Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (11/27)

November 27, 2023

Editor’s note: There will be no Illinois Insights on Wednesday, November 29th. Updates will resume on Friday, December 1st.

ILLINOIS

Petition filing begins today

Monday morning marked the official beginning of the 2024 election cycle in Illinois with candidates turning in their lists of signatures to get on the ballots of local, state, congressional, and judicial races.

Candidates in line at the State Board of Elections office before 8 a.m. this morning will be entered into a lottery drawing to be placed at the top of the March 19 primary ballot for their respective race. The lottery drawing is scheduled for Dec. 13.

Candidates can file petitions to be on the ballot from Nov. 27 through Dec. 4. Those who file from 4 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 4 will be entered into a lottery to be placed at the bottom of the ballot list.

Candidate names matching petitions that have been turned in and processed can be found online here. The filed legislative candidate list can be found here.

| AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker administration sought migrant tent camp proposals before Mayor Brandon Johnson took office, records show

“Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recent announcement that the state would spend $65 million to help Chicago set up a tent encampment for migrants before winter sets in came less than two months after the second-term Democrat tried to distance himself from the concept when it was unveiled by Mayor Brandon Johnson,” by the Chicago Tribune.

State Launches Work on Two New Shelter Sites for Asylum Seekers

“Advancing a data-driven plan to improve the asylum seeker response and provide safe shelter through the winter, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced construction will launch this week on two new shelter sites. The sites, a base camp in Brighton Park and a brick-and-mortar site in Little Village, will house up to 2,200 asylum seekers in total,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

After reported success, county human resources bureau hopes board extends retention bonus pay program

“The Cook County Bureau of Human Resources is hoping the Board of Commissioners authorizes an extension and possible expansion of a $25 million pilot program that provides additional pay to certain jobs within county agencies to help alleviate the hiring challenges the county has faced since the pandemic,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Construction of winter tents for migrants in Brighton Park to start Monday, alderperson says

“A contractor is expected to begin the final phase of construction over the objections of Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th) at a site where heavy metal contamination was found,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Alderperson continues push to establish permanent guaranteed basic income program following expiration of 1-year pilot

“Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) is working with the mayor’s office in hopes of establishing a permanent a guaranteed basic income program after a yearlong pilot program that has since expired showed the additional payments to households across the city helped people stay in their homes and pay for utilities and food,” by The Daily Line.

Jurors hear more about alleged Burger King scheme before ex-Ald. Ed Burke’s corruption trial is again slowed by a lawyer contracting COVID

“The trial suffered another hiccup Monday when Todd Pugh, an attorney representing Andrews, tested positive for COVID, necessitating an early end to proceedings and a swerve into a different phase of testimony Tuesday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHA mounts $50 million program to fix up scattered sites

“The agency discussed details with its board last week. The projected $50 million cost is expected to be part of its 2024 budget, due for approval in December,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Ethics Board Urges Chicago City Council to Tighten Rules to Stop Campaign Cash Pleas to City Employees

“Chicago’s ethics ordinance should be tightened to apply to political fundraising committees to prevent future city officials from escaping sanctions for violations, including sending emails to city employees at their official city email addresses asking them to send cash to their campaigns, the Chicago Board of Ethics urged the Chicago City Council,” by WTTW.

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.

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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