Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (2/5)

February 5, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Illinois legislators return to capitol Tuesday

Illinois legislators return to the state capitol Tuesday to continue spring session. Top of mind is the state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Illinois taxpayers will hear more about how Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to spend their tax dollars during his budget and State of the State address Wednesday, Feb. 21,” by The Center Square.

New BIPA proposal limits how violations are counted

“Sen. Bill Cunningham filed SB 2979 last week that makes some small, but potentially impactful changes to the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). Under the bill, violations of the law would be counted on a per-person basis rather than per violation. The bill also would allow permission to be given electronically, rather than in writing, and fines would continue to be levied at $1,000 per violation. The coalition of business leaders pushing for BIPA reform isn’t tipping its hand on where it stands on Cunningham’s proposal,” by The Daily Line.

Bipartisan group of lawmakers propose estate tax reform to save family farms

“A bipartisan group of lawmakers representing rural communities is hoping to move forward a plan this week that raises the trigger level for the estate tax for farms to provide Illinois farming families more certainty about the future of their business. The lawmakers, led by Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington), are pushing SB2921 that would raise the estate tax exemption to $6 million from the current level of $4 million for farms,” by The Daily Line.

ISBE announces Property Tax Relief Grants for 32 school districts

“The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced Property Tax Relief Grants for 32 school districts. The grant program is part of the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) for Student Success Act; it allows school districts to reduce local property taxes and replace that revenue with state funds,” by the Illinois State Board of Education.

CHICAGO

Johnson appoints Sam Kukadia to Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority

Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Sam Kukadia to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA).

Kukadia has experience in heavy highway engineering and construction, as well as a strong commitment to community service and economic development, serving as an active member of the Local 150 Union and as a board member for several nonprofit organizations.

“Sam Kukadia’s blend of business acumen, engineering expertise, and community engagement makes him an excellent addition to the MPEA,” said Mayor Johnson. “I am confident that his strategic vision and dedication will enhance the authority’s mission to drive economic growth and development in our city.”

The full press release can be found here.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson tells state lawmakers he wants 10 school board members elected this year — not all 21

“Johnson, who previously hadn’t publicly shared his view on the debate, said this week he would like to stick with the original legislation, which established a 21-member board with 10 elected this November and the mayor appointing the other 11, including the board president. Those 11 seats would then be up for election in November 2026,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City Council Set to Weigh Push to Require CPD to Study How Officers Are Deployed, Despite Political Peril

“The Chicago Police Department would be required to immediately launch a new study of whether officers are efficiently and effectively deployed across the city to stop crime and respond to calls for help, under a measure that won the unanimous endorsement of the City Council’s Police and Fire Committee,” by WTTW.

World Business Chicago chief is taking a job at Clayco

“World Business Chicago CEO Michael Fassnacht’s next stop is construction and development firm Clayco. Fassnacht, a veteran advertising executive who previously was the city of Chicago’s chief marketing officer, will become Clayco’s chief growth officer as well as its president of the Chicago region,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: The Art of Legislating

Bipartisan legislating is turning heads in Congress as the House advanced this week a significant tax package and the Senate continues negotiations on a border and national security supplemental. Don’t blink, but will Congress actually get things done, or will election year politics threaten to derail both efforts?

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.

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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

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