Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/12)

July 12, 2024

Editor’s note: Illinois Insights will be taking a break next week. Updates will resume on Monday, July 22nd. 

ILLINOIS

Illinois Republicans to select one of three finalists for state chair

The Illinois Republican Party’s State Central Committee, which is made up of one representative from each of the state’s 17 congressional districts, will vote in a closed meeting today to replace Chair Don Tracy, who is stepping down.

The three finalists are state Rep. John Cabello, Palatine Township Republican committeeman Aaron Del Mar, and attorney and former U.S. Senate candidate Kathy Salvi.

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| AROUND THE STATE

RNC 2024: Illinois GOP united behind Trump amid leadership change; Pritzker to have Milwaukee presence

“One thing Illinois Republicans at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee will not disagree on next week is their support for former President Donald Trump as their party’s nominee.  Meanwhile, Gov. JB Pritzker will be working behind the scenes and in front of the TV cameras to campaign for President Joe Biden in Milwaukee,” by The Daily Line.

State of Illinois Celebrates $1 Billion in Cannabis Retail Sales

“Governor JB Pritzker announced today that Illinois reached $1 billion in cannabis retail sales on July 1, 2024. This includes more than $850 million in adult use cannabis sales and almost $150 million in medical cannabis sales,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Bally’s Chicago secures casino financing, unveils new hotel design

“One week after taking possession of the Freedom Center printing plant, Bally’s has secured the needed financing to supplant it with a $1.7 billion Chicago casino complex on the 30-acre site in River West,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Mayor Johnson rejects cuts in CPS’ proposed budget meant to fill a half-billion deficit

“CPS officials say cuts to staffing and other areas, among other initiatives, are needed to balance the budget this month. It’s unclear what path Johnson might take to fill the hole,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Downtown office vacancy reaches new heights again

“The downtown office vacancy rate wrapped up the first half of the year at an all-time high of 25.8%, up from 25.1% at the end of the first quarter, according to research from real estate services firm CBRE,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

DNC and city officials promise Chicago is ready for international spotlight

“A little more than a month before the Democratic National Convention arrives in Chicago, one of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s top deputies on Thursday assured a roomful of business and civic leaders the city is ready for its moment in the international spotlight and that the impact of the historic event will be felt long after the expected 50,000 visitors leave town,” by the Chicago Tribune.

City, State Leaders Announce $100 Million For Violence Prevention After Bloody Holiday Weekend

“The fundraising milestone is part of an effort to support community violence intervention in Chicago and reduce shootings and homicides by 75 percent over the next decade,” by Block Club Chicago.

Measure allowing CDOT permit denials for athletic events that pose health and safety risks advances to City Council, could imperil Chicago River swim

“A downtown alderperson’s measure that could be used to block a planned swim in the Chicago River this fall was approved by the Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation on Wednesday. Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) proposed the ordinance (SO2024-0009633), the text of which was not online Wednesday, but his staff would not confirm whether or not the measure was aimed at blocking the planned open-water charity swim event in the Chicago River this September,” by The Daily Line.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Trump Version 2.0

Last month’s debate shone a spotlight on President Biden’s age and fitness for office, shifting focus away from former President Trump’s controversies, at least for now.

Arguably the most important consequence of a second term by former President Trump is that the unspoken institutional framework built up over decades, used to analyze how policies are made and implemented, will no longer apply.

Former President Trump’s return to the White House would not mean a return to his exact same America First foreign policy, but rather a more emphatic version.

Read the Cozen Currents 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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