Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/25)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Gotion’s $2 billion battery plant is a possible front for Chinese spies, Illinois GOP claims

“Is the $2 billion electric vehicle battery plant scheduled to open next year in downstate Manteno really a front for Chinese communists to spy on key U.S. military installations? That’s the suggestion from not a fringe political group but the Republican Party of Illinois in a new fundraising pitch that effectively calls for the largest new industrial development in the state in decades, one that eventually will create 2,600 well-paid jobs, to be scrubbed amid national security concerns,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Two Chicago area GM and Stellantis plants join UAW strike against Big Three automakers

“Employees at two Chicago area GM and Stellantis plants have joined thousands of other United Auto Workers on strike against the Big Three automakers, as UAW announced all GM and Stellantis parts and distribution centers will join the strike on Friday,” by CBS Chicago.

Measures on Cook County Health staffing, missing and murdered Black women, and opioid settlement funds introduced at county board

“Cook County commissioners introduced a measure to hold a hearing on Cook County Health’s use of staffing agencies, a measure to hold a hearing on missing and murdered Black women and a measure calling for opioid settlement funds to be used to fight trauma and substance abuse Thursday,” by The Daily Line.

Advocates keep pressure on Pritzker Administration to end restrictions on healthcare program for undocumented immigrants

“Hundreds of supporters and some state lawmakers organized by Healthy Illinois gathered at Federal Plaza on Friday to call on Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration to lift limits on the state’s healthcare program for undocumented immigrants and back policies that move the state toward universal health care,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

Mayor Johnson’s pick for CPD superintendent heads to City Council for final vote 

The Chicago City Council’s Police and Fire Committee on Friday unanimously advanced the appointment of Counterterrorism Chief Larry Snelling as the next superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

Alderpersons greeted the Englewood native and 31-year CPD veteran with a round of applause. They then spent hours publicly questioning Snelling on how he plans to run the police department, including his plans for public safety, retaining and recruiting officers, and department reform.

Throughout the hearing, Snelling vowed to work with Chicagoans to rebuild trust, recruit new cops, prioritize officer training and wellness, and tackle crime.

When asked about mental health and wellness resources for Chicago police officers, Snelling stressed: “Mental health resources need to be in place for officers while they are both on and off the clock. Additionally, department leadership needs to step up and recognize when officers need help.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick for top cop now heads to the full City Council for approval during a special council meeting Wednesday.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor, All But 2 City Council Members In Line For Raises In January

“Alds. Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez were the only alderpeople to reject the raise,” by Block Club Chicago.

At the White House, Cook County Board President Preckwinkle, Mayor Johnson talk about City Hall thaw

“Preckwinkle, who is also the boss of the Cook County Democratic Party, and Johnson were invited to the White House by the Biden team for the Rose Garden launch of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Volunteers say buses of migrants arriving in Chicago at increased rate

“Volunteers assisting with the effort to care for asylum-seekers who have arrived in Chicago said Saturday rates of arrival are higher than ever before,” by the Chicago Tribune.

New census data finds 1 in every 5 Chicagoans identifies as Mexican

“The city’s population is about one-third white, one-third Black, one-third Latino and one-tenth Asian,” by the WBEZ Chicago.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Americans desensitized to the government shutdown

The dysfunction of government shutdown and party in-fighting may only matter as much as the media is willing to cover it. At large, the American people are more concerned about the 2024 presidential election outcome.

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.

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