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

December 6, 2024

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Downstate judge’s effort to shoot down Illinois’ assault weapon ban put on hold pending appeal

“The federal appeals court in Chicago put a hold Thursday on a downstate judge’s recent ruling against Illinois’ controversial assault weapons ban — meaning the law will remain in place while the legal controversy it’s generated continues to work its way through the courts,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois American Water will increase water rates

“The state’s largest private water utility, Illinois American Water, will increase customer bills in the new year,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Pritzker education policy advisor named to head new Department of Early Childhood

“Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday appointed Teresa Ramos to be the first permanent secretary of the newly-formed Illinois Department of Early Childhood,” by the Capitol News Illinois.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Aldermen push Mayor Brandon Johnson to make cuts, collaborate as budget deadline looms

“The City Council majority urged Johnson in a letter sent to him Thursday to make further reductions in his spending plan to help set Chicago on a “sustainable path.” The public push shows the mayor and aldermen still have far to go as they continue to grapple with the budget and an end-of-year deadline approaches,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Ordinance would aim to create earlier, more transparent city budget process, beef up COFA

“More than half of the City Council has signed on to an ordinance to make the city’s budget process more public-facing and accessible to residents and alderpeople alike and start the budget process earlier. The legislation was proposed as Mayor Brandon Johnson and the council continue to negotiate a budget proposal that can be approved before the end of the year,” by The Daily Line.

Johnson appoints director of reentry to lead office to help people leaving prison

“Joseph Mapp has worked as director of reentry at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation for three years and has served on the Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison since 2022,” by the  Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: The CEO’s Guide to Trump 2.0

President-elect Trump values loyalty and relationships, making engagement with the White House essential for business leaders. A personal approach can pay dividends.

Having announced all but a handful of cabinet appointments to date, Trump is in the process of rounding out his economic team, drawing on nominees from both the traditionally conservative and the protectionist wings of the GOP.

Trump’s elevation of skeptics to lead health agencies they’ve long criticized signals major shake-ups coming to health care.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: The Trump Nominations: Is This What Americans Voted For?

As Trump’s personnel announcements continue to roll out, Americans are given a glimpse into his vision for the next four years. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News