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

April 3, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Legislators eye Friday’s deadline to move bills out of Illinois House committees

“State representatives are debating a plethora of bills this week in committees because there’s a deadline approaching. Some state lawmakers are disappointed their bills may not see the light of day. Friday is the deadline for the Illinois House to move bills out of committees for floor action,” by The Center Square.

Amid controversy at Prisoner Review Board, Pritzker calls for more training as GOP again seeks reform

“Senate Minority Leader John Curran said he plans to propose legislation that would require all PRB members to have 20 cumulative years of experience working in criminal justice and to take annual domestic violence and sexual assault training,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Illinois Ranked #1 For State Policy on Energy Democracy, Utility Responsibility

“Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois was ranked #1 among 50 states and the District of Columbia for energy democracy and utility accountability, according to the Institute for Local Self Reliance. The study scored state policies on clean energy action, holding utility companies accountable, protecting ratepayers, and other measures that support locally owned clean energy,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

CHICAGO

Cristina Pacione-Zayas appointed as Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new chief of staff

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday announced the appointment of Cristina Pacione-Zayas as his new chief of staff following Richard Guidice’s resignation at the end of March.

Pacione-Zayas, a former state senator who has been serving as first deputy chief of staff, will be the city’s first Latina chief of staff.

“Cristina’s unparalleled dedication to our city, her depth of knowledge on critical issues affecting our neighborhoods like housing, community safety and education, and her proven track record of leadership make her the ideal person to serve as my next chief of staff,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I am confident that together, we will continue to make strides toward a better, stronger, safer Chicago.”

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Ald. Sigcho-Lopez survives Housing Committee ouster attempt after flag-burning controversy

“The leadership coup failed by a 29-16 vote, after the City Council member reported he met on Easter with Ald. Chris Taliaferro, a military veteran who led the call for his resignation as committee chair,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Order to keep ShotSpotter on a per-ward basis, track success data approved by police and fire committee

“Both members and non-members of the City Council Committee on Police and Fire expressed support for the ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology during discussion on a measure that seeks to allow individual wards to keep the technology ahead of an upcoming citywide contract termination. But alderpersons also said more data should be shared by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to give a better picture of the overall success of the program — data which the order would also promulgate,” by The Daily Line.

Johnson to greenlight four Loop office-to-residential conversions

“Four projects that would use massive taxpayer subsidies to help turn outmoded office buildings on and near LaSalle Street into nearly 1,100 apartments are poised to move a key step closer to reality,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Clark Street closure for outdoor dining ‘pending mayoral review,’ Ald. Reilly says

“A stretch of Clark Street between Grand Avenue and Kinzie Street has been a hotbed for Chicago’s outdoor dining program, but its future remains uncertain,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Environment committee to hold hearing on ordinance limiting natural gas in new buildings

“The City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will hold a subject matter hearing on the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO), a proposal that would set new indoor emissions standards for new buildings and additions to prohibit the use of natural gas heating systems and natural gas-powered appliances,” by The Daily Line.

Bally’s takeover bid ‘jeopardizes’ Chicago casino project, investors argue

“As Bally’s chairman Soo Kim tries to take the company private, a pair of influential investors say his bid should be rejected — and that a more experienced company should be brought in to build the city’s long-sought casino,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

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