Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/8)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

State ends fiscal year with nearly $5B cash on hand

“Illinois entered a new fiscal year Monday with a bit of a financial cushion as the prior year’s revenues exceeded final projections by about $123 million,” by Capitol News Illinois.

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John Deere layoffs rock Quad Cities; add talking points in competitive congressional race

“About 600 Illinois and Iowa John Deere employees are set to lose their jobs this summer as the agriculture giant cuts back production and transfers jobs out of the country. The Moline-based company also sits in the heart of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District — the state’s only competitive congressional district where voters demand moderacy from candidates and economic issues are closely watched by heartland residents,” by The Daily Line.

Illinois ballot could include election security, property tax and IVF questions

“The Illinois State Board of Elections said the ballot is set to be certified Aug. 28. Alongside candidates for president, Congress, Statehouse seats and other elected offices, the Illinois General Assembly approved three non-binding referendums to ask voters,” by The Center Square.

Illinois AG Kwame Raoul joins Democratic counterparts in defending DEI initiatives

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul took the lead on a letter signed by 19 Democratic attorneys general late last month reaffirming their position that programs supporting diversity are valid and mitigate racial discrimination, part of an effort to take back the narrative from conservatives. The letter was delivered to the American Bar Association, Fortune 100 company CEOs and other organizations that may be targeted for DEI initiatives,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Gov. Pritzker, IL Congressional Leaders Announce iFAB Awarded $51 million EDA Tech Hubs Grant

“The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that the state has secured approximately $51 million in federal funding for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, leveraging the state’s leading production of raw agricultural materials to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based products,” by WRAM.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Rules committee to consider council rule change to accommodate proposed Office of Legislative Counsel

“The City Council Committee on Committees and Rules on Monday will consider whether to move forward a resolution from Alds. Brendan Reilly (42) and Anthony Beale (9) related to the push to give the City Council its own legal counsel. An ordinance (O2023-0004977) introduced by the two last October would give the City Council its own counsel separate from the Corporation Counsel’s office,” by The Daily Line.

Mag Mile landlords get the OK to tax themselves — but not without a delay

“A bill recently signed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker allows property owners along North Michigan Avenue and other commercial corridors in Chicago to impose a small tax on themselves to fund area improvements, but a new district won’t be in place along the Magnificent Mile until at least 2026,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Advocates caution ADU building costs can be high as Chicago considers expanding ‘granny flat’ pilot

“Proponents say widening the accessory dwelling unit program would combat the affordable housing shortage and add density to neighborhoods, but add that construction costs can rise quickly,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Statement From Mayor Brandon Johnson And The City Of Chicago On Increased Violence And Additional Safety Measures

“The City of Chicago is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors. In response, several measures are being implemented,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

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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