Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (6/9)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Ethics legislation stalls in Springfield as Senate president tries ‘brazen’ move that would have helped his election case

“In the closing hours of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session, Senate President Don Harmon tried to pass legislation that would have wiped clean a potential multimillion-dollar fine against his political campaign committee for violating election finance laws he championed years ago,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Crop insurance costs taxpayers billions. But it only benefits big farms and companies.

“For farmers who grow anything but soybeans and corn in Illinois, buying crop insurance is nearly impossible. Even an insurance agent couldn’t figure out how to safeguard his vegetable and poultry farm against unpredictable weather and plain old bad luck,” by the Chicago Tribune.

The $860M lawsuit that’s looming over one of Chicago’s biggest cannabis companies

“One of Chicago’s biggest marijuana companies — Verano Holdings Corp. — has a historically big $860 million lawsuit hanging over its head like a boogeyman,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Illinois’ public universities face a crisis as funding fails to keep up

“Since 2010, Illinois State University has raised annual in-state tuition by nearly $1,200 as state funding tumbled 34% to $80 million a year. With a $12 million deficit this academic year, the university has suspended salary increases for faculty and staff, cut department allocations for travel and research and delayed capital improvements,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Official leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration for Obama Foundation

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief operating officer is leaving the administration to join the Obama Foundation, ending weeks of speculation — and pushback — over his potential appointment to lead the CTA,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Job sites CareerBuilder + Monster reportedly closing headquarters in Loop

“The online employment search sites CareerBuilder and Monster are reportedly planning to close its U.S. headquarters office in the Loop and lay off staff members later this year,” by the  Chicago Sun Times.

Cook County property tax reforms stall out in Springfield

“Legislative reforms to Cook County’s property tax system almost uniformly stalled this legislative session, halting efforts to give tax breaks to more seniors and those walloped with big bills, and to help people hang on to some of their homes’ value if they lose the properties because of unpaid taxes,” by the Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

The NYC Political Season Heats Up

With New York City’s primaries just weeks away, the political season is heating up. Who are the key candidates in the mayoral, comptroller, and city council races? What dynamics and strategic alliances are emerging? What role will federal decision-making play in shaping the city’s future—and how are local candidates positioning themselves in response? Featuring New York Public Strategies’ Katie Schwab, Jamie Ansorge, and Ashley Thompson DiNardo.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

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