Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (10/30)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

UAW-Stellantis tentative agreement to include a new vehicle, EV battery facility for idled Belvidere plant

“Stellantis and the United Auto Workers have reached a tentative agreement that, if approved, will bring pay raises, improved benefits and most importantly for Illinois, a new vehicle and an EV battery plant to Belvidere,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Little action on major issues in first week of veto session  

“The House adjourned on Wednesday afternoon, canceling the scheduled Thursday session. The chamber held one committee meeting on Speaker Chris Welch’s (D-Hillside) plan to allow legislative staff to unionize, which was approved by the full House on Thursday. The Senate met for three days and passed a handful of bills but did not take up any major topics of debate. Lawmakers will be back in Springfield for a potentially busier second week of veto session Nov. 7-9,” by The Daily Line.

State estimates $1.3 billion drop in business taxes for local governments

“Out of nearly 6,500 local governments statewide, only four receive more Personal Property Replacement Tax revenue each year than the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. So, when the Illinois Department of Revenue estimates a 28.8% decline in those business taxes this year — roughly $1.3 billion less — few government agencies will feel the effect of that drop more than the MWRD,” by the Daily Herald.

Republican legislators seek to end Illinois’ sanctuary state status

“Illinois legislators concerned with growing taxpayer costs have filed legislation they hope will put an end to the state’s migrant sanctuary status,” by The Center Square.

CHICAGO

Expanded paid leave proposal delayed

A vote on a proposal (SO2023-0002980) to expand the number of paid leave days Chicago workers earn annually to twelve days was delayed Monday at the request of Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the City Council’s Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus.

The measure, introduced by Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) in July but amended over the last month, has support from the Chicago Federation of Labor as well as other unions and progressive members of the City Council. Business groups on Friday, however, issued a statement saying the current proposal “ignores the business community and would have a devastating impact” on local industries.

The amended ordinance approved on Monday requires six sick days and six days of paid time off, with employees allowed to roll over up to 10 sick days and three vacation days annually.

Ald. Rodriguez, who chairs the City Council Committee on Workforce Development Committee, moved to recess the meeting, and the Committee will reconvene Thursday.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

‘Mansion tax’ proposal heads for a City Council vote

“The City Council will vote next week on a proposal to ask Chicago voters if they support raising the one-time tax on high-end property sales, setting up a fierce referendum campaign between advocates who say the money is needed to combat homelessness against a real estate industry arguing it will hurt an already reeling market,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago City Council members don’t want other ward needs neglected in favor of migrant tent shelters

“Alds. Ronnie Mosley (21st) and Julia Ramirez (12th) lead wards where the first of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s migrants camps could be built. They want commitments from the city to support long-term projects in their wards,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago’s Top Cop Vows to Rein in Police Overtime Spending as 2023 Bill Tops $200M

“Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling promised members of the Chicago City Council that he would get a handle on employee overtime, which has already cost Chicago taxpayers $200 million in 2023,” by WTTW.

City Law Department discusses settlements during budget hearing

“Officials from the Chicago Department of Law answered questions from alderpeople about legal payouts to victims of law enforcement misconduct on the final day of 2024 budget hearings. The law department budget would grow by 1.7 percent up to $46.4 million in 2024, budget documents show, though staffing is set to remain flat at 427 budgeted positions,” by The Daily Line.

Chicago Board of Elections budget to decrease next year as city will share 2024 election costs with county

“The Chicago Board of Elections explained its declining budget for 2024 during the final day of city budget hearings Friday. During the hearing, Executive Director Charles Holiday, Jr. explained to members of the Committee on Budget and Government Operations the board’s budget is set to drop from $56.6 million in 2023 to about $34.5 million in 2024. The drop is attributable to the municipal elections that occurred in 2023. Even though the city will assist in administering the 2024 general election, the city shares those costs with the county,” by The Daily Line.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Introducing the New Speaker of the US House

A constitutional lawyer, cultural conservative, and all around “nice guy.” Meet the new Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson. As the House begins governing again, lawmakers must recognize how heightened political polarization leaves the nation vulnerable to national security threats demonstrated by Israel in the Oct 7th Hamas terror attack.

The full Beltway Briefing can be found 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.

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