Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/12)

June 12, 2024

ILLINOIS

Veto session dates

The Illinois Senate announced veto session dates for the two weeks between Election Day and Thanksgiving. The legislature will meet from November 12-14 and November 19-21. The veto session calendar can be found here.

| AROUND THE STATE

Gov. Pritzker Highlights Illinois Partnerships at MOU Signing, 2nd US-Canada Summit

“Governor JB Pritzker joined state economic leaders and Canadian business and government leaders for business development events in Ontario. First, Governor Pritzker and Premier Doug Ford held a public Memorandum of Understanding Signing where both executives made remarks highlighting the rich trade history between the regions,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Hearing officer recommends elections board dismiss illegal coordination complaint against Dan Proft, Darren Bailey

“A hearing officer has recommended that the Illinois State Board of Elections dismiss a complaint filed by the state Democratic Party contending political operative and right-wing radio show host Dan Proft and former state Sen. Darren Bailey coordinated campaign spending in Bailey’s unsuccessful 2022 race against Gov. J.B. Pritzker,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Former Mike Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes reports to prison

“Last year, a jury found the 69-year-old Mapes guilty of lying to a federal grand jury when answering questions about a broader investigation into Madigan and others,” by ABC 7 Chicago.

Bill awaiting Gov. Pritzker’s signature aims to improve birth equity in Illinois

“The bill would require private insurance companies to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives,” by WGEM.

Cook County allots $44 million to mental health efforts

“Cook County is providing more than $44 million to various health care and behavioral health organizations, marking the latest investment from local governments to support mental health infrastructure for area residents,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

CHICAGO

Bally’s permanent casino remains uncertain, Johnson says

In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board Monday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed uncertainty that Bally’s permanent casino in River West will move forward.

“I know our team is working with ownership to figure it out like we figured out some of the other things that I’ve inherited. It just has to make absolute sense,” Johnson said. “I think that one’s still to be determined, to be perfectly frank with you.”

The comments come as Bally’s continues to explore ways to cover an $800 million funding gap to begin construction at their permanent location and as the company assesses a buyout offer.

Bally’s temporary casino at the Medinah Temple generated a record $11.7 million in adjusted gross receipts and also hit new highs in admissions in May, according to the Illinois Gaming Board. The $1.4 million in local tax revenue last month – and $5.5 million in local tax revenue for the first five months of 2024 – falls short of the $3 million average per month needed to meet the 2024 budget plan.

Bally’s has said that it expects to break ground on their River West home on July 5th with a September 2026 hopeful grand opening.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Council to revisit noise regulations at West Loop abortion clinic, vote on appointments to Ethics and Police boards

“The City Council on Wednesday will consider bond issuances for LaSalle office conversion projects, appointments to the human resources, ethics and police boards and a measure to bar lobbyists from giving to mayoral campaigns,” by The Daily Line.

City demands thousands of Chicago police officers pay off pension error

“Thousands of Chicago police officers received an unwelcome letter from their pension fund this week: thanks to a payroll error spurred by officers’ latest contract, approximately 3,000 are required to cut a check to their pension fund, plus interest,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Facing Shortfall of Nearly $400M, Chicago Public Schools Pushes Back Budget Release to July

“Chicago Public Schools, which had been set to release its full district budget for the 2025 fiscal year Wednesday, has announced it will now publish that spending plan next month,” by WTTW.

CPD releases new drafts of crowd control, arrest, protest policies ahead of DNC

“Chicago police officers have already started training for the Democratic National Convention, but now, with less than 10 weeks to go before delegates flood the Windy City, the department is asking the public to weigh in on new crowd control and arrest policies,” by NBC 5 Chicago.

Feds want 10 years in prison for ex-Ald. Edward Burke, saying he was ‘no novice’ when it came to corruption

“Federal prosecutors are asking for 10 years in prison for former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke, arguing in a lengthy filing late Monday that the 80-year-old Democratic machine stalwart was ‘steeped in corruption’ and highly adept at abusing his office for personal gain,” by the Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: GOP Thinks Big

Republican leadership is outlining an ambitious legislative agenda if the GOP gains control of the White House and both chambers of Congress in November.

Despite House Republicans’ efforts to pass their versions of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act and FY25 appropriations bills before the August recess, the measures will not pass until after the election and could face roadblocks that prevent them from even clearing the House.

While many federal agencies are winding down their rulemaking agendas, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is just gearing up for a sprint to finalize a number of sweeping reforms before a possible change in administration.

The Cozen Currents can be read here.

Beltway Briefing, Biden’s Age Concerns: GOP Deflection or Democratic Panic?

With the Trump hush-money verdict in, Trump supporters are more emboldened than ever in their backing of the former president. Meanwhile, concerns are reignited over Biden’s age — is this merely a Republican deflection, or are Democrats genuinely panicking? In an effort to rally support, Biden might be playing politics at the Southern Border with his latest Executive Order restricting immigration, but is it too little, too late? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, the Hon. Rodney Davis, 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.

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

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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