Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (5/15)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Civic Federation Commends State’s Improved Financial Condition, Urges Cautious Spending and a Sustainable Tax Plan to Prevent Future Structural Deficit

“In its analysis of the State of Illinois FY2025 Proposed Budget, the Civic Federation finds the State has reached a more stable financial condition due to higher-than-expected revenue growth and prudent fiscal management. With revenue growth slowing, however, the Federation recommends the State develop a plan to optimize its spending and modernize its tax structure,” by the Civic Federation.

House OKs program for student teacher stipends – but not the funding for it

“The Illinois House approved a bill Tuesday to allow student teachers to receive stipends while earning their education degree, even though the money needed to fund those stipends is unlikely to be included in next year’s budget,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Pritzker won’t sign birth equity bill if Senate strips out abortion coverage

“Conversations regarding the Governor’s Birth Equity Initiative in the Senate are ongoing, but we’re proud of the broad support the bill received in the House. The Governor has been clear that Illinois trusts women to make decisions about their healthcare and abortion is a vital part of their healthcare options. He will not sign a bill that treats abortion differently than other birth equity provisions,” by Capitol Fax.

Democrats meeting June 5 to choose Walker’s replacement in House

“Northwest suburban Democratic Party leaders will meet in Mount Prospect on June 5 to select a person to fill the Illinois House seat left open when state Rep. Mark Walker was appointed to the state Senate,” by the Daily Herald.

CHICAGO

Clark Street outdoor dining program to return this summer 

Clark Street’s outdoor dining program will resume this summer in River North, after the city issued a permit Wednesday allowing curb lane closures on Clark Street between Grand Avenue and Kinzie Street.

The permit will let restaurants extend their dining areas into the sidewalk and parking lane without fully closing Clark Street to vehicular traffic.

In a statement, the mayor’s office said the measure “balances the needs of residents, businesses, workers, visitors, and the local community.”

This permit is effective immediately and will remain valid until October 31, 2024.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Key City Panel OKs 6 of Mayor’s 7 Picks to Serve on Chicago Police Oversight Board

“A key city panel advanced six of the seven nominations made by Mayor Brandon Johnson to serve on a permanent commission that will oversee the Chicago Police Department as part of a new era for the beleaguered law enforcement agency,” by WTTW.

Johnson offers relief to home, business owners soaked by high water bills tied to underground leaks

“The City Council’s Finance Committee passed the mayor’s two-year plan on a unanimous voice vote,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Loop restaurants are clawing their way back to health

“The rise of online ordering has offered a boost, and some landlords, recognizing downtown eateries can’t pull in as many dollars, agreed to charge tenants less rent. Other restaurants are fattening bottom lines by selling more drinks, shortening their hours or renting out space for special events,” by the Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: A Shotgun Marriage of Bipartisanship

The House of Representatives in the 118th Congress has acted more like a parliamentary government than a majoritarian institution, an unusual set-up that may be destined to repeat itself if neither party can win a large majority come November.

While not the dominant electoral economic issue, housing costs are receiving increasing attention among policymakers, with lawmakers and President Biden eyeing proposals to lower them.

Electric vehicles are on the precipice of joining other consumer items as objects whose existence is intrinsically tied to political identity and the culture wars.

Read the Cozen Currents article here.

Beltway Briefing: “It’s All About Clicks & Eyeballs” 

As Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene attempted to oust Speaker Mike Johnson through a motion to vacate, Democrats calculated that the public’s frustration with Washington’s dysfunction could harm their electoral prospects. Meanwhile, at the forefront of the campaign trail, the competition narrows between Biden, Trump, and the couch. From the hush-money trial to college campus Israel-Hamas protests to concerns about the economy and immigration, voters who harbor discontent toward both candidates, often termed ‘double-haters,’ face a pivotal choice. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Kyle Anderson.

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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