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

September 25, 2024

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pelosi sets abortion-centered campaign agenda for Illinois Dems  

“Setting the agenda for Illinois Democrats at a fundraiser Monday, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said abortion is a political issue that affects the rest. Pelosi was honored in Chicago on Monday by Personal PAC with a lifetime achievement award on behalf of the Illinois pro-abortion rights organization. In her remarks, Pelosi said protecting access to abortion is a critical freedom in a democracy that also provides women with economic mobility,” by The Daily Line.

Illinois public universities ask lawmakers for equitable, evidence-based funding model

“State lawmakers hope to pass a plan to create an evidence-based funding model for Illinois public colleges and universities. This comes as many of the state’s colleges are tired of waiting for funding to tackle major projects,” by WAND.

Illinois to appeal decision that transit concealed carry ban unconstitutional

“The case Schoenthal v. Raoul, filed two years ago, challenges Illinois’ concealed carry law that carves out places like mass transit where people licensed to carry firearms concealed are prohibited from carrying. Late last month, a Northern District of Illinois federal judge sided with plaintiffs, saying the law violates the Second Amendment,” by The Center Square.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Vacant armory can’t be used as police station because of air traffic safety rules, Mayor Johnson says

“The state wants to transfer a former National Guard armory in Clearing to the city for $1 to house a new police district. But it’s too close to Midway Airport to comply with federal air safety rules, city lawyers said,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Biz groups side with CPS chief Martinez in showdown with mayor

“The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce issued a joint statement urging the board to resist calls to fire Martinez and to reject borrowing $300 million to pay for a disputed $175 million pension payment and costs associated with a potential new contract with the Chicago Teachers Union,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago Expects to Spend Less Than $141M to Care for Migrants in 2024

“Five months after the Chicago City Council agreed to spend an additional $70 million to house, feed and care for migrants, city officials don’t expect to need that money after all,” by WTTW.

Chicago Marathon touts record-breaking $547M economic impact for 2023 race

“A new study released today shows the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon generated $547 million for the city’s economy, setting a new record for the event. The study, carried out by Jones & Associates Economics, reports the race contributed 41% more to the economy compared to the $386 million generated by the event in 2022,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Foreclosure risks, days on market remain high for Chicago office buildings

“A report by a California-based collection agency has found that offices in downtown Chicago have a median of 642 days on the market, which is much higher than the national average of 334,” by The Center Square.

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: It’s (Already) Election Day Somewhere 

Election Day is just 41 days away but voting has already begun in some states, mitigating the impact of both candidates’ campaigns as we draw closer to November 5th.

Tech leaders are divided in supporting Vice President Harris and former President Trump but regardless of the outcome of the election, Silicon Valley is likely to face heat from the federal government.

In the wake of the social upheaval during the pandemic, there was a period of increasing pressure on CEOs to comment on politically-charged events. While the political winds have shifted and the public is now less interested in CEOs speaking out, corporate brands still rely on the companies’ reputation for consistency and sincerity on issues of public import.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Donut Test: How 2024 Stacks Up, Beltway Briefing

Did the minds of any voters change after the Harris-Trump debate? Does the debate matter for down ballot races? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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