Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/2)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Lawmakers postpone Cook County property tax debt sale to continue working on reforms

“Nearly three years after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on selling property tax debt, Illinois legislators continue to delay reforms to bring the state into compliance with the decision. Lawmakers voted to pass House Bill 598 on Thursday, which would delay the annual Cook County property tax debt sale from March 10 to Dec. 1, 2026, and pause accruing interest on the debt,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

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‘We’ve got limited time’: Bears legislation advances in Springfield as Indiana governor signs bill

“An Illinois House committee Thursday advanced legislation that could give the Bears a big property tax break and clear the way for a new stadium in Arlington Heights, despite questions over the bill’s prospects in the legislature as a whole,” by the Daily Herald.  

Susana Mendoza endorses Holly Kim to replace her as Illinois comptroller 

“Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Monday she has endorsed Holly Kim to be her successor as the state’s chief fiscal officer, choosing the Lake County treasurer over three Democratic rivals vying for their party’s nomination in the March 17 primary election,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Legislators, activists continue push for prescription drug affordability board 

“Supporters of a long-awaited measure that would establish a board to review and regulate statewide prescription drug prices are hoping to gain momentum for the bill to pass this spring,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago hotel tax backed by industry to boost tourism advances in City Council 

“The new ‘Tourism Improvement District’ backed by hotel, labor and business groups would allow dozens of large Chicago hotels to impose a new 1.5% tax on overnight stays to give Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism marketing organization, more money to promote the city. The ordinance won approval from the City Council’s Finance Committee and could face a final full council vote next month,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Mayor stands by CACC director appointment amid concerns over shelter conditions 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is defending his decision to appoint a permanent executive director for Chicago Animal Care and Control, even as volunteers and several City Council members raise concerns about conditions inside the city-run shelter,” by NBC Chicago. 

Chicago credit downgraded, which will mean higher borrowing costs 

“Two ratings agencies have downgraded the city of Chicago and kept their negative outlooks intact, citing the city’s back-to-back budget shortfalls since 2023, reliance on ‘non-structural solutions’ to patch up holes, stubborn gaps in future years, and the ongoing fight between the mayor’s office and the City Council stymieing a long-term solution,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Chicago’s 311 system turns into a ‘black hole’ for residents’ nonemergency complaints 

“Chicago’s 311 system was created to prevent people who live and work in the city from calling 911 for quality-of-life concerns that aren’t emergencies. But according to outgoing Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, the system has turned into a “black hole” that leaves people in the dark about the status of the city’s response to their complaints — and fosters distrust of government,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: What DJT Has Made Possible for AOC

In his second term, President Trump has asserted greater executive authority. However, this expansion of presidential power will also be available to the next president, who could be a Democrat such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). 

President Trump is expected to center tonight’s State of the Union address around his administration’s first-year accomplishments, sidestepping much of the forward-looking agenda setting presidents have historically engaged in during midterm years. 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is facing a major shake-up as the White House looks to retool the agency heading into the midterms and use the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement as an offensive weapon. Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Priced Out: Inside America’s Housing Crisis

America is facing an affordable housing reckoning. With home prices and rents still elevated nationwide, states and cities like New York and Philadelphia are pursuing new construction, preservation, and policy reforms to close widening affordability gaps. But “affordable” means different things to different communities — from those experiencing homelessness to middle-income families struggling to stay put. Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman (DC), Katrell Lewis (NY), and Brianna Westbrooks (PA). Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

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