Author: Rock Fusco Connelly LLC
Illinois Lawmakers Seek to Streamline Contracting for Service Providers
Contracting with commercial vendors, nonprofits, and service providers is a way for the Illinois government to provide services that meet the unique needs of its communities. Many of these state contractors, however, have expressed frustration with the state’s contracting processes. A 2023 survey of human services government contractors by the Health and Human Services Coalition
US-Iran Peace Agreement Leads to Global Inflation Risks
The recent deal between the US and Iran could pave the way for a recovery in Chinese demand for Iranian crude oil, potentially increasing global inflationary pressure if the agreement holds and energy flows to China resume. During the US-Iran conflict, China reduced crude oil imports, helping ease oil-price pressures amid one of the most
Contractor Lessons from the Obama Presidential Center Project
The Obama Presidential Center was envisioned as both a landmark cultural project and an economic boost for Chicago’s South Side, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for local and minority-owned contractors. While the finished development will stand as an important addition to the city, the path to completion has highlighted the challenges that can
Illinois Lawmakers Propose Expanded Oversight of Homeowners Insurance Rates
Illinois lawmakers recently approved legislation that would significantly expand the state’s regulation of automobile and homeowners insurance rates. Senate Bill 714 and House Bill 4273, which currently await Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signature, would authorize the Illinois Department of Insurance to review and, in certain circumstances, reject rate increases deemed excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory. If
Bears Advance Indiana Stadium Plans
The Chicago Bears have taken a significant step toward a potential move to Indiana after the team’s board of directors voted to advance plans for a new stadium development in Hammond. Although the organization has not announced a final site or entered into a definitive development agreement, the vote signals that Indiana has emerged as
Unionization Effort for Illinois Rideshare Drivers Takes Major Step Forward Following Passage of House Bill 5090
Illinois rideshare drivers may soon gain the ability to unionize following the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of House Bill 5090, the Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. If signed by Governor JB Pritzker, the legislation would establish a process allowing drivers for rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft to select a representative and collectively
Chicago’s Proposed Multi-Unit Building Single Staircase Ordinance
Chicago’s City Council is considering relaxing the city’s building code, which currently requires two staircases in all residential buildings three stories or taller. The proposed ordinance (2025-0017571) would allow new construction buildings up to five stories to have only one staircase. The purpose of the ordinance is to allow Chicago developers to build denser multi-unit
Illinois Updates State Delinquency Legislation
Illinois lawmakers have passed a new bill that could significantly change how delinquent property taxes are handled. The Illinois House and Senate approved House Bill 4537, updating the rules for selling property tax debt. The bill is now waiting for the governor’s signature. Before this bill, Illinois counties sold property debt to investors who could
RFC Attorney Matt Patterson’s Experience with the IRTBA Emerging Leaders Program
This past month, RFC Senior Trial Counsel Matt Patterson participated in the Illinois Road & Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) Emerging Leaders Program. The experience provided a comprehensive look at the transportation infrastructure industry and strengthened our firm’s ability to represent IRTBA clients. The program brought together approximately 40 emerging professionals from across the industry for
Chicago City Council Approves Two-Year Pause on the Elimination of the Tip Credit
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Chicago City Council approved a compromise that pauses the city’s planned elimination of the tip credit for at least two years. At the time of the vote, Chicago’s standard minimum wage was $16.60 per hour, while the tipped minimum wage remained at $12.62 per hour, with the gap historically