Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (5/31)

May 31, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

House Democratic staff union filing lawsuit against Speaker Welch

“Members of the Illinois Legislative Staff Association filed a lawsuit against House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch Friday, alleging he’s violating their right to organize as workers,” by Capitol Fax.

House Dem leaders Ortiz, Evans apologize for their absence

“From the House Democrats,” by Capitol Fax.

Amid presidential chatter, Gov. Pritzker will address Wisconsin Democrats at annual convention

“Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2022 spoke before state Democratic Party leaders in New Hampshire and Florida, fueling speculation that he was plotting a presidential run in 2024. Since then, he’s repeatedly tamped down questions about his presidential ambitions,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Bears and Sox may have come up empty in Springfield — but the game isn’t over

“Behind the scenes, signs are emerging that both may be willing to tweak their plans in hopes of winning backing from state lawmakers, perhaps as soon as the General Assembly’s fall veto session. The question is how big those tweaks may be — and whether any changes will be sufficient to lure officials leery of seeming to throw taxpayer money into the pockets of wealthy team owners,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Lawmakers OK bill to require ‘faithful’ electors in 2024, loosen campaign finance rules

“As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Illinois appears likely to join most of the rest of the country in requiring that the state’s Electoral College votes go to the winner of the state’s popular election,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Lawmakers and advocates speak out after Karina’s Bill is not passed

“Advocates and lawmakers are speaking out after a bill to prevent domestic abusers from having guns did not pass in the General Assembly,” by WICS.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Johnson Announces Plans to Reopen Shuttered Roseland Mental Health Clinic on Far South Side, Expand Mental Health Services Across the City

“Mayor Johnson announced his plan to reopen the shuttered Roseland mental health clinic on the Far South Side by the end of this year. The City will expand clinical services at an additional two City-run locations, including adding mental health services at a City-run clinic in the Lower West Side (Pilsen) neighborhood, and co-locating services in the Legler Regional Library in West Garfield Park,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

CTA president angry, defiant at City Council efforts to push him out

“A defiant CTA President Dorval Carter Jr. on Thursday lashed out at City Council members demanding his ouster, calling it part of Chicago’s sordid ‘history of attacking and trying to bring down’ African American leaders,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Environment committee approves measure to create anti-littering ad campaign and hears from ComEd on its service readiness for summer

“The City Council’s environment committee meeting met Wednesday and held a subject matter hearing on Commonwealth Edison’s preparedness ahead of summer and approved the creation of a citywide advertising campaign for reducing litter, which will go to the City Council for a final vote,” by The Daily Line.

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About Cozen O’Connor

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