Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/26)

July 26, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker downplays VP talk, denies call with Harris campaign

“Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday denied reports that he’s been directly contacted by Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign to gauge his interest in potentially running for vice president with her at the top of the Democratic ticket,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Pritzker moves closer to creating a ‘Silicon Valley of quantum development’ at former South Works site

“Plans are in the works to create the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, which will occupy part of a 400-acre campus at the former U.S. Steel South Works facility,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Pritzker touts Illinois’ cannabis social equity program: Poised to be ‘national standard’

“Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker asserted Thursday that his state’s cannabis social equity program is thus far the most successful in the nation during a speech to a room full of marijuana industry attorneys,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

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CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

City officials not planning to end 60-day migrant shelter policy ahead of anticipated pre-DNC surge

“City officials have reduced by more than half the amount of money being spent on the migrant crisis in Chicago but don’t plan to end the city’s 60-day shelter stay policy any time soon as the city is preparing for a possible surge in buses ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) next month,” by The Daily Line.

Board of Education unanimously approves controversial $9.9B CPS budget

“Spending plan excludes $175 million pension payment for non-teacher staff, as well as funding for upcoming teachers and principals union contracts,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

With Chicago casino on the horizon, Bally’s accepts $4.6 billion buyout, merger

“The corporation behind Chicago’s casino announced Thursday it accepted an $18.25-per-share buyout from Standard General, the New York hedge fund led by Bally’s chairman Soo Kim,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago business community unveils new political action committee

“A group of veteran politicos with ties to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago’s civic institutions are launching a political action committee and affiliated nonprofit advocacy group they hope will give them a head start on fundraising to advance the policy goals of Chicago’s business community,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

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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