Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (11/8)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Illinois Earns Credit Rating Upgrade from Fitch

“Governor Pritzker celebrated the state’s ninth credit rating upgrade in just over two years as Fitch Ratings elevated Illinois’ rating for general obligation bonds,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

State Police are still drafting assault weapons registration rules as deadline nears

“Officials at the Illinois State Police said Tuesday they are working to finalize rules for registering assault weapons and other items that are now tightly regulated under the state’s new assault weapons ban as a Jan. 1 compliance deadline approaches,” by NPR Illinois.

Leader McCombie says Invest in Kids extension doesn’t have enough votes to pass

“The Invest in Kids Act extension bill needs 71 votes to pass the House. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie told WJPF Radio host Tom Miller today that there are only 57 votes in the House,” by Capitol Fax.

Sen. Sue Rezin’s legislation to end the nuclear moratorium passes out of the Senate

“Illinois has once again taken another step closer to paving the way for the development of new nuclear reactors within the state thanks to the passage of Illinois Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin’s (R-Morris) new legislation, House Bill 2473, in the Senate on Wednesday, November 8,” by Capitol Fax.

Under new proposal, all Chicago Board of Education members would be elected by next year

“An amendment filed by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, would allow the board to be fully elected as soon as next year by splitting up memberships to two and four-year terms,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

President Biden to tout UAW big contract win in Belvidere Thursday

“The Belvidere event will, the White House said, underscore the big victory UAW negotiated with automaker Stellantis after a six-week-long strike. The deal is expected to include the reopening of the plant, which has been closed since February,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

City Council passes real estate transfer tax referendum, delays vote on expanded paid leave

On Tuesday, the Chicago City Council voted 32 to 17 to pass a referendum that will ask voters on the March primary ballot whether they support raising the real estate transfer tax on high-end property sales to combat homelessness. The “Bring Home Chicago” measure (R2023-0004166) was a key campaign promise of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The City Council was also scheduled to vote on the proposal to expand paid leave for Chicago workers, but Ald. Brendan Reilly (42), Ald. Anthony Beale (9), and Ald Brian Hopkins (2) deferred and published the ordinance (SO2023-0002980). The parliamentary maneuver delays a vote on the measure until the next regular City Council meeting, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

The proposal would guarantee workers five sick days and five days of paid time off annually.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Ramirez-Rosa survives censure attempt, with Johnson the deciding vote

“After an emotional meeting, an effort to censure Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, failed in the City Council on Tuesday after Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the deciding vote in support of his former floor leader,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Johnson’s first budget easily clears committee hurdle

“After few substantial changes, two separate committees advanced Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion budget proposal on Monday, setting up final City Council approval next week,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

White House, state, city team up for pilot program to help migrants apply for work permits

“Pilot clinic launching Thursday will serve about 150 migrants per day, allow applicants to apply for hundreds of dollars in fee waivers,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Downtown Police District Council Immobilized As Mayor’s Office Fails To Fill Vacancy

“A spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson didn’t say why the mayor rejected the candidate after four months of deliberation,” by Block Club Chicago.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Misery Loves Company 

• The election of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has set off a fight within the House Republican conference as members from different factions jockey to become the affable new speaker’s influential allies.
• The Biden administration deepened its focus on regulating AI with the release of a comprehensive executive order last week and is asserting a leadership role in the global response to the emerging technology.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) continues his media blitz to establish a national profile as his presidential plans, if any, have subtly shifted from 2024 to 2028. In trying to set himself up as the next leader of the party, he acts as a revealing proxy for what Democrats care about and where they stand.

Read the Cozen Currents article here.

Nikki Haley: A 2024 GOP Alternative?

As the new speaker moves forward with an Israeli aid package, antisemitism is spreading across the globe. Meanwhile in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, Donald Trump’s façade begins to crumble under the weight of mounting indictments, positioning Nikki Haley as a formidable alternative to the former president. Featuring CPS’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Listen to the full 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.

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