Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (10/9)

October 9, 2023

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Judge to rule Oct. 20 whether to dismiss Cook County clerk from Robbins Park Board election lawsuit

“The Robbins Park District attorney and the attorney representing Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough each stated Friday the other party was responsible for incorrect instructions on April ballots resulting in too many candidates being elected to the park board,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Bally’s Chicago opens with 80,000 visitors and $6.7 million in revenue during its first three weeks of gaming in September

“It was a soft opening and just three weeks of gaming, but Bally’s Chicago is already the second-busiest casino in the state, according to September data released Friday by the Illinois Gaming Board,” by the Chicago Tribune.

City Council OKs minimum-wage hike for tipped workers

“After a months-long City Hall fight and years-long advocacy campaign, the City Council approved the measure, dubbed One Fair Wage by supporters, in a 36-to-10 vote,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Council committee advances proposed sales tax on properties over $1 million

“The Chicago city council has begun to discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s “Bring Chicago Home” tax that, if approved by voters, requires those in Chicago who own a home or corporate building valued at or above $1 million to pay extra transfer taxes. A city council committee heard arguments for and against the proposal [last] week,” by The Center Square.

Office shedding pushes downtown vacancy rate to another record high

“The office vacancy rate in the heart of the city during the past three months rose to an all-time high of 23.7% from 22.6% midway through the year, according to data from brokerage CBRE,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

FEDERAL

Help Wanted: Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Beltway Briefing

With government funding running out in less than 40 days, the House Republican Conference is scrambling to find a Speaker that can reach the 218-vote threshold. At the same time, the crisis at the southern border is intensifying, forcing the Biden Administration to continue fmr. President Trump’s border wall. Featuring CPS’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Hon. Rodney Davis, Towner French, and Kaitlyn Martin.

Listen to the full 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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