Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/6)

December 6, 2023

ILLINOIS

State rejects Brighton Park migrant shelter site, citing environmental concerns

On Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker announced that the State of Illinois will not proceed with an asylum seeker shelter at the 38th and California site following a review by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) of an environmental report for the Brighton Park site released by the city last week.

“IEPA cited concerns related to insufficient soil sampling and remediation. Given the significant time required to conduct additional sampling, to process and analyze results, and to implement corresponding further remediation, the State will work with the City to identify alternate shelter options,” Pritzker’s office said in a press release.

In response, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office issued their own press release that criticized the state for not providing “additional guidance on its preferred methodology or assessment criteria, nor [raising] any concerns about its own decision to move forward with construction prior to the release of Terracon’s report.”

The exchange yesterday highlights the ongoing frustration and tension between the city and state relating to the migrant crisis, among other issues.

| AROUND THE STATE

35 districts have General Assembly primary matchups following final day of petition filing

“The General Assembly will see 35 primary matchups on March 19, barring any petition challenges, after candidates finished turning in petitions by Monday’s 5 p.m. filing deadline,” by The Daily Line.

Fioretti, O’Neill Burke file candidacies for Cook County State’s Attorney on final day of filing

“The race for Cook County State’s Attorney gained additional candidates on Monday, the last day of filing for the 2024 primary election. Candidates will now have until Dec. 11 to file challenges to other candidates’ nominating petitions,” by The Daily Line.

Over vocal opposition, Manteno board clears way for $2 billion Chinese-owned EV battery plant

“The Manteno Village Board on Monday night approved a zoning change that clears the way for a $2 billion Chinese-owned electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant that has been championed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois’ Statewide Launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

“Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Dollywood Foundation Executive Director Nora Briggs, United Way of McLean County President and CEO David Taylor, local officials, parents, and community members at the Bloomington Public Library for the statewide launch of Illinois’ partnership with The Dollywood Foundation to provide Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Joint council committee to hold subject matter hearing on programs to replace lead service lines

“A joint City Council committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday on the city’s programs to remove and replace lead service lines,” by The Daily Line.

City Council committees to vote on new FOP contract, resolution calling for immigrant work authorizations

“Alderpeople on Thursday are set to vote on a new collective bargaining agreement between the city and Fraternal Order of Police, a controversial ordinance that would allow arbitration in certain police disciplinary cases and a resolution that calls for work authorization for undocumented immigrants,” by The Daily Line.

Housing committee approves lease amendment to help CCPSA, Environment Department secure office space

“The City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate approved a measure Tuesday to lease new space to help the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability and the reconstituted Department of Environment secure sufficient office space,” by The Daily Line.

Live Ed Burke Trial Coverage

“These new feeds do not update instantly … You can still click here to follow the Ed Burke trial on Twitter. Posts without a Twitter author name below them are from online news sources via Bing,” by Capitol Fax.

Three top leaders depart World Business Chicago

“World Business Chicago will soon lose three high-profile leaders, including CEO Michael Fassnacht and Vice Chair Mellody Hobson [and Mark Tebbe],” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: The Bipartisan Impact of Partisan Legislation

  • Republicans have been talking a big game about repealing the Inflation Reduction Act in its entirety but actually going through with it will be more difficult.
  • Non-defense spending is poised to be hit harder than the Pentagon budget in the event of a FY24 sequester, resulting in shifting political dynamics around the FY24 appropriations fight.
  • The debate last week between Governors Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Gavin Newsom (D-CA) underscored the red versus blue divide. Recent trends suggest this gap could still grow even larger in coming years as more states come under single-party rule.

The Cozen Currents article can be read here.

Beltway Briefing, George Santos: You’re Fired

The US House of Representatives expels New York Congressman George Santos. Meanwhile on the campaign trail, support continues to coalesce around Nikki Haley. To be seen as a strong alternative to the former president, Haley must master a balancing act between the party’s conservatives and moderates. Featuring CPS’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French and Kaitlyn Martin.

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.

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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