Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (2/9)

ILLINOIS

Illinois challenge to Trump’s candidacy moves forward

On Wednesday, Cook County Judge Tracie Porter rejected a motion by former President Donald Trump to delay a challenge to his candidacy on the state’s March 19 Republican primary ballot. She also denied a bid by objectors to expedite their case to the Democratic-controlled Illinois Supreme Court.

Attorneys for Trump had filed a motion to halt legal proceedings in Illinois until after the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on a similar case.

Porter said the Illinois case will move forward independently of the Colorado case, setting the next court date for February 16. The hearing will be held in person at the Daley Center.

| AROUND THE STATE

Democratic candidates for state’s attorney split on juvenile crimes, retail theft

“The two Democratic candidates for Cook County state’s attorney on Thursday provided starkly different visions over how harshly they’d prosecute smaller retail theft crimes and minors accused of carjacking while also saying they’d tackle the systemic problem of wrongful convictions differently,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago mayor aligns with CTU, demands more state money for CPS

“Illinois education officials are proposing an increase of $350 million in funding for local school districts next year, an amount that falls short of expectations and deals an initial blow to Chicago Public Schools’ efforts to address an impending budget crisis,” by Capitol Fax.

Illinois Gaming Board Reported $1.5 billion in Gaming Revenue for 2023

“At the Illinois Gaming Board’s first meeting of the year, it reported that the State and local governments earned more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue from Illinois’ 15 licensed casinos, more than 46,000 video gaming terminals and 13 sports wagering operators statewide in 2023,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Illinois highway workers authorize strike

“Several Teamsters unions representing thousands of state highway workers have authorized strikes as contract negotiations between them and the state’s Department of Transportation continue,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Manufacturers want legislation on carbon capture, research and development tax credit this spring 

“Illinois lawmakers need to do more to position the state as a leader in research and development and new carbon capture and sequestration technologies, according to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association,” by The Daily Line.

Cook County cuts late penalty for property taxes

“Those lower rates mean property owners save $90 for every $1,000 owed on taxes, according to the Cook County Treasurer’s office. The reduced rate applies to the latest set of installment taxes, due March 1, thanks to a state law passed last year,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson Launches New Neighbors Campaign To Standardize Volunteer Process For The New Arrivals Mission

“Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the New Neighbors Campaign, a new initiative aimed at standardizing and simplifying the volunteer process to support new arrivals,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

No migrants camped out at O’Hare International Airport for first time since summer, questions loom over dwindling city funds

“O’Hare International Airport no longer has migrant encampments for the first time since families began sleeping there last summer, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration said Thursday as uncertainty remains over how he will handle the ongoing crisis when city funds for asylum-seekers are expected to run out in a couple months,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Johnson launches plans to boost local business, combat food insecurity

“Through two programs, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection aim to address two key issues often found on the city’s South and West sides — food insecurity and a lack of local businesses,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

New White Sox park would bring riverfront-friendly design and big economic impact, developer says

“A new White Sox stadium near downtown would make the most of views of the Chicago River and the Willis Tower, bringing explosive growth to the South Loop, prospective developers said Wednesday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Villegas resolution calls for cost analysis, public hearing before Council considers limits on natural gas in new buildings

“The mayor and 15 alderpeople are backing legislation (O2024-0007305) that would effectively ban current forms of natural gas energy from being used for heating or appliances in new construction,” by The Daily Line.

Johnson eyes ways to cut red tape for real estate developers

“With hopes of cutting more ceremonial ribbons by slashing red tape at City Hall, Mayor Brandon Johnson is considering an exhaustive list of recommendations to speed up the city’s development approval process,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

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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