Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (3/12)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois schools turn to retirees, substitutes, outsourcing & state grants to combat prolonged teacher shortage 

“From hiring retired educators to adjusting class offerings, Illinois schools are relying on a variety of short-term, innovative measures to cope with a prolonged and critical statewide teacher shortage,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Group files federal discrimination complaint against IL State Board of Ed

“The federal civil rights complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education by Awake Illinois alleges ISBE is discriminating on the basis of race for funding “affinity groups,” or groups focused on racial identity and other factors,” by The Center Square.

Labor pushes transit bill to empower RTA over CTA, Metra, Pace 

“Labor leaders say their vision for transit reform can save union jobs and lower bus and train fares — urging state lawmakers to pass their bill to reshape how CTA, Metra and Pace operate as soon as next year,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Legislator proposes ’30 years and you’re done’ property tax law 

“Illinois homeowners who have paid their property taxes for 30 years should no longer have to pay them after that point, according to a new bill proposed by a downstate legislator,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Could IL townships be dissolved? Bills supporting the decision are resurfacing, but some oppose the idea 

“Some officials across Central Illinois are worried several townships could be dissolved if proposed bills continue to move forward. The Township Officials of Illinois report the 1,426 townships in the state serve more than 8 million citizens,” by WCIA.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Brandon Johnson’s labor liaison to leave City Hall

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is losing another top aide. Bridget Early, Chicago’s deputy mayor for labor relations, has resigned her position effective March 15,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Alderman Will Try Again To Pass 8 PM Downtown Curfew For Minors After Streeterville Shooting 

“Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) is reviving his push for an 8 p.m. curfew for minors inside Downtown’s Central Business District after a tourist was shot by stray gunfire Sunday,” by Block Club Chicago.

Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon announces new DEI initiatives 

“Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon said her office is reinforcing its diversity, equity and inclusion measures amid “threatening rhetoric and cruel policies” from the federal government that are creating uncertainty for marginalized communities,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Some CPS teachers claim REACH evaluation system disproportionately targets Black educators 

“The Chicago Teachers Union and several educators attribute the decline in part to CPS’ teacher evaluation system known as Recognizing Educators Advancing Chicago’s Students, or REACH. Since REACH was implemented in 2012, the number of Black teachers has dropped by 10%, according to CPS data,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Toxic dump plan scrapped for South Side Lake Michigan shoreline 

“Federal officials are withdrawing a planned expansion of a lakeside dump on the Southeast Side after community opposition and a lawsuit, saying they’ll look for a new site to store contaminated material dredged from the nearby Calumet River,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – The Regulatory State(s)

The Trump administration marks a departure from the high-water mark of federal regulation under former President Biden, leaving a regulatory vacuum for the states.

The Trump administration is scrutinizing government contractors amid efforts to reduce government spending. However, not all contracts are equally at risk, and some other reforms being pursued could create new opportunities for contractors.

The GOP is looking to reform Medicaid without cutting beneficiary benefits to significantly help pay for its massive tax cuts package. The political and practical challenge is that many of the reforms under discussion would ultimately affect benefits and available services, and because of this will be politically difficult.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – The (Not-So) State of the Union?

Between Trump’s Address to Joint Session of Congress, his fluctuating trade and tariff policies, and the threat of a government shutdown, politicos question whether the president’s actions are more performance than policy. With no clear leader or unified message, how much longer will Democrats remain disorganized? And, are Republicans stuck in a “team mentality,” prioritizing loyalty over scrutiny of DOGE? Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Share

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin