Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/4)

March 4, 2024

ILLINOIS

IDPH adopts new CDC guidelines

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Friday it is adopting updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to streamline and simplify recommendations for managing various respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

The new CDC guidance no longer requires a minimum five-day isolation period for individuals who test positive for COVID-19, and instead, isolation duration is based on symptom improvement.

The decision comes as respiratory viruses are continuing to circulate around Illinois, with an uptick in flu reports pushing the state from a low to a moderate activity level.

IDPH maintains an Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard that is updated weekly on Fridays and includes the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity, and demographic data.

| AROUND THE STATE

Supreme Court Restores Trump to Ballot, Rejecting State Attempts to Ban Him Over Capitol Attack

“The Supreme Court on Monday restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the Capitol riot,” by WTTW.

Illinois Ranks #2 in Nation for Corporate Expansions and Relocations for Second Year

“Site Selection Magazine – an international industry-leading business publication – released its annual corporate expansion and relocation rankings, naming Illinois #2 in the nation for corporate projects and Chicago the Top Metro for the 11th year in a row,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Primaries without incumbents have candidates distancing themselves in fundraising battle

“Seven legislative districts with primary elections this month will have a new representative next spring. Though the November election is still eight months away, candidates in the districts without incumbents running are fundraising to position themselves for a seat in the General Assembly in 2025,” by The Daily Line.

Pritzker appoints former deputy governor Christian Mitchell to McPier board

“Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s appointment of Christian Mitchell to the McPier Board puts a close confidante in a key role just months before Chicago hosts the Democratic National Convention,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Community organizations, unions, elected officials file amicus briefs in support of Bring Chicago Home as appeal could be decided this week

“Community, labor, faith organizations and Chicago and Cook County elected officials gathered in front of the Illinois Appellate Court downtown Friday to make their case for the Bring Chicago Home referendum after two amicus briefs were filed with the appeals court in support of the referendum, which is in danger of being defeated by a business-backed lawsuit,” by The Daily Line.

Early voting for March 19 primary expands Monday across Chicago, Cook County

“Chicago residents can vote early at any site in the city regardless of their address, through March 18,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City proposes major spending cuts to key O’Hare terminal project

“The Chicago Department of Aviation has come up with a plan to cut hundreds of millions in costs from the long-awaited terminal expansion and renovation at O’Hare, allowing it to stay within the original $6.1 billion budget for the project. Airlines, however, doubt the city’s numbers,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

FEDERAL

A Leadership Shuffle: The “Three Johns” Eye McConnell’s Seat, Beltway Briefing

As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving leader of the Senate GOP, announces his planned resignation from leadership, all eyes turn to the “three Johns” – Barrasso, Cornyn, and Thune – each plotting to fill McConnell’s shoes. Coupling this leadership shake-up with the potential for a second Trump presidency, the Public Strategies team navigates turbulent political waters, exploring the normalization of impeachment and the events of the January 6th insurrection. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, the Hon. Rodney Davis, and Towner French.

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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