Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (10/2)

ILLINOIS

Pritzker calls for more federal action on asylum seekers

In a public letter to President Joe Biden on Monday, Gov. JB Pritzker asked for additional assistance from the federal government to help the thousands of asylum seekers traveling from the border to Illinois cities.

“As the numbers being transported to Chicago are accelerating, the humanitarian crisis is overwhelming our ability to provide aid to the refugee population. Unfortunately, the welcome and aid Illinois has been providing to these asylum seekers has not been matched with support by the federal government. Most critically, the federal government’s lack of intervention and coordination at the border has created an untenable situation for Illinois,” Pritzker wrote in his letter to President Biden.

Pritzker’s administration requested more federal funding for states, local governments, and NGOs to provide temporary housing, food, and social services. He also asked Biden to streamline the process for individuals seeking work authorizations and for significant increases in logistical coordination and data collection regarding the arrival of buses bringing newly arrived immigrants to the states.

“There is much more that can and must be done on a federal level to address a national humanitarian crisis that is currently being shouldered by state and local governments without support,” Pritzker wrote.

| AROUND THE STATE

Bulk goes to Chicago, but Joliet, Elgin, Lake County, others to share in $41.5 million state asylum-seeker grants

“Governor JB Pritzker announced Friday $41.5 million in awards to local governments in the Chicago region that are welcoming asylum seekers. The funds will make it possible for municipalities to provide direct services to migrants who have fled their homes to escape violence and other threats. The funds will be used for shelter and housing support, food, wraparound services, legal support, and health care,” by Capitol Fax.

Registration of high-powered guns owned before Illinois ban took effect begins this month

“Illinois residents who already owned high-powered guns when the state ban on those weapons took effect in January can begin registering their firearms this month with the Illinois State Police,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Governor Pritzker Encourages Eligible Families to Apply for Utility Assistance

“Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support with utility bill assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Some allies break with Mayor Brandon Johnson over migrant response

“During a tense meeting of the City Council’s immigration committee, three of Johnson’s hand-picked committee chairs criticized the mayor’s response to the migrant situation, including his plan to utilize a controversial private security firm to establish tent encampments for some of the more than 15,000 migrants who have been bused or flown to Chicago from southern border states since August 2022,” by the Chicago Tribune.

City of Chicago denies NBC 5 Investigates’ request for additional records showing how $57 million was spent on staffing migrant shelters

“In its denial letter, the city said the request was ‘unduly burdensome’ and that with 498 payment vouchers that would require redactions, it would pose an ‘immense burden on the department’s time,’” by NBC 5 Chicago.

Enrich Chicago’s racial impact survey finds equity still lacking across arts and culture ecosystem

“Enrich Chicago’s most recent survey, released this month, reveals a need for more transparency and communication when it comes to racial equity efforts being made on behalf of employees and communities of color. It also indicates that public racial equity statements made in 2020 did not lead to intentional actions, and that racial equity trainings for staff are more effective than trainings for people in leadership positions,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Menashe Properties takes a chance on West Loop’s elusive revival

“In the first sale of a downtown building in more than a year, buyer Menashe aims to be ready as tenants move or expand their space,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago Public Schools enrollment is up for the first time in more than 10 years

“More than 323,000 students are in class across the district. CPS said the enrollment figure reflects growth in its expanded preschool programming,” by CBS Chicago.

City inspector general’s office defends police transparency concerns at public safety hearing

“The city Office of the Inspector General is calling for more transparency from Chicago police following a full review of police procedures last year, along with a multiyear study of 911 call responses,” by the Chicago Tribune.

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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