Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/24)

July 24, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority Announce 2024 Affordable Housing Tax Credit Developments

“Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board announced awards totaling $23.8 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that will finance the creation and preservation of 16 affordable housing developments in 10 counties throughout Illinois,” by the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

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County commissioners grill assessor, staff over closure of apartment loophole

“Cook County commissioners during a committee meeting Monday asked the county assessor for his rationale behind the process for closing a loophole in the county property tax ordinance that allowed mostly commercial buildings to be assessed like mixed-use buildings and receive a significant tax reduction,” by The Daily Line.

Attorney General Raoul Joins Coalition in Support of Drug Pricing Transparency

“Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting an Oregon law that requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to report certain information about specific new prescription drugs and historical information about pricing for existing drugs,” by the Madison Record.

Southland homeowners aim property tax frustration at Cook County assessor during Calumet City forum

“As south suburban homeowners prepare to pay their historically high property tax bills ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi faced hundreds of frustrated residents Monday night in Calumet City who demanded immediate relief,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Reinsdorf and Wirtz families unveil $7 billion proposal to remake Near West Side around United Center

“The Reinsdorf and Wirtz families on Tuesday unveiled a proposal to remake the Near West Side neighborhood around the United Center, replacing unsightly parking lots with publicly available green spaces, a 6,000-seat music hall and thousands of new homes,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago leaders brace for as many as 25,000 new migrants ahead of DNC: ‘We just need to be prepared’

“The high-end estimate from Deputy Mayor of Immigration Beatriz Ponce de León came as Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration defended its policy of evicting migrants who stay in city shelters longer than 60 days,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CPS is counting on hundreds of positions going unfilled to balance its budget

“Next year’s spending plan includes saving $220 million through vacancies. The teacher’s union and some parents say it incentivizes the district to leave positions open,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Xchange, Grand Crossing’s New $20 Million Training Center, Will Prepare Locals For Tech Jobs

“Xchange Chicago will open in January 2025, leaders announced Monday. SDI Presence, an IT consultancy and managed services provider, will match apprentices will full-time roles,” by Block Club Chicago.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Is Harris the answer?

While it’s becoming ever clearer Vice President Harris is likely to be the Democratic nominee following President Biden’s decision to step aside, it’s less clear what the impact will be on the presidential race’s dynamics.

Increasing voter frustration with the high cost of housing is leading both parties to elevate the issue of housing affordability in their 2024 policy platforms.

Pressure is rising on the pharmaceuticals industry from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: The last Biden v. Trump edition of the Beltway Briefing

This RNC is being hailed as one of the best stage-managed conventions ever. All eyes now shift to see who comes out of Chicago as the Democratic nominee. One thing is certain, this will not be a normal August.

Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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