Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/18)

September 18, 2023

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Illinois becomes first state in nation today to eliminate cash bail. Here’s how it will work

“Under the new law, people who are charged with the state’s lowest level offenses will likely never set foot in a jail cell, including at a police station after their arrest,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Gov. Pritzker Announces One Appointment to Boards and Commissions

“George Evans will serve as a Member of the Illinois Community College Board. Evans was appointed as interim President of Kaskaskia College in November 2017 and was named the College’s 11th President in June 2018,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Gov. JB Pritzker Proclaims September 18-24, 2023, Rail Safety Week in Illinois

“In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, will be conducting a week-long safety blitz across the state to share rail safety facts, tips, and resources to keep motorists and pedestrians safe around railroad tracks,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Democrat announces election bid for 70th District

“Randi Olson, of Cortland, is announcing that she’ll seek the Democratic nomination to run for State Representative of the 70th District which covers parts of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry counties,” by WSPY News.

State leaders pitching fiscal progress, green policies to attract businesses

“’Businesses for the first time in decades can look at Illinois as a place where they can trust to do business and a place that is ready, that has all the other elements, the resource riches that we have, plus the stable and predictable financial future,’ Comptroller Susana Mendoza told state business leaders on Thursday at an event at the Executives’ Club of Chicago,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson, Rodriguez-Sanchez propose working group to give recommendations on ‘Treatment Not Trauma’

“Among the dozens of measures proposed during last week’s City Council meeting, Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced an ordinance creating a working group to study a program that would send mental health professionals to calls of people in crisis instead of police,” by The Daily Line.

Back to the kitchen? Mayor’s floor leader rejects latest restaurant industry compromise on subminimum wage

“Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) said the restaurant industry’s latest proposal to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers to $20.54 an hour at Chicago restaurants with more than $3 million in annual revenues is ‘dead on arrival,’” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago aldermen, activists call for city to keep police hearings public

“Several progressive aldermen and activists have joined a growing list of critics calling for the Chicago City Council to reject an arbitrator’s ruling that would allow Chicago police officers accused of serious misconduct to have their disciplinary cases decided behind closed doors,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Trillion-dollar industry powering Chicago is at risk of leaving

“Behind the scenes, market makers and exchanges are working together to press their case with policymakers, with firms that typically compete with each other sharing data to help explain their economic benefits to Chicago. While executives haven’t explicitly threatened to leave, in private conversations it’s clear they will consider quitting the city if crime remains an issue and the financial transaction tax passes,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Is the gov shutdown just a “ritualistic ceremony”?

As the CPS team returns from August Recess, the Beltway is in a downward spiral with a looming government shutdown, a crisis at the southern border, mounting indictments for former President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden, and a House impeachment inquiry into President Biden.

Listen to the full 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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