Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/18)

December 18, 2023

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

 Pritzker urges ‘careful’ approach as current-year surplus could be followed by deficit

“With Illinois lawmakers scheduled to return to legislative session in less than a month, a recent government fiscal forecast provides an overview of the budgeting landscape that awaits them. The bottom line from the five-year forecast from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget: The current fiscal year is now projected to end with a $1.4 billion surplus, while the upcoming fiscal year 2025 is projected to face an $891 million deficit,” by NPR Illinois.

County board passes resolution calling for immigrant work authorizations after City Council approves its own measure

“The resolution (23-5916), sponsored by Comm. Anthony Quezada (D-8) and Comm. Alma Anaya (D-7), calls for President Joe Biden and the Illinois congressional delegation to pursue ‘a legislative strategy to grant parole with work authorization for eligible undocumented immigrants,’ and to help secure the pardon and return of deported U.S. veterans to the country,” by The Daily Line.

Cook County court clerk getting boost in reelection bid from her government employees

“Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez’s bid for reelection is being helped by political contributions from dozens of her government employees, many of whom donated within months of receiving raises from Martinez in their publicly funded jobs,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

City of Chicago provides updates on New Arrival Mission

Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago announced updates to the New Arrivals Mission, including (1) the decompression of all police stations, (2) the enactment of an amended bus safety ordinance to improve the orderly and safe intake of new arrivals, (3) the release of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report for 11414 S. Halsted, and (4) the launch of the New Arrivals Vendor Payment Dashboard.

The full press release with additional information and links can be found here.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

No migrants living in Chicago police stations for first time since spring

“Nearly 190 new arrivals are still awaiting shelter placement at O’Hare Airport, but the city’s move has some volunteers worrying about transparency and support,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City has lost all communication about migrant drop offs since new penalties, official says

“Migrants are no longer being dropped off at the city’s landing zone on buses from the southern border, causing people to wander with no direction looking for shelter, according to an aide to Mayor Brandon Johnson,” by the Chicago Tribune.

The City Of Chicago Department Of Family And Support Services And Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Opening Of Westside Community Reentry Support Center

“Today, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the opening of Chicago’s fifth Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC), furthering the City of Chicago’s commitment to improving and providing residents returning from periods of incarceration the supports and services needed to successfully integrate into their communities, fostering paths toward a brighter future and reducing the likelihood of reoffending,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Dems avoid a fight as Daya drops out, Waguespack confirms he’s running as a write-in

Statements from Ishan Daya, now a former candidate for 32nd Ward Democratic Committeeperson, and Ald. Waguespack (32) can be found by Capitol Fax.

Jurors begin deliberating historic racketeering case against ex-Ald. Ed Burke

“A federal jury has begun to deliberate the racketeering case against Edward M. Burke, the longest-serving City Council member in Chicago history,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

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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