Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (8/28)

August 28, 2023

Editor’s Note: Illinois Insights will be taking a break starting Wednesday, August 30th through Labor Day. Updates will resume on Wednesday, September 6th. 

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Where Illinois’ jobs engine is sputtering

“The Illinois economy is still adding jobs, except in a few key pockets. The biggest source of job losses has been professional and business services, the third-largest sector of the state’s economy. But most of the cuts were at the bottom of the ladder, not the top,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Lawmakers pushing legislation to give convicted prisoners voting rights

“The Democrats led by Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) are calling on the General Assembly to consider HB39, which would allow a person serving time in an Illinois prison for a conviction to be able to vote in elections. Current Illinois law prohibits a person in prison from voting until they are released,” by The Daily Line.

GOP lawmakers call for ethics reform special session following another guilty verdict

“With another black eye on Illinois politics with the conviction of Michael Madigan’s former chief of staff, Republicans are calling for changes. Tim Mapes was convicted of perjury for lying to a grand jury to protect his former boss. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison in the case with a sentencing date of Jan. 10,” by The Center Square.

CHICAGO

Fundraising continues for Democratic National Convention 

With less than one year until the Democratic National Convention is set to take place in Chicago August 19-22, Democratic fundraisers are working hard to raise the $90 million needed to fund the event.

Despite the high estimated total costs and daring pledge to the DNC that the convention would leave them debt-free, Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this month sounded confident about current fundraising dollars and cash flow trajectory.

“Fundraising is going very well. It is,” Pritzker said at the Illinois State Fair. “I’ve made some of those calls. I can tell you. Things are going very well. We’re pleased. We know what pace we’ve got to be on to meet the deadline. I am absolutely satisfied.”

Fundraising is expected to ramp up after Labor Day, with organizers leaning on corporations and wealthy donors in Illinois and across the country to help cover the costs.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Migrants in Chicago face frustrating waits for work permits

“Most migrants must wait 150 days after filing for asylum to apply for a work permit and can’t get that until their application has been pending at least 30 days, often longer,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

After backlash, and muscle from the mayor, Logan Square Farmers Market reopens

“Vendors protested a plan to pause the popular market this week. A street closure permit was approved through the end of October, and the market operated as usual,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Jill Biden to headline Chicago Federation of Labor event in Chicago Wednesday

“The reception will provide a venue for the first lady to deliver a White House tribute to organized labor, one of the strongest parts of the Democratic base,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City could buy MWRD property to use for migrant shelter on the North Side

“A key City Council committee on Monday will consider a proposal to buy property from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) to operate a migrant shelter. The 10.7-acre property at 3034 W. Foster Ave. in the 39th Ward includes a building complex that is leased to the Marine Corps Forces Reserve but they have vacated the buildings and are in the process of terminating the lease. The city is planning to buy the property (O2023-0003069) for $1.5 million,” by The Daily Line.

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

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