Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/18)

March 18, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker signs elected Chicago school board bill

“Today, Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action on SB 15,” by Capitol Fax.

Gov. JB Pritzker announces $900 million plan to demolish Stateville and Logan prisons

“The plan still requires legislative approval and places the governor at odds with AFSCME Council 31, the union representing 10,000 corrections employees,” by WBEZ.

Business, labor and farmers behind bill to move carbon capture and storage forward in Illinois

“Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) is leading SB3311, and Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) is leading HB569, two identical bills that would impose new regulations, standards, landowner protections and resources for local governments to pave the way for more carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Illinois,” by The Daily Line.

Diversity, judicial appointments at issue in 1st District Supreme Court race

“The matchup between Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham and 1st District Appellate Justice Jesse Reyes has turned up the volume on a conversation about diversity on the state Supreme Court, as Reyes has made a push for Latino representation a cornerstone of his campaign. Cunningham, meanwhile, is the state’s second Black woman justice, and one of five women on the court,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Former Ald. Danny Solis set to testify in Michael Madigan’s corruption trial, feds say

“Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise for nearly a decade designed to enhance his political power and generate income for his allies and associates. The Southwest Side Democrat left office in 2021 and was indicted in March 2022,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

Johnson appoints Clinée Hedspeth as Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Earlier today, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Clinée Hedspeth as Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

Hedspeth has over a decade of experience in arts administration, public policy, and community engagement.

“Clinée’s exceptional track record in both the arts and policy-making uniquely qualifies her to lead DCASE,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Her visionary leadership and commitment to community engagement will ensure that Chicago remains at the forefront of cultural innovation and inclusivity.”

Johnson’s appointment is subject to City Council approval.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

From parades to pulpits, candidates make one final push before primary

“Politicians fanned out across Chicago during a furious final weekend of campaigning, making appearances in St. Patrick’s Day parades, church pulpits and restaurant gatherings as they sought to energize voters ahead of Tuesday’s Illinois primary elections,” by the Chicago Tribune.

City of Chicago Update on Limited Stay Shelter Policy

“On Sunday, March 17th, shelter residents originally scheduled to exit shelter in January will be exiting with case-specific exemptions. These exemptions include extensions for families with children. No shelter residents will exit on March 16th. On March 17th, 34 residents will exit shelter,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Finance committee to consider amended agreement for TIF funds for Uptown grocery store

“The City Council Committee on Finance will meet Monday and consider approving tens of millions of dollars to settle police-related lawsuits and the disbursement of tax-increment financing (TIF) funds for various citywide projects,” by The Daily Line.

Police Pursuits Cost Chicago Taxpayers $51.4M From 2019 to 2023 as Toll is Set to Nearly Double: Analysis

“Chicago taxpayers spent $51.4 million from 2019 to 2023 to resolve lawsuits brought by 16 people injured during police pursuits, according to an analysis of city data by WTTW News. That toll is set to nearly double, as the Chicago City Council considers paying $45 million to resolve a lawsuit that alleges an unauthorized chase left a 15-year-old boy with a traumatic brain injury, unable to walk or talk,” by WTTW.

FEDERAL

2024 Turnout Tactics: Messaging Matters, Beltway Briefing

As 2024 shapes up to be a turnout election, both Democrats and Republicans are working to fine-tune their messaging to mobilize voters. Can President Biden reshape the economic narrative effectively? Will the “uncommitted” movement, fueled by progressive concerns over the Israel-Gaza conflict, influence the outcome? How are Republicans reframing their discourse on abortion? Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and the Hon. Rodney Davis.

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.

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

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

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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