Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/19)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Cook County approves the sending of up to $70 million to Chicago to feed migrants

“Commissioners widely supported sending cash to the city, but raised concerns about making sure the city uses the money for its intended use,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Senate passes plan to end medical debt in credit reporting as Pritzker looks to forgive $1B of medical debt   

“The Illinois Senate voted unanimously on Thursday to pass a bill that would prevent credit reporting agencies from using medical debt in credit reports. The bill’s passage comes as Gov. JB Pritzker prioritizes a plan in his Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal to eliminate medical debt for thousands of Illinoisians,” by The Daily Line.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker expresses support for expanded CPS school closing moratorium; House sends bill to Senate

“Putting himself at odds with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s school board, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday expressed his support for extending a moratorium on closing any public schools in Chicago by two years to coincide with a fully elected school board that’s set to be in place in early 2027,” by the Chicago Tribune.

State Senate advances bill to ban food additives linked to health problems

“The Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday that would ban four food additives that are found in common products including candy, soda and baked goods,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Bipartisan House vote passes Pritzker’s plan to overhaul health insurance regulations

“The House voted 81-25, with two voting present, on Thursday night to pass Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to make major changes to health insurance regulations in Illinois with new limits on step therapy and prior authorization. The first part of the plan (HB5395), also known as the Healthcare Protection Act and sponsored by Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin), goes after utilization management, or prior authorization rules, implemented by insurance companies, where patients often need permission from the insurance company to get the company to cover the doctor’s visit, medication or procedure,” by The Daily Line.

Cook County Forest Preserve Board approves resolution to limit single-use plastics

“The Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to limit single-use plastics in the district on Tuesday,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

City Council approves migrant funding, bond authorization 

At a special City Council meeting today, aldermen voted to pass $70 million in migrant funding and a $1.25 billion bond authorization after both measures were initially delayed Wednesday by the chairs of the budget and finance committees.

The migrant funding allocation was approved 30-18, following heated debate in the council chamber. It will be used to house, feed, and provide other services to thousands of asylum seekers.

The bond issuance ordinance, which will fund housing, economic, and cultural development programs citywide, passed 32 to 17.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Vote on measure to allow ShotSpotter on per-ward basis postponed by progressive alderpeople, Chief Information Officer appointment hits snag with a surprise deferral

“The mayor’s pick to lead the reconstituted Department of Technology and Innovation and an order to keep gunshot detection technology in individual wards were both deferred during the City Council meeting Wednesday, delaying votes to Friday at the earliest,” by The Daily Line.

Democratic convention events getting Chicago treatment with new hospitality vendors

“Five event production companies, nearly all based in Chicago, will be throwing the official parties for the Democratic National Convention in August,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago’s D.C. lobbyist departs, leaving office empty

“Christopher Hoey, Chicago’s lobbyist in Washington, D.C., has departed, leaving the city’s post in the U.S. capitol empty until the role is filled within the coming weeks,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Fined $60K for Violating Ethics Ordinance

“The Chicago Board of Ethics fined City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin $60,000 for violating the government ethics ordinance by using city resources to host a prayer service,” by WTTW.

City Of Chicago Selected To Participate in CityStart Initiative Focused On Equitable Wealth-Building Strategies

“Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) announced that the City of Chicago has been selected to participate in the CityStart initiative with a specific focus on racial wealth equity,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

FEDERAL

Cozen Cities: Look Out Below 

In the inverse of traditional political wisdom, down ballot candidates may be more helpful to President Biden’s re-election than the other way around.

As the importance of immigration rises in voters’ minds, President Biden is tacking to the right, embracing conservative border policies in an effort to neutralize Republicans’ historic advantage.

Data privacy has returned to the spotlight on Capitol Hill with the introduction of a new bipartisan comprehensive consumer privacy bill.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

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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