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

November 22, 2023

Editor’s note: There will be no Illinois Insights on Friday, November 24th. Updates will resume on Monday, November.

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Governor Pritzker Announces $25.5 Million for CEJA Equitable Energy Future Grants

“Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $25.5 million in funding for the Equitable Energy Future Grants Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA),” from the Illinois Department of Commerce.

Pritzker chases every federal dollar with new $1 billion EPA bid

“After winning $14 billion in infrastructure funds, $1 billion to build a Midwest hydrogen hub, and bidding to host the $11 billion National Semiconductor Technology Center, the governor is looking for more. The state is now seeking $1 billion from the Environmental Protection Agency for clean energy projects, according to the group leading the bid,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

President Joe Biden issues disaster declaration for September rains, allowing federal assistance for south suburbs

“President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration Monday ordering federal assistance for communities affected by heavy flooding on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18, according to White House statement,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Evanston City Council narrowly adopts zoning for concerts at new Ryan Field

“Northwestern University’s plan for six annual concerts at a rebuilt football stadium passed with Mayor Daniel Biss’ vote as opponents crafted arguments to use in litigation,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois Rainy Day fund reaches $2 billion in reserves

“State Comptroller Susana Mendoza deposited $11.5 million into the state’s Rainy Day Fund Monday, totaling to $2.005 billion in the fund,” by WCIA.

New law blocks Illinois lawmakers from running for other office if convicted of certain crimes

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed an ethics reform plan into law Friday that will prohibit state lawmakers from running for office again if they are convicted of certain crimes. The law also creates a task force to review eligibility for public office,” by WAND.

CHICAGO

City staffers call for ceasefire 

A group of aldermanic and mayoral staffers sent a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the City Council Tuesday urging them to support a call for a “ceasefire in Palestine.”

City staffers also stress the need for a “de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

Staffers say the situation is urgent as the death toll in Gaza exceeds 12,000 with the majority being children and as the city will be hosting the Democratic National Convention (DNC) next year.

The letter also asks alderpeople to support a resolution (R2023-0005730) introduced earlier this month by Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) that has been stuck in the City Council Committee on Committee and Rules.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Asylum-seekers cleared from once-crowded Chicago police station as city begins to enact new policies

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration cleared all asylum-seekers from one of the city’s most crowded police stations over the weekend, a significant move that symbolizes his ongoing pivot on how to handle the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Underfunding In Chicago’s Health Department Hurts Black And Brown Communities Most, Advocates Say

“The department gets most of its money from grants, but experts say more tax dollars are needed to support vital community health programs,” by Block Club Chicago.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing, Government Funding: A 2024 Problem

In the midst of heated debates and elbows, Congress kicks the “government funding can” down the road by passing a laddered continuing resolution (CR), allowing the government to stay open over the holidays and punting funding negotiations into the new year. Looking ahead to 2024 retirements, redistricting and aspirations for higher office, Washington braces itself for high turnover and a competitive race for control of both chambers. Featuring CPS’ Patrick Martin, Towner French and Kaitlyn Martin.

Listen to the 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.

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

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