Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/24)

June 24, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Poll: 65 percent of Illinoisans oppose public funding for new Bears stadium

“By a 2-to-1 margin, Illinois voters oppose the team’s lakefront stadium plan, one that would include $1.2 billion of public financing. A majority of voters do not support any public funding going to the stadium, which the Bears envision as being part of a broader reboot of the city’s Museum Campus,” by Capitol Fax.

SCOTUS ruling gives go-ahead to pass Karina’s bill in Illinois 

“The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Friday morning that could allow an initiative by domestic violence advocates to move forward in Illinois and ensure guns are taken out of dangerous domestic disputes,” by The Daily Line.

Cook Co. Commissioner Dennis Deer dies, family announces

“In a statement, the family said, ‘Dr. Deer’s passionate lifelong dedication made him a tireless servant to the community in areas of healthcare, education, economic development, employment and training, re-entry and affordable housing,’” by ABC 7 Chicago.

CHICAGO

Ed Burke sentenced to two years in federal prison

Former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke was sentenced to two years in federal prison today after a jury in December found him guilty on 13 counts of corruption.

The 80-year-old was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, bribery, and attempted extortion, illegally using his power as alderman to win private law business from developers.

A federal judge on Friday rejected Burke’s request to delay his sentencing until after the U.S. Supreme Court rules in a separate bribery case involving former Portage, Indiana mayor James Snyder.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson Issues Proclamation for “Chicago Workers’ Rights Week” to Raise Awareness Around July 1 Labor Law Changes

“Mayor Johnson will attend a series of labor events to bring attention to the new policies that will go into effect July 1, including the increased minimum wage, the beginning of the phase-out of the sub-minimum wage, and the new Paid Time Off policy,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Chicago aldermen exploring new city taxes and fees to boost revenue

“Months after Chicago voters rejected the Bring Chicago Home property tax plan backed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago aldermen are beginning to explore a wide array of new taxes and fees on city residents, businesses and even visitors,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Zoning committee to consider fate of historic Wrigley residences, Sterling Bay development, riverfront housing development

“The City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards will meet Tuesday to consider a proposal to replace three historic residences next to Wrigley Field with an apartment building, consider approval of the Sterling Bay development opposed by the local alderperson and consider approval of a new residential development along the west branch of the Chicago River,” by The Daily Line.

Chicago Police Department Revises Plan to Handle Protests Around DNC After Reform Groups Object

“Chicago Police Department officials have significantly changed their plan to handle protests during the Democratic National Convention in response to objections lodged by police reform groups against a policy that would allow mass arrests, officials said,” by WTTW.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing, Migrant Crisis: National Issue, Local Impact

As droves of migrants arrive at the Southern Border, the consequences of the federal government’s inaction on immigration profoundly affect major cities like New York City and Chicago. Members of Public Strategies’ Federal, New York, and Chicago teams discuss the national perspective and the localized impact, emphasizing the need for comprehensive federal immigration reform and support to alleviate the burdens of the migrant crisis on urban areas.

Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French (Federal), Katie Schwab (New York), and John Dunn (Chicago).

Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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