Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/3)

June 3, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Legislation now before Gov. J.B. Pritzker: Mobile driver’s licenses, medical debt relief and a new state mushroom

“The Illinois General Assembly’s spring legislative session ended in last-minute drama as Democrats barely eked out enough votes to pass a package of tax hikes that mostly affect gambling operations and corporations,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Bill to transfer Shabbona Lake State Park to Prairie Band’s reservation stalls after records issue

“The General Assembly failed to approve legislation that would transfer a state park to the new reservation recently recognized by the federal government for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation despite vigorous discussions during the final weeks of spring session,” by The Daily Line.

Illinois’ use of cameras that read license plates amounts to ‘dragnet surveillance,’ lawsuit alleges

“A lawsuit filed in federal court in Illinois seeks to end the state’s use of cameras that record license plates, geolocations and photos, saying they violate the Fourth and 14th amendments,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson’s Plan to Speed Up Efforts to Spend Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds Before It’s Too Late Set to Take Center Stage at City Hall

“The Chicago City Council is set to get its first look at Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to spend every penny of federal relief funds to strengthen the city’s tattered social safety net and provide direct aid to Chicagoans still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic before a looming deadline. The Budget Committee will hold an all-day meeting Monday to examine how Chicago has spent its share of the federal relief package known as the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA,” by WTTW.

Chicago Wants to Enlist Remote Workers in Rescue of Downtown

“Chicago is now betting that the summer — when most Americans are eager to escape the office — will be the moment for more people to come back. It’s not the usual return-to-office pitch. Instead, the city is leaning into the rise of remote work by promoting co-working spaces in iconic locations including Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chicago Cultural Center,” by Bloomberg.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago Releases Plow the Sidewalks Pilot Program Recommendations

“The report offers 11 recommendations that address how, when and where the pilot program will be administered, as well as the cost of implementation,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

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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About Cozen O’Connor

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