Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/15)

December 15, 2023

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Supreme Court leaves Illinois assault weapons ban in place

“The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to block an Illinois law banning assault-style weapons, leaving the measure in place while proceedings before a federal appellate court continue,” by CBS News.

Illinois regulators reject record rate increase requests from ComEd and Peoples Gas

“Chicago utility companies saw proposed rate increases and infrastructure improvement plans short-circuited by state regulators Thursday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Cook County mandates last-minute paid leave expansion

“Just ahead of a new year’s deadline before a statewide law takes effect, the Cook County Board on Thursday unanimously approved a new paid leave mandate that applies to all suburban municipalities,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Marron to resign Monday to lead economic development in his district

“Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) will still be involved in advocating for improvements and growth in his district, but in a new role after Monday, when he resigns from the House to take a job leading a local economic development organization in Vermilion County,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Controversial Sanctuary City Ballot Question Voted Down By City Council

“The effort by Alds. Anthony Beale and Ray Lopez has led to political turmoil at City Hall, but it will not move forward following Thursday’s vote,” by Block Club Chicago.

Johnson launches community safety plan focused on investing in at-risk areas on South and West Sides

“Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday launched a community safety plan centered around investing in at-risk areas, an initiative he said would be ‘people-based and place-based,’” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City Impounds First ‘Rogue Bus’ Carrying Migrants Under New Policy

“The ordinance is aimed at stopping bus companies from dropping off migrants late at night or without prior notice, often leaving officials scrambling to accommodate them. The city impounded the first bus Wednesday night,” by Block Club Chicago.

Drivers for ride-hailing apps demand city ordinance improving safety, pay

“If passed, the Chicago Rideshare Living Wage and Safety Ordinance would raise drivers’ wages, improve their safety and create a transparent system to handle driver deactivations,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: It’s Still the Economy, Stupid

  • As James Carville quipped in 1992, “It’s the economy, stupid.” This likely still holds true for 2024.
  • Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s (R-SC) campaign for the GOP presidential nomination has been building momentum in recent weeks. But she still has considerable distance to make up between her and former President Trump.
  • The Biden administration has put the fintech sector squarely in its crosshairs with proposed rulemakings from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Read the Cozen Currents article here.

Beltway Briefing: Jingle All The Way

From “Walking in a Biden Blunderland” to “Must be Santos,” the Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies team embraced the holiday season yet again with Christmas carol parodies, reflecting on 2023’s political and legislative challenges and sharing their hopes for the new year. Featuring CPS’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Hon. Rodney Davis, Towner French, and Kaitlyn Martin.

The full Beltway Briefing can be found 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.

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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