Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (11/13)

November 13, 2024

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

With state facing $3B deficit, GOP senators call on Gov. JB Pritzker to promise no tax hikes

“On the first day of the Illinois legislature’s brief fall session, Republicans called on Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker to promise not to raise taxes to address a projected budget deficit of more than $3 billion,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Intersect Illinois says new corporate projects rose 15% last year

“The state tallied 440 projects in the fiscal year ended June 30, up from 382 a year before, says Intersect Illinois, the state’s public-private partnership for economic development,” by the Crain’s Chicago Business.

Illinois lawmakers, experts present Underground Railroad Task Force report, historical preservation recommendations

“What was once documented primarily in local projects across the state will now come together as one cohesive, preserved historical record of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, state legislators and historians said during a Tuesday press conference,” by The Daily Line.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul launches unit to investigate innocence claims

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is launching a unit to investigate cases in which new evidence could prove the innocence of people convicted of serious crimes,” by the Chicago Tribune.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Most budget hearings canceled through Tuesday as mayor, alderpeople negotiate alternatives to property tax hike

“With most of the City Council prepared to vote down Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $300 million property tax increase proposal, nearly all budget committee hearings on the mayor’s 2025 spending plan were canceled until early next week as the administration seeks alternative ways to close a nearly billion-dollar budget gap,” by The Daily Line.

Johnson refuses to declare his bottom line on size of property tax hike as negotiations continue

“The mayor is open to a “plethora of ideas” so long as they don’t compromise his core values of “investing in people” through summer jobs, community safety, behavioral health and affordable housing but also avoiding layoffs and furlough days and continuing to make additional payments on city pensions,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Embattled CPS CEO criticized in meeting with mayor as Johnson administration continues moving to fire him

“Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez got chewed out this week by allies of Mayor Brandon Johnson over impending charter school closures, in a contentious City Hall meeting that could spell the next step in Johnson’s monthslong push to oust the embattled schools chief,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago Will Remain a Sanctuary City, Despite Donald Trump’s Threats, Mayor Brandon Johnson Says

“City officials will continue to shield all immigrants in Chicago from federal agents, regardless of whether they are citizens, permanent residents or asylum seekers, despite the election of President-elect Donald Trump, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday,” by WTTW.

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: What Makes this Time Different

 The second Trump term will be very different from the first. President-elect Trump and his team will enter office more prepared to enact much of their agenda through an aggressive expansion of executive power.

With the Senate majority set to flip, the Senate GOP caucus will hold its own leadership elections tomorrow to determine which lawmakers will steer Trump’s agenda through the upper chamber.

With Trump’s return to the Oval Office, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) job will get a bit easier, but it still won’t be easy.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Trump’s Return: The Power of Listening in Politics

On Tuesday, voters sent a clear message to Washington: the country is on the wrong track, and they’re looking for solutions in an ever-changing world. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French, Julia Hammond, and Meagan Foster.

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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