Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (9/27)

ILLINOIS

Pritzker announces transitions on communications team

On Friday, Governor JB Pritzker announced the addition of two members to his communications team; he also announced that two members are departing from their roles.

Pritzker welcomed Matt Hill and Emily Bolton to the administration as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Director of Agency Communications, respectively. The two will replace Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Strategic Media Jordan Abudayyeh and Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Agency Strategy Jason Rubin, who are both stepping away from their positions after six years of leading communications for the Pritzker administration.

“Jordan Abudayyeh and Jason Rubin have been essential advisors since day one of this administration,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “For nearly six years in state government, they have met every moment with an approach that is the hallmark of their work: thoughtful, deliberate, and above all, fighting to ensure the people of Illinois were at the center of every message in and out of my office.”

Both Hill and Bolton’s bios can be found here.

AROUND THE STATE

Quinn calls on voters to support property tax ballot question as Cook County officials push ‘circuit breaker’ relief  

“Former Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn spoke to the House Revenue and Finance Committee on Thursday advocating for lawmakers to advance legislation that follows an advisory referendum Illinois voters will voice their opinions on this fall,” by The Daily Line.

Illinois voters will consider whether millionaires should be taxed more to fund property tax relief

“The advisory referendum is not binding. But if passed later, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration estimates the tax could generate $4.5 billion annually,” by WBEZ.

Illinois Dems continue focus on down-ballot races as early voting begins

“The campaign focuses on four goals: statewide engagement, targeted support, volunteer coordination and voter turnout. This includes an expected million-dollar advertising push across a variety of communications,” by The Daily Line.

State agency lacks data to back $6 million in unemployment claims, audit finds

“The state agency charged with distributing unemployment benefits continued to fall short in administering claims filed during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving auditors unable to determine if more than $6 million wound up in the proper hands, according to a report released Thursday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Appointments of Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard blocked by Cook County judge

“In a ruling Wednesday, Judge Thaddeus Wilson said Henyard didn’t abide by proper procedure when she named Ronnie Burge Sr. as police chief, Michael Smith as village administrator and Angela Lockett as village attorney,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

Johnson considers late budget proposal release

Mayor Brandon Johnson is considering pushing back the release of his FY 2025 budget proposal as the city grapples with how to close a $982 million budget gap.

Johnson, who was originally scheduled to deliver his annual budget address October 16, is considering pushing that date back to October 30. The mayor’s office has not yet confirmed this change but an announcement could come sometime early next week.

The decision would push department hearings back from late October to early November, with a City Council vote on the budget plan not occurring until early December. The deadline to approve a balanced budget is December 31.

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago school board doesn’t fire CEO — but does commit to no closures until 2027

“The Chicago Board of Education did not remove Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez from his post during its Thursday meeting. The school board did unanimously pass a resolution put forward by Martinez that said it will not close schools until 2027. That vote came at the end of what was an often tense public meeting that drew many supporters and opponents of Martinez,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Johnson seeks approval for $1.5 billion debt refinancing

“Johnson filed the proposed ordinance last week, and it now sits with the City Council’s Finance Committee. If passed by the committee, which meets on Oct. 2, the measure then needs approval from the full council,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Burnett says to count him out of ShotSpotter veto override

“Newly confirmed Zoning Committee Chair Walter Burnett (27th) said Thursday he wants to keep ShotSpotter, but will not cast the 34th vote needed to clinch an override of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s threatened veto,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City Removing Police And Fire Departments From Mental Health Emergency Response Program

“The CARE program, which launched in 2021, previously deployed mental health professionals and specially trained police to certain 911 calls. Police and fire personnel will no longer be part of the response teams,” by Block Club Chicago.

Brandon Johnson takes, gives back campaign cash from janitorial businesses that share in fat CPS contracts

“While the mayor’s campaign refunded several contributions from custodial companies and industry executives, it defended keeping $1,000 from a businessman who was part of Aramark’s losing bid to continue as CPS’ janitorial contractor,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mayor Johnson inks $100 million increase for Favorite Healthcare Staffing

“Facing a nearly $1 billion budget deficit, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson side-stepped questions Thursday about a $100 million pay increase for Kansas-based company – Favorite Healthcare Staffing – which has staffed the city’s migrant shelters,” by NBC 5 Chicago.

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.

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