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

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Biden EPA requires Chicago to dramatically speed up replacement of toxic lead pipes

“Chicago must replace every toxic lead pipe connecting homes to water mains within two decades — an aggressive deadline imposed this week by President Joe Biden after his administration initially proposed giving city officials twice as long to complete the job,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Governor Pritzker Secures Business Expansion During Japan Delegation Trip with Sysmex America, Inc. in Northeastern Illinois

“On the first day of Governor JB Pritzker’s trade mission to Japan, the Governor, Sysmex America, Inc. and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that Sysmex America, Inc. will expand its operations in northeastern Illinois,” from the Office of Governor JB Pritzker.

Attorney general suit says TikTok designed to ‘addict young users in Illinois’

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Tuesday filed one of more than a dozen state-level lawsuits nationwide against TikTok, arguing that the endless-scrolling vertical video app is taking advantage of children and harming their mental health,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Cook County tax collections tumble to a 10-year low

“Cook County’s tax collection rate fell to its lowest level in more than a decade as south suburban property owners felt the strain of record-high increases and a tight turnaround between tax bills,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Three candidates vie to replace the late Karen Yarbrough as Cook County clerk

“Democrat Monica Gordon has the backing of the Cook County Democratic Party and unions. She faces Republican Michelle Pennington and Libertarian Christopher Laurent,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Attorneys in Madigan Racketeering Trial Iron Out Final Issues Before Jury Questioning Begins

“Attorneys for the former Illinois House speaker and his longtime confidant met with prosecutors Tuesday afternoon to iron out any final wrinkles before the trial gets into swing,” by WTTW.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

What’s Going On With Chicago’s School Board? Special Hearing Delayed As Alders Seek Answers

“School board members have now been invited to appear before the City Council’s education committee next week. Mayor Johnson nominated six new board members Monday following last week’s mass resignation,” by Block Club Chicago.

Mayoral foes delay debt refinancing plan

“The meeting got off to a rocky start when Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) and Silvana Tabares (23rd) used a parliamentary maneuver to temporarily derail approval of the mayor’s plan to refinance $1.5 billion in city debt to chip away at a massive budget shortfall this year and next,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mayor Johnson drops ShotSpotter veto plan, political brawl over police tool continues

“Johnson promised to veto the ordinance passed in a 33-to14 vote, but failed to make the move before a Wednesday morning deadline. A spokesperson told WBEZ the mayor changed plans because his administration believed the ordinance is already not legally enforceable,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Johnson asks department heads to model layoff scenarios in bid to close budget gap

“In order to stave off deep personnel cuts and avoid a fight with organized labor, Johnson is weighing whether to push for a large property tax increase that would go back on a campaign promise but may prove easier than committing to the staff reductions necessary to balance the books and garner the required 26 votes in the City Council to approve his spending plan,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Johnson cancels 2 months of police academy classes, orders layoff lists to cut $75M

“At an emergency Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Chief Operating Officer John Roberson ordered other department heads to identify personnel cuts and to submit their proposals by Friday. The goal is to find $75 million more in savings in 2025,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Cities: Getting Down to Brass Tacks on Tax Reform

Tax reform will be the top legislative issue next year regardless of who wins the elections and Congress, not the White House, will be the ones in the driver’s seat.

The Supreme Court begins its 2024-25 term this week and the Court’s docket includes some high-profile cases with implications for both business and US politics.

The ferocious AI craze is driving skyrocketing energy demand, leaving policymakers in Washington racing to catch up.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

VP Debate: Midwest Nice, Beltway Briefing 

The vice presidential debate was marked by a civil tone, characterized by politicos as ‘Midwest nice.’ While the Vance-Walz debate may not significantly impact the November election, Senator JD Vance’s polished style contrasted sharply with Governor Tim Walz’s rusty performance. As the Washington echo chamber anticipates a Harris victory, some are feeling an eerie sense of déjà vu from 2016, when Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton hit an electoral ceiling. Instead, the question becomes: have roles reversed, will Trump hit a ceiling this cycle? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

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