Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/5)

ILLINOIS

Gov. Pritzker signs state budget into law

Earlier today, Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget into law.

The $53.1 billion spending plan, which the House voted to pass last week, is the largest in state history and relies on $1.1 billion in revenue.

During the signing, Pritzker said the budget is “balanced, fiscally responsible, pro-family, cuts taxes on workers and opens up doors of opportunity.”

“This budget builds on years of economic momentum that is revitalizing communities up and down the state of Illinois,” Pritzker added. “We are on a trajectory of sustainable long term growth.”

The budget implementation and the revenue bills must still be signed before the fiscal year begins July 1, which the governor has said he will do.

| AROUND THE STATE

Slated candidates get win after Pritzker-signed election law deemed unconstitutional

“A Sangamon County Circuit Court judge made a temporary injunction permanent, finding that enforcing a recently signed law that eliminates ‘slating’ for General Assembly races in the 2024 election is unconstitutional,” by The Center Square.

Democratic Township Leaders Expected To Fill 53rd State House Seat Wednesday

“When Mark Walker was appointed to fill Anne Gillespie’s seat as 27th District state senator after Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Gillespie as head of the state insurance department, Walker’s state house seat became vacant. A meeting of local Democratic committee persons is expected to fill that vacancy on Wednesday, June 5,” by Journal & Topics.

Illinois House Speaker Emphatic That Bears, Sox Won’t Get Public Funding for Stadiums

“‘As we’ve said to the Bears over and over again, to the White Sox, and also to the Chicago Red Stars, there’s just no appetite to use taxpayer funding to fund stadiums for billionaires,’ House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch told WTTW News in an interview Monday,” by WTTW.

Pritzker on federal money, next year, transit fiscal cliff, Mendoza, Crespo, pensions, historic preservation

“Gov. Pritzker was asked today after he signed the budget if the budget process next year will be more difficult,” by Capitol Fax.

From Gun Control to Public Transit Rescue, A Look at What Didn’t Pass the Illinois General Assembly This Spring

“Illinois legislators passed 469 measures this year. The bulk of those items will likely become law, pending action from Gov. J.B. Pritzker,” by WTTW.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago alderpeople scrutinize mayor’s plans to quickly spend COVID relief money

“Mayor Brandon Johnson was questioned on his long term plans for a guaranteed income program that relies on expiring federal funds,” by WBEZ.

Housing committee could hold vote on CHA grievance hearing agreement weeks after delay

“The City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate will meet Wednesday to consider an ordinance to continue allowing the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to utilize city personnel for its tenant grievance process weeks after the committee delayed a vote on the measure,” by The Daily Line.

Workforce Development committee approves appointment of new chair, members of Human Resources Board

“The City Council Committee on Workforce Development approved the appointment of three new members of the city’s Human Resources Board on Monday, including a new chair,” by The Daily Line.

Lithium battery fire worries push City Council committee to OK safety standards

“With mounting concerns across the country that electric bicycles, e-scooters, and lithium-ion batteries can cause deadly fires, a Chicago City Council committee Wednesday advanced regulations that would require they meet safety standards,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Lawyers for ex-Ald. Ed Burke argue ‘no reasonable jury’ could convict him in corruption case

“Burke is scheduled to be sentenced June 24. Before that, however, U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall must deal with a motion by Burke’s attorneys to toss out portions of the jury’s decision and acquit the former alderman on nine counts,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Loop’s safety and hospitality ‘ambassadors’ program expands for summer

“Starting this week, Chicago Loop Alliance has broadened patrols for four months during the busy tourism season and the Democratic National Convention in August,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: When Getting Rusty is a Good Thing

As much as the whole country can’t help but tune in to former President Trump’s guilty verdict, the fact is that the political ramifications only matter insofar as they may swing three states.

The Biden administration issued its final rule on worker classification earlier this year, but the policy debate over the gig economy continues on the state and local levels and in the courts.

With an expiration of last year’s one-year extension of the farm bill looming on September 30, Congress is putting some work into passing a long-term bill, but getting there may take until 2025.

Read the Cozen Currents article 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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