Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (11/22)

November 22, 2024

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Dignity in Pay bill, which would abolish subminimum wage for Illinois adults with disabilities, heads to the governor’s desk

“Following bipartisan discourse during the Illinois Senate’s last fall veto session hearing, a proposed law that would abolish employers from paying workers with disabilities a subminimum wage passed both state houses and heads to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk for his signature,” by The Daily Line.

State-funded electric vehicle chargers open in Joliet, thousands more to come

“With nearly half a million dollars of state funding, a new electric vehicle charging station opened in Joliet on Monday. It is the first of hundreds of charging stations set to be installed over the next 18 months as part of a state-funded grant program,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois Senate unanimously passes bill making it easier for a child’s relatives to become foster parents

“A bill making it easier for a child’s relative to become their foster parent is closer to becoming law in Illinois,” by 25NewsNow.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

County approves $9.9B budget for 2025, including $2M amendment for wraparound services for abortion patients

“The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved its 2025 budget during a special meeting Thursday. The $9.94 billion adopted budget – which includes $2 million for patients’ reproductive health services – represents a roughly 7.3 percent increase over last year’s $9.26 billion adopted budget,” by The Daily Line.

Hole in Johnson’s budget grows to $340 million thanks to cellphone tax snafu in Springfield

“A tax on prepaid phones and calling cards has been shot down in Springfield. In his proposed $17.3 billion budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson had counted on that tax to bring in $40 million next year,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago Park District’s proposed 2025 budget includes some fee increases

“The Chicago Park District is seeking to raise some of its fees next year to cover rising operating expenses and avoid raising its property tax levy,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Staffing Trump 2.0

President-elect Trump has put key allies in czar roles overseeing top policy areas, adopting a power structure that centralizes authority in the White House.

Trump’s planned power structure with policy leadership heavily driven by the White House could improve implementation and planning in some areas, but it may create power struggles elsewhere.

This Trump administration will see heightened influence from advisors and outsiders who hold no official office.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: The Trump Nominations: Is This What Americans Voted For?

As Trump’s personnel announcements continue to roll out, Americans are given a glimpse into his vision for the next four years. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

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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