Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (8/28)

August 28, 2024

ILLINOIS

Welch announces working group on public transit 

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch today announced the formation of a new House working group focused on examining and providing recommendations on how to improve the state’s public transit systems.

The aim is to transform the state’s public transit systems into a “world-class system our communities can depend on,” Welch said. “As we approach some important budget conversations surrounding public transit, we must also discuss how we can make it safer, more reliable and accessible, and environmentally conscious,” he added.

The House Public Transit Working Group will be led by Reps. Kam Buckner and Eva-Dina Delgado. Other members of the working group include Rep. Dagmara Avelar, Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, Rep. Mary Beth Canty, Rep. Will Davis, Rep. Mary Gill, Rep. Matt Hanson, Rep. Barbara Hernandez, Rep. Hoan Huynh, Rep. Natalie Manley, Rep. Rita Mayfield, Rep. Anna Moeller, Rep. Yolanda Morris, and Rep. Marty Moylan.

Also today, the Illinois State Senate Transportation Committee held its fourth committee hearing on the state of transit in Illinois. The hearing today focused on how transit is crucial for public health.

| AROUND THE STATE

ISP says DNC was ‘largest security detail in its history’

“ISP worked with federal, state, and local agencies for more than a year and a half to coordinate security measures and responses for the United Center, McCormick Place, and other locations during this National Special Security Event (NSSE). The endless hours of planning and preparation allowed ISP to successfully protect those participating in and supporting the Democratic National Convention,” by Capitol Fax.

Illinois lawmakers could create prescription drug affordability board to tackle high prices

“A prescription drug affordability board could have the authority to evaluate high cost drugs and set upper payment limits for what Illinois consumers pay. Some doctors believe this could be the difference between life and death for their patients,” by WAND TV.

Organized retail crime costs Illinois retailers, consumers, taxpayers

“Illinois retailers, consumers and taxpayers are all paying a price for organized retail crime. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul told The Center Square that organized retail crime involves much more than just smash-and-grab incidents,” by The Center Square.

Cook County to hold community meetings on which ARPA programs to keep

“Cook County will hold the first of four community meetings this Wednesday to gauge feedback from residents on which American Rescue Plan Act-funded programs they would like to see continued past the expiration of federal funds in 2026,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Facing end-of-year deadline, city issues RFP for organization to administer $3.5M ARPA-funded nonprofit assistance program

“The city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issued a request for proposals on Monday for companies interested in being selected to serve as the administrator of the city’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, which is being funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA),” by The Daily Line.

Chicago Teachers’ Pension prepares to pull Wamco bond investment

“The Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund is preparing to liquidate its investment in one of Western Asset Management Co.’s flagship bond funds, in an early sign of the potential fallout from federal investigations into the firm,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Did DNC Boost South Side Businesses? Tours Helped, But Organizers ‘Missed Opportunities’ To Do More

“Organizers touted their outreach to South Side business leaders, but some say they were in the dark about vendor opportunities, neighborhood tours and other ways to participate in the convention,” by Block Club Chicago.

Closing Greyhound station would make Chicago the largest northern city without an intercity bus terminal, report finds

“The company that owns Greyhound buses is nearing the end of a lease at its downtown station, and that could leave Chicago poised to become the largest city in the Northern Hemisphere without an intercity bus terminal, according to a new report,” by the Chicago Tribune.

More than 30 candidates make the ballot for Chicago’s first School Board election

“Of the 47 people who initially filed paperwork to run, 32 are left on the ballot for the Nov. 5 election,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Bally’s Chicago casino project takes step forward as demolition begins on River West site

“Classes for about 328,000 students begin amid a heatwave as reading scores have rebounded to above pre-pandemic levels just as federal relief money for extra support is running out,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

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