Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/15)

April 15, 2024

ILLINOIS

Patrick Sheehan chosen to fill 37th District vacancy

On Friday, former Lockport City Council member and Plainfield police officer Patrick Sheehan was selected by the 37th Representative District Committee to fill the vacancy of outgoing State Representative Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) in the Illinois House of Representatives.

“The Illinois House Republicans are happy to welcome Patrick as the third law enforcement officer serving in our caucus,” said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. “With the public safety challenges our state faces, Patrick’s expertise will enhance the general assembly and help make Illinois a place where families can feel safe and succeed.”

Ozinga announced his sudden resignation on April 8 with no explanation. His term was set to end next January.

| AROUND THE STATE

Chicago and Illinois to receive $19M from feds to help with migrant crisis

“The city of Chicago and the state of Illinois are set to split more than $19 million in new congressionally approved funding released to assist cities and states in addressing the migrant crisis, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Friday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois Senate passes more than 200 bills during deadline week

“The Illinois Senate wrapped up a busy week in Springfield, advancing a total of 244 bills before a Friday deadline,” by the State Journal-Register.

Pritzker pushes plan to erase $1 billion in medical debt for Illinoisans

“Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his proposal will provide nearly $1 billion in medical debt relief for an initial batch of 340,000 Illinois residents in the first year of a multi-year plan,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Supreme Court to hear arguments on bribery law that could shape political corruption probes in Illinois, including case against ex-Speaker Madigan

“Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was the state’s most powerful politician in 2018 when he allegedly met at his downtown Chicago law office with then-Ald. Danny Solis to discuss Solis’ appointment to a lucrative state board position,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Senate advances measures requiring insurance to cover IVF, new state childhood department ahead of deadline

“The Senate voted to advance a pair of key measures on Friday ahead of the chamber’s deadline to pass Senate bills on to the House, including bills requiring insurance to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) and establishing a new state department for childhood issues,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Johnson’s plan to borrow $1.25 billion hits another roadblock

“Things went sideways in the Finance Committee, and Ald. Pat Dowell, the committee chair, recessed the meeting until Wednesday, telling the Sun-Times she hopes the committee will vote then,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Top cop unveils ‘four-pillar plan’ to address citywide robberies and car thefts

“Police officials joined Mayor Brandon Johnson and Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) to announce the plan, which utilizes technology, focus missions, public engagement and accountability,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Activists to protest ‘with or without permits’ when DNC arrives in Chicago this summer

A couple of hundred people representing 78 activist organizations gathered Saturday for a day-long ‘working conference’ hosted by the March on the DNC coalition to organize fundraising, communications and logistics for the months ahead before top Democratic politicians arrive in Chicago,” by the Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Politics of Choice

State supreme courts have become as political as courts get. Could the recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling on reproductive rights cost Republicans the November election? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, 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.

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About Cozen O’Connor

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