Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (2/7)

ILLINOIS

Proposed legislation would end subminimum wage for tipped workers statewide

Advocates from the organization ‘One Fair Wage’ rallied outside the state Capitol Tuesday where lawmakers announced they’ll be filing legislation that would require all workers to be paid at least the full state minimum wage.

The proposal would phase out the subminimum wage over a two-year period and standardize the state’s minimum wage for all workers, including youth and tipped workers.

It would require that tips bring workers to the full minimum wage on a per shift basis, instead of weekly or biweekly. Employers who violate the provisions would be fined up to $1,500 per day for each violation.

The bill is expected to be officially filed later this week by State Rep. Lisa Hernandez and State Sen. Lakesia Collins.

The move comes just four months after Chicago became the largest city in the nation to independently abolish a subminimum wage for tipped workers.

| AROUND THE STATE

Revenue remains slightly higher than last year as Pritzker prepares budget address  

“State revenue remains around the same level as this time last year, according to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s (CGFA) January report — the last before Gov. JB Pritzker presents his Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal on Feb. 21,” by The Daily Line.

Governor Pritzker Awards $3.3 Million in Grant Funding for Projects Along the Historic Route 66

“Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced seven awards, totaling $3.3 million, through the Route 66 Grant Program. This funding is intended to boost local tourism and attract visitors to the historic Route 66, leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Illinois House committee looks to strengthen the long-term care workforce

“Illinois House and Human Services Committee members met on Tuesday with officials representing long-term care workers who work at a residential facility, such as an assisted living facility or a nursing home,” by The Center Square.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson delays announcement of major economic development initiative

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is gearing up to officially unveil a plan to borrow $1.25 billion to provide $250 million annually for five years to subsidize affordable housing developments and other projects meant to spark economic vitality across Chicago’s neighborhoods, create new jobs and incentivize further private investment,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Beale, Cardenas speak against Bring Chicago Home to property owner group

“A Far South Side alderperson and a member of the Cook County Board of Review spoke out against the Bring Chicago Home proposal during a virtual meeting hosted by the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance (NBOA) on Tuesday,” by The Daily Line.

Contracting committee to consider measure to audit city contracts annually for compliance with equitable participation goals

“The City Council Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity will meet Wednesday and consider two ordinances, including one to audit the city’s adherence to its contracting equity goals on an annual basis. The contracting committee will meet at 11:30 a.m. in City Council chambers,” by The Daily Line.

Chicago migrants are under pressure as the deadline to find permanent housing looms

“Migrants looking for apartments face language and financial obstacles in a market without enough affordable places to live,” by WBEZ.

Mayor Johnson, Gov. Pritzker meet on migrant crisis as local businesses help feed new arrivals

“Top Illinois leaders attended a closed-door meeting Monday on the migrant crisis. Gov. JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson all met at City Hall,” by ABC 7 Chicago.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Who Will Be a Heartbeat Away from the Oldest President in History?

• Amidst a narrowly divided electorate and election of an aging president, the VP may buck history and actually matter on this year’s ballot.
• Congress’ effort to pass a bipartisan tax bill this year is a preview of the broader tax reform negotiations coming in 2025 when much of the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expires.
• In New York and Pennsylvania, kitchen table issues such as housing, crime, and education are dominating local politics.

Read the Cozen Currents article here.

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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