Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (8/18)

ILLINOIS

Democrats, Republicans speak to voters at State Fair  

Illinois Democrats kicked off the 2024 campaign season in Springfield Wednesday at the annual State Fair, with Republicans doing the same at the Illinois GOP’s day on Thursday.

Speaking at the Bank of Springfield Center for the annual Democratic County Chairs Association Brunch and later on the director’s lawn at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, the state’s top Democrats highlighted recent legislative victories and provided an early look into their political strategy for the 2024 election, focusing on abortion rights and protecting democracy.

On Thursday, GOP party leaders sidestepped and redirected questions about former President Donald Trump, instead stressing the need for members to participate in vote-by-mail and early voting.

While the vote for president is the only statewide race next year, the ballot will include all 17 congressional seats, of which Democrats currently hold a 14-3 advantage, as well as all 118 state House seats and at least 20 of the 59 Senate seats. Democrats hold supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, with 78-40 seats in the state House and 40-19 in the Senate.

| AROUND THE STATE

Governor Pritzker Announces Recipients of Megasites Investment Program

“Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the recipients of the Megasites Investment Program funded through Rebuild Illinois Capital Funds. Through the program, the state will leverage $23 million in grants to generate $144 million total investments in 9 projects across the state,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Board of Review, County Bureau of Technology miss deadline to present on property tax software costs to technology committee

“According to the Board of Review, an extension was necessary, as expected, because the office needed to focus on getting property tax bills out as efficiently as possible and completing a computer system-related project,” by The Daily Line.

Illinois hits record jobs level, finally passes pre-pandemic peak

“Illinois finally has passed its pre-pandemic jobs level, with a record of more than 6.15 million non-farm positions in July, the state announced [yesterday],” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayoral allies nearing compromise on plan to raise tax on higher-end home sales, but office building owners still not buying in

“The compromise that Chicago voters will be asked to approve in a binding referendum in March is the one that now former Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara floated last month. The changes are expected to reduce the annual revenue by $20 million — from $160 million to $140 million,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Johnson on his first 100 days: It’ll take time ‘to right this ship in its entirety’

“In a wide-ranging interview, Mayor Johnson reveals he’s more concerned about building consensus than about checking boxes on his list of campaign promises,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

As Friday Morning Swim Club grows, so do safety concerns

“Has Friday Morning Swim Club gotten too big for its own good? As more people join the early morning plunge, the club is breaking almost every rule the park district has about swimming — and getting away with it,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

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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