Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (11/25)

November 25, 2024

Editor’s Note: There will not be a Wednesday and Friday edition of Illinois Insights this week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. On behalf of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, we wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois bill aims to limit health insurers’ use of AI in denying coverage

“Illinois Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, is introducing a new piece of legislation today aimed at regulating how health insurance companies leverage artificial intelligence to make coverage decisions,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Illinois education leaders announce Vision 2030, new plan addressing teacher retention, student safety, post-secondary career opportunities

“Following the changing Illinois public education landscape after the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, education leaders from five statewide organizations in Illinois announced on Friday the statewide education initiative Vision 2030,” by The Daily Line.

Water utility Aqua Illinois customers to see bill increase in the new year

“The company serving 14 northern Illinois counties had sought an additional $19.2 million to pay for infrastructure upgrades and to pay a 10.8% return to investors. After customers complained, an agreement was reached for the company to collect $11.6 million from customers and pay a 9.6% return to investors,” by Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois hydrogen project gets initial federal funding

“In the waning months of the Biden administration, the Department of Energy is making a small down payment on what’s planned to be a very large clean-tech investment involving Illinois,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to restore consent decree positions in Chicago police budget

“Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Monday he will restore the critical positions in the Chicago police department responsible for enforcing the department’s federal consent decree after weeks of backlash that cutting those roles would endanger reform efforts,” by the Chicago Tribune.

With budget talks in chaos, City Council looks to take the lead on spending cuts

“On the same day Mayor Brandon Johnson announced he had agreed to cut his proposed $300 million property tax in half, his aides were negotiating proposals to drive the tax down further, confusing a City Council wondering where the number will finally land,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Aviation department discusses minority-owned business participation, O’Hare modernization project at budget hearing

“Next year, the aviation department’s budget is set to decrease to $1.5 billion under Mayor Brandon Johnson’s spending plan, a 2 percent drop from the 2024 budget. The number of full-time positions is set to rise to 2,392 positions, 110 more compared to 2024,” by The Daily Line.

Chicago voter turnout was second-lowest rate in 80 years for a presidential election

“Chicago voters turned out at a much lower rate in this month’s general election than in recent presidential contests, marking the lowest turnout rate in 28 years, according to the most recent data from the Chicago Board of Elections,” by Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

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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