Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (2/26)

February 26, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Gov. Pritzker Announces New Maternal Health and Birth Equity Initiatives at South Side Birth Center

“Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton visited the Chicago South Side Birth Center (CSSBC) to highlight new proposals to enhance birth equity across Illinois alongside CSSBC founder and midwife Jeanine Valrie Logan, State agency leadership, and key advocates from the General Assembly,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Pritzker backs down on General Iron and signs a deal to toughen environmental oversight in low-income areas

“Nearly four years after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration gave the OK for the General Iron scrap-metal operation to move to the Southeast Side, he’s agreed that the state of Illinois will take a tougher look at the likely environmental impact in the future before allowing such pollution-producing businesses to move into low-income areas,” by WBEZ.

Gov. Pritzker ‘reluctant’ to ask taxpayers to subsidize new White Sox stadium in South Loop

“The Democratic governor also said a new $1.2 billion South Loop stadium isn’t high on his priority list,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal offers mixed bag on taxes

“While Illinois residents would get a break on grocery bills under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget, his tweak to the state income tax exemption could end up costing them on April 15 next year,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

Judge issues written opinion on Bring Chicago Home referendum

On Friday, Cook County Circuit Judge Kathleen Burke sided with opponents of a city-sponsored real estate tax referendum on the March primary ballot, declaring the question invalid.

Burke also denied the City of Chicago’s motion to intervene because the case is between the real estate companies and the Board of Elections and the city does not have standing, according to Burke. The city is asking for a stay of that order.

Earlier today, Burke issued a written opinion. The question will remain on the ballot, but currently votes will not be counted for the question.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Judge plans to rule next month on whether serious police disciplinary cases can be heard in private

“Judge Michael T. Mullen on Monday lifted a freeze on proceedings before the Chicago Police Board after confirming that no evidentiary hearings were scheduled before he plans to make a summary judgment in the case on March 20,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

In House Democratic primary, Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia challenged from the right by Ald. Raymond Lopez

“Garcia, one of the most progressive members of the House, faces Lopez, a Chicago alderperson and frequent Fox News guest,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: The Ebb & Flow of Capitol Hill

Despite the influx of dollars into Nikki Haley’s campaign, the South Carolina primary could mark its end of the road. But, until the financial well runs dry, will Haley power through in the off-chance Trump’s court cases take a political toll? Looking to Washington, the Public Strategies team analyzes the ebb and flow of Capitol Hill over the last decade, including a loss of bipartisan socialization, a degradation of party unity, and a consolidation of executive power.

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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