Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (12/16)

December 16, 2024

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker calls for crackdown on delta-8, but hemp entrepreneurs decry ban

“Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday picked a side in Illinois’ long-running debate over how to regulate delta-8 and other hemp-derived products, throwing his support behind a bill that would effectively ban most sales of the weedlike substances that have soared in popularity thanks to a loophole in federal law,” by WBEZ.

Intersect Illinois’ new CEO Christy George unveils her 2025 goals

“Manufacturing, agriculture, transportation and technology have been identified as key industries to help grow the Illinois economy next year,” Chicago Business Journal.

Public agencies eye Illinois’ unused lump-sum budget funds

“The Democratic legislative leaders and the governor agreed to squirrel away $260 million in lump-sum appropriations to various state agencies last spring. But now some groups are figuring out that a big pile of state money is just sitting there and they are trying to stake their claims,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Former Madigan aide testifies contract for Eddie Acevedo was ‘kind of a joke’

“A former top aide to ex-Speaker Michael Madigan on Monday continued his testimony as a government witness against his old boss – but for much of his cross-examination sounded a lot like a defense witness, bolstering their portrayal of Madigan’s operation as hardworking, constituent-focused and straightforward,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new budget plan has no property tax hike, proposes extending $40M in debt

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s latest plan to try to get aldermen to pass his budget for 2025 contains no increase in property taxes, thanks to a combination of cuts and a controversial idea to extend the deadline to pay back $40 million in debt, according to aldermen briefed on the proposal Sunday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Growth of Chicago area data centers taking off with no signs of a slowdown

“Data centers — sprawling facilities that help power the tech behind everything from online shopping to scheduling dentist appointments — are popping up across the country, and Chicago has been recognized as one of the leaders,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Why suburbs might ‘see’ a difference in Lake Michigan water from Chicago

“Residents of suburban communities receiving Lake Michigan water directly or indirectly from Chicago might see a change in the way the water looks,” by The Daily Herald.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: The Road Ahead: Searching beyond the Beltway

With the 2024 election in the rearview, what’s next for a Republican-controlled Washington? We look beyond the Beltway to purple states like Pennsylvania and the 2025 off-year elections in Virginia and New Jersey, seeking insights that could shape the nation’s political future. Featuring Public Strategies’ Towner French (Washington, D.C.), Kyle Anderson (Pennsylvania), and Julia Hammond (Virginia).

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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