Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (9/30)

September 30, 2024

ILLINOIS

Illinois voters to be asked three questions on fall ballot

This past spring, state lawmakers voted to approve SB 2412 that puts the three advisory questions on the November 5 general election ballot.

The first question reads, “Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, State, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties?”

The second question voters will be asked reads, “Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create a 3 [percent] tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?”

And the third question asks about reproductive healthcare: “Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatment, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization (IVF), be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?”

 

AROUND THE STATE

Capitol News Illinois launches Election Guide as early voting begins in Illinois

“Early voting began Thursday in Illinois, and Capitol News Illinois has launched an interactive Election Guide to help Illinoisans navigate the voting process,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Stateville prison almost empty after state moves quickly to comply with court order

“The state is on track to have moved all but a few inmates out of Stateville Correctional Center by a court-ordered deadline Monday, marking the end of an era for the dilapidated century-old facility and a moment of relief for some former inmates who say they are still haunted by memories of their time there,” by the Chicago Tribune.

 

CHICAGO

City announces revised budget timeline 

The City of Chicago today announced that the introduction of the FY2025 Executive Budget Recommendation has been pushed back to October 30, 2024.

The updated timeline shifts department budget hearings to November 6, 2024, through November 20, 2024. The mayor’s office said that the adjustment will allow additional time for in-depth engagement with City leaders, departments, community stakeholders, labor groups, and City Council members.

“Chicago’s budget must reflect the shared responsibility we have to our residents,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By extending the timeline, we are making sure we engage all voices in this process, ensuring fiscal stability while protecting vital services.”

 

MORE FROM CITY HALL

United Center mega-project sounds enticing, Burnett says. But who’ll pay for new Pink Line station?

“Zoning Committee Chair Walter Burnett says he’s enticed by plans for a proposed $7 billion mixed-use development that would transform a sea of United Center parking lots into a thriving new neighborhood, but wants to know more about its taxpayer-funded infrastructure improvements — including the potential for a new Pink Line station,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CPS considering program cuts and staff furloughs to pay for pending teachers’ contract

“The head of Chicago Public Schools is telling the mayor’s office that paying for the pending Chicago Teacher Union contract could mean mid-year cuts to programming and operations, eliminating some staff training or, as an ‘option of last resort,’ forcing all staff to take furloughs — a move that would ultimately reduce raises negotiated in a new contract,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago aims to ride muni bond refinancing wave sparked by Fed rate cuts

“Municipal bonds sold only to refund existing debt have topped $66 billion so far this year, an increase of nearly three-quarters from the same pace in 2023. Those deals represent nearly 20% of all state and local government debt sales, the largest share since 2021 — a year when 10-year municipal bond yields dropped below 1%, according to data compiled by Bloomberg,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

 

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: A Local Pulse on the National Election 

State-level political commentary often functions as an echo chamber. As red pockets emerge in traditionally blue states like Illinois, New York, and Virginia, it becomes crucial to analyze and compare the local political dynamics, pressing issues, and recent events driving these shifts to build a meaningful national narrative. How will these local challenges shape federal outcomes? What factors are energizing voters at the grassroots level? And what predictions, if any, can be drawn from these local trends for the top of the ticket? Featuring Public Strategies’ John Dunn (Illinois), Rose Christ (New York), and Julia Hammond (Virginia).

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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News