing migrant crisis will only cover six months, possibly requiring a mid-year appropriation, his City Council floor leader said Friday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

After clearing out protesters, Chicago City Council passes resolution supporting Israel

“The Chicago City Council approved a symbolic resolution backing Israel on Friday during an emotional and often unruly special meeting as the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas escalated half a world away, by the Chicago Tribune.

Zoning committee delays votes on some development proposals

“The City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards delayed votes on large development proposals on Thursday. After beginning the meeting more than an hour after it was scheduled to start, the committee delayed a vote on a proposed 36-story building with more than 400 residential units near the intersection of Lake and Halsted streets on the Near West Side,” by The Daily Line.

Burke’s lawyers now say they plan to call Danny Solis to the stand as trial of ex-City Council dean nears

“Meanwhile, hints of Burke’s trial defense began to emerge during a hearing in federal court Friday. The judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys are hustling to prepare for a trial set to begin Nov. 6,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.


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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