Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/29)

April 29, 2024

ILLINOIS

Monica Gordon selected to replace Karen Yarbough by Cook County Democrats

The Cook County Democratic Party on Friday selected Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon as the party’s candidate to run in the November general election this fall for Cook County clerk.

“I have some big shoes to fill,” Gordon said after the vote. “Karen Yarbrough was my mentor. She was everything. She was a game changer. She was a history maker.”

She will face a Republican candidate to be determined by the Cook County Republican Party.

Current Chief Deputy Clerk Cedric Giles will fill the position through December.

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| AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker Administration Announces Illinois’ Largest Annual Award for Permanent Supportive Housing

“The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has announced more than $123 million in state and federal resources have been awarded by the agency to finance permanent supportive housing throughout Illinois,” from the Office of Governor JB Pritzker.

6 months after Illinois ended cash bail, jail populations are down as courts settle into new patterns

“More than six months into implementation of the law that eliminated cash bail and reformed the state’s pretrial justice systems, counties have settled into new patterns, with longer detention hearings and money no longer a factor in whether someone will be released from jail,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Immigrant advocates tout new report showing benefits of state-funded health plans

“Immigrant rights advocates on Friday continued to push for one of their top budget priorities: full funding for state-run health care programs that benefit noncitizens, regardless of their immigration status,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Federal broadband program helping more than 300,000 Cook County residents set to expire

“The Affordable Connectivity Program offered eligible households $30 per month toward their broadband internet bill, but with the program ending, some service providers are offering their own options,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson eyes legalizing video gaming in Chicago

“The city issued a request for qualifications, or RFQ, recently to find a potential gaming consultant to study the ramifications of legalizing video poker and virtual slot machines in Chicago, a form of gambling legal in Illinois but currently banned in the city,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Slow work authorizations frustrate new migrants and industry leaders alike

“Migrants who arrived before the end of July are struggling to get work permits, while those who came after that cutoff date will not be eligible. That means even as more buses pull up to Chicago, the people looking for work will likely have fewer legal options without federal intervention,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago Public Schools CEO defends new budget formula as schools consider next year’s funding

“Chicago Public Schools officials defended the district’s new school funding formula Thursday night after some school communities raised concerns about losing staff next year,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Moody’s Outlines Benefits of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Plan Underlying the Issuance of $1.25 Billion in Bonds

“Moody’s Investors Service released research highlighting the benefits of Mayor Johnson’s strategy to fund vital housing and economic development. Moody’s notes that this new framework supports stability and increases budgetary flexibility,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Hold Your Nose & Vote

In recent years, the Philadelphia suburbs have emerged as a bellwether for presidential elections. With national voter enthusiasm at an all-time low, is the commonwealth’s senate race overshadowing the presidential election? The fate of the nation hangs on the smallest shifts in historical voter demographics, encompassing critical issues such as the border crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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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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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