Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/31)

ILLINOIS

Pritzker signs Worker Freedom of Speech Act into law 

Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 3649, the Worker Freedom of Speech Act, into law. The bill bars employers from requiring workers to attend mandatory political and religious meetings at work, known as “captive audience” meetings.

The legislation prohibits employers from disciplining or retaliating against employees who choose not to participate in meetings related to political or religious matters. The law also extends protection to employees who report violations in good faith.

Under the new law, employers are required to notify their employees of these rights within 30 days of the January 1, 2025 effective date.

With the signing of the bill, Illinois joins a growing list of other states, including New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, who have also passed similar laws protecting workers’ freedom of speech. The legislation was the top priority for the Illinois AFL-CIO in the 2024 legislative session.

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| AROUND THE STATE

Dems choose former Ald. Michael Scott for vacant Cook County Board seat

“Scott, surrounded by many of his former colleagues from the Chicago City Council, emerged victorious after a brief open interview and a short behind-the-scenes vote by party officials whose wards and townships overlapped the County Board’s 2nd District. In the end, Scott won more than 50% of the vote on the first ballot, among four candidates,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs measure tightening child labor regulations

“Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed into law a measure that updates Illinois’ child labor regulations by setting additional standards for working conditions for children 15 or younger and updating a list of jobs that minors cannot hold,” by the Chicago Tribune.

J.B. Pritzker signs measure to expand abortion coverage

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law Monday that expands insurance coverage during and after pregnancy with the goal of lowering infant and maternal mortality rates, especially for Black Illinoisans,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Illinois gets continued exemption for Medicaid coverage 

“Illinois will get five more years on a federal waiver to allow the state to use Medicaid services for a wider variety of services. Illinois received approval of a 1115 waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for five more years to allow Illinois to stretch Medicaid services across a variety of areas to provide help with housing, food insecurity and health care,” by The Daily Line.

Federal government gives Illinois $430 million to fight climate change

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $430 million to Illinois to curb greenhouse gas emissions by electrifying vehicles, accelerating clean energy workforce training and retrofitting buildings,” by WBEZ.

CHICAGO

Johnson appoints Sharla Roberts as Chief Procurement Officer

On Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Sharla Roberts to serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Procurement Services.

Roberts is the former director of procurement diversity at the University of Illinois. In her new role, she will lead the city’s contracting, certification, and compliance operations.

Earlier this month, City Council voted unanimously to approve a severance package for former Chief Procurement Officer Aileen Velazquez, whose term would have been up next September. Velazquez had been appointed by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2021. Her severance amount was not disclosed.

The press release can be found here.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

DNC In Chicago: United Center Neighbors Brace For Restricted Access, Traffic, Police — And Confusion

“Officials hosted meetings and canvassed the Near West Side to prep neighbors, but confusion remains, with some mistakenly believing they won’t be able to enter or leave their homes during the convention,” by Block Club Chicago.

Alderpeople ask about congestion pricing, dedicated bus lanes on DuSable Lake Shore Drive at committee hearing on improving bus efficiency

“Alderpeople asked about the implementation of congestion pricing for vehicles in parts of downtown Chicago and the addition of dedicated bus lanes on DuSable Lake Shore Drive during a Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety hearing Monday. The pedestrian and traffic safety committee met for a hearing on a plan that recommended bus infrastructure improvements that could improve public transit efficiency and vehicular and pedestrian safety,” by The Daily Line.

Firefighters union denied permit to protest during Democratic National Convention

“The Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 wants to march near the United Center to light a political fire under Mayor Brandon Johnson to negotiate with firefighters and paramedics waiting more than three years for a new contract. The Johnson administration denied the permit, saying it was “too close” to the United Center,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City begins to clear out North Park homeless encampment Tuesday, leaving some residents unsure where they’ll sleep tonight

“The cleaning and complete fencing-off of the site began Tuesday morning, with the city using river barges and bulldozers to clear belongings from under the bridge. Six residents still remained on-site Tuesday morning, city officials said,” by the Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: How Harris is Different

Compared with President Biden, Vice President Harris is less of an institutionalist, would likely enter office with different priorities, and has closer relationships with Silicon Valley.

Vice President Harris’ ascension to the top of the Democratic presidential ticket and Senator JD Vance’s (R-OH) addition to the GOP ticket have raised questions about both parties’ policy trajectories, but the outlook for 2025 tax negotiations isn’t so different than it was before the political shakeup.

Even if Vice President Harris did not radically change President Biden’s foreign policy, as expected, her agenda stands at significant odds with the strategy former President Trump is pitching.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Kamala Harris: A Choice for Double-Haters?

With Vice President Kamala Harris rising to the top of the Democratic ticket, the “double-haters” now have a choice this November. The shift from President Joe Biden to Harris has energized the Democratic base, bringing young voters back into the fold. What role will gender and race play in the election? Who will she select as her running mate?

Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Patrick Martin.

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.

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