Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (2/12)

February 12, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Illinois 2024 primary races to watch

“From the hotly contested Cook County state’s attorney race to a referendum in Chicago on money for the homeless, here are the important local decisions on your ballot,” by WBEZ Chicago.

Task force to begin exploring ranked choice voting in presidential primaries

“A new state task force is beginning to meet to discuss the possibility of implementing ranked choice voting for the 2028 presidential primary election. The task force was created in a broader election reform bill (SB2132) and tasked with reviewing voting systems and methods and assess the possibility of implementing ranked choice voting in Illinois,” by The Daily Line.

After mayoral letter, state Senate president files ‘Mayor Johnson’s plan’ to elect 10 school board members this year

“The new bill includes ethics provisions Senate President Don Harmon requested last year. Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson sent Harmon a letter supporting the Chicago Teachers Union-backed plan to elect 10 members in November, while the mayor appoints the other 11,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Justice Joy Cunningham runs to keep seat on Illinois Supreme Court, facing primary challenge from Judge Jesse Reyes

“Cunningham seeks to hold onto the position she was appointed to in 2022, but Reyes says it’s time for a Latino justice on the state’s highest court,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Democratic Party of Illinois launches new fundraising push

“Chicago insurance executive Charles Smith will helm the Democratic Party of Illinois’ newest fundraising initiative, InvestBlue, the party announced,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

For Pritzker, the DNC could be a dress rehearsal for a presidential run

“When President Joe Biden walks onto the stage at the United Center this summer for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, it will mark the beginning of the last act for a veteran politician. For Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the stage he helped set in Chicago could also serve as his own on-ramp to the White House,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Public safety, housing and walkability top list of downtown priorities for public ahead of Central Area Plan update

“Following a monthslong public outreach campaign, city planners are likely to prioritize additional pedestrian-only streets, public safety, outdoor spaces and affordable housing when crafting the 20-year update to the guiding document for the downtown area,” by The Daily Line.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: The 2024 VP Choice Matters

The special counsel report on President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents reignites doubts about his age and mental fitness as he seeks reelection. With no clear Democratic alternative questions are swirling about Biden’s ability to finish out a second term. Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, political greed derails the bipartisan border deal, cementing immigration as the new third rail. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and the Hon. Rodney Davis.

Listen to the 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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