Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (10/23)

October 23, 2024

Editor’s Note: Please note that the Friday edition of Illinois Insights will be sent out on Monday October 28, 2024. Our legislative analyst, Sofia Papoutsis, will be leaving Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies on October 28, 2024. We are very appreciative Sofia’s hard work and dedication to the firm over the last two and a half years, and she will be missed. We wish her all the best in all her future endeavors.

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Lawyer behind college affirmative action challenges targets Illinois

“A group affiliated with the legal activist behind the successful U.S. Supreme Court challenge to affirmative action in college admissions has sued Illinois over a minority scholarship program for aspiring teachers” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Syed, Ufodike debate climate, budget issues

“Rep. Nabeela Syed’s (D-Palatine) election in 2022 came under a bright spotlight as she became the youngest Democrat elected to Springfield at 23 years old. With one term under belt, Syed is looking to further establish herself as part of the northwest suburbs’ political future,” by The Daily Line.

Public supports merging Chicago area’s transit agencies by 2-to-1 ratio, poll shows

“The poll is one of the first indications of public support for the pending Metropolitan Mobility Act, a state bill that could combine the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace and Regional Transit Authority,” by the Chicago Sun Times.

Nearly 140,000 Illinois residents sent checks for unclaimed property: ‘It is not a scam,’ treasurer says

“Thousands of Illinois residents may have a check from the state waiting for them in their mailboxes,” by the Chicago Sun Times.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Council approves $1.5B bond refinancing plan during special meeting

“The City Council voted 35-12 to approve a $1.5 billion bond refinancing plan at a special meeting Tuesday after the item was delayed by opponents earlier this month,” by The Daily Line.

Plan to lower Chicago speed limit delayed by chief sponsor

“A measure to reduce the city’s default speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph was slowed down today by the ordinance’s chief sponsor, who plans to call it for a vote later this year,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Johnson’s communications director leaving mayor’s office amid latest staff shake-up

“Ronnie Reese is exiting after a rocky year and a half running Johnson’s press office,” by the Chicago Sun Times.

FEDERAL

Madam President or 2016 Redux?

As the gender gap continues to widen at the top of the ticket, it is crucial to understand how gender and their roles are impacting the 2024 election. Women constitute a large and influential voting bloc, and their participation in the election could be decisive. How candidates address key issues — like reproductive rights, economic uncertainty, and child and elder care — could tip the scales in swing states. Featuring Public Strategies’ Meagan Foster, Julia Hammond, and Jessica Monahan.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Authors

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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