Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/10)

ILLINOIS

State Rep. Ozinga abruptly resigns 

State Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) has resigned from his position effective immediately, according to a letter he sent to House officials Monday.

“It has been a privilege to serve the constituents of the 37th District. As of today, my service in the Illinois House will end. However, I will continue to dedicate my time and efforts to make Illinois a better place. I remain committed to advocating for the people of my district and moving the State of Illinois in the right direction,” the statement read.

Ozinga was elected to the 37th House District in January 2021. He ran unopposed for reelection in last month’s Republican primary.

A committee is now accepting applications until 12 p.m. Friday to replace Ozinga. His position must be filled within 30 days.

Ozinga did not say why he resigned.

| AROUND THE STATE

Gov. Pritzker Announces New Illinois Grocery Initiative Grant Opportunity

“Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined food justice advocates and local stakeholders to announce a new grant program from the Illinois Grocery Initiative. The New Stores in Food Deserts Program will offer competitive grants to encourage the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Illinois EPA Announces $25.1 Million in Grant Awards for Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

“Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim today announced $25.1 million is being awarded to 20 applicants for electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

COGFA says its revenue forecast is holding up, but April will be key

“Last month, COGFA increased revenue expectations for the current fiscal year by about $2 billion from what was projected when lawmakers passed the budget last May. It now anticipates $52.6 billion in revenue for the fiscal year that ends June 30,” by Capitol Fax.

Lawmakers considering moratorium on carbon dioxide pipelines 

“Illinois lawmakers are considering putting a temporary pause on construction of carbon dioxide transport and storage pipelines as they consider regulations for the technology. The House Energy and Environment Committee voted last week 19-6 to pass HB4835, which will pause carbon dioxide pipeline construction in Illinois for four years or until the state establishes regulations for pipelines. The bill would only apply to pipelines transporting carbon dioxide and not oil or natural gas,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

In an apparent course reversal, Johnson tests the waters on a $70M migrant funding request

“Officials with the U.S. Secret Service, Chicago Police Department and other agencies on Monday began the process of preparing businesses and residents around McCormick Place and the United Center for the impact of heightened security during this summer’s Democratic National Convention,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Lucius promises data systems modernization, one-stop-shop billing, digital readiness for new aldermanic offices as committee approves chief information officer appointment

“The City Council Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development on Tuesday approved the appointment of Nick Lucius as the city’s chief information officer. Lucius has served as the city’s chief technology officer since 2022 and before that served as the chief data officer,” by The Daily Line.

Johnson urges calm after video of Humboldt Park police shooting released

“The videos show police officers approaching a white SUV driven by Dexter Reed, 26, purportedly because he wasn’t wearing a seat belt. The officers gave Reed orders and while directing him to not roll up his windows during the stop, gunfire is heard on the officer body camera footage released today. The officers scramble for cover. One officer, standing next to Reed’s passenger side door, falls back and is seen bleeding,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Secret Service, CPD start bracing residents, businesses for impact of this summer’s Democratic National Convention

“Officials from the mayor’s office have set up briefings this week with members of the City Council to disclose the plan and gauge the appetite to approve the funding through a mid-year budget amendment,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Johnson Misses Deadline to Nominate Permanent Chicago Police Oversight Board

“It is not clear when Johnson will make his pick from among 15 people nominated by members of Chicago’s police district councils and send those seven names to the City Council for confirmation to serve four-year terms,” by WTTW.

Principals get first look at impact of Chicago’s new school funding formula

“Principals received their school budgets for next year, the first under a new system that focuses on needs of schools, rather than enrollment,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: What Does It Mean to be a Republican or a Democrat Today?

Senator Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) battle to stay in the Senate representing the red state of Ohio and former Governor Larry Hogan’s (R-MD) fight to represent his blue state of Maryland are different sides of the same coin: can personal popularity overcome partisanship in a presidential year?

As the two major parties have evolved ideologically, the concept of must pass legislation has become more challenging.

With a significant share of swing voters and an open Senate race, Arizona is one of the most important states to watch in the November elections.

Read the full Cozen Currents here.

Biden Walks the Political Tightrope: The Economy & Immigration, Beltway Briefing

The intricate interplay between economic perceptions and immigration places President Biden in a delicate balancing act with swing state voters. Given the outcomes of the past two elections hinged on this pivotal electorate, the prevailing political polarization and prominence of these issues could be enough to tip the scales. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, 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

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