ILLINOIS
AROUND THE STATE
Update to Cook County process server law heads to Illinois governor’s desk
“Illinois lawmakers recently passed a bill further clarifying how fees should be handled for plaintiffs filing civil lawsuits in Cook County,” by The Daily Line.
Illinois better prepared for possible recession than it was in 2007 or 2020, study shows
“While Fed monetary policy has so far managed to tame post-pandemic inflation without precipitating a recession, there is growing concern among some economists that planned tariffs and mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump might endanger that soft landing,” by Chicago Tribune.
Budzinski tells jury in corruption probe she considered job requests from Madigan
“U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois took the witness stand for a short day Monday at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain,” by Center Square.
CHICAGO
MORE FROM CITY HALL
Smaller property tax hike, higher bag tax, parking tax, streaming tax among new revenue solutions in revised city budget proposal
“Among the Chicago mayor’s budget team’s revised budget proposal, which was presented to some members of the City Council on Friday, are a smaller property tax increase, repurposing of some federal pandemic funds, an expansion of downtown congestion pricing and increased taxes on streaming services, plastic bags and garages and valet parking,” by The Daily Line.
Mayor Brandon Johnson pitches new speed cameras in Chicago to pay for restored police consent decree positions
“Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to install new speed cameras to ticket Chicago drivers in order to raise $11 million next year to pay for Chicago Police Department positions related to the federal consent decree, aldermen familiar with his latest 2025 budget proposal said Friday,” by The Chicago Tribune.
Axing guaranteed income program to fill city’s deficit will cost Chicago long-term, stipend’s advocates say
“Calling it “the nightmare before Christmas,” a coalition of residents and advocates on Friday decried Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to cut Chicago’s guaranteed income program to help fill a budget hole,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Chicago Teachers Union contract negotiations cause rift with other school employee unions
“The Chicago Teachers Union’s contentious contract negotiations have already spurred a major clash between district leaders and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office and endangered CEO Pedro Martinez’ role,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
FEDERAL
Beltway Briefing: Move Fast and Break Things
What will Trump 2.0 look like? Central to the incoming administration’s vision is the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), designed to streamline federal operations and eliminate bureaucratic roadblocks. What challenges could derail these ambitions? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French.
Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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