Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (3/5)

March 5, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Legislative revenue estimate more than $700M lower than Pritzker’s proposed budget 

“The General Assembly’s bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability released a new fiscal year 2026 revenue projection Tuesday that is $737 million short of the proposal Pritzker introduced last month,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Illinois Gov. Pritzker warns 1 million may lose health care coverage if Medicaid funding cut 

“In a new op-ed in the Chicago Tribune, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said up to a million residents of the state will lose health care coverage if funding for Medicaid is cut as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the size of federal spending,” by MyStateline.

Trump administration ends reimbursements for Illinois food programs 

“The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that changes to federal funding mean Illinois is missing reimbursements for costs for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, or LFPA, and can no longer run the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, or RFSI,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Illinois lawmakers push bill to ban food additives linked to health risks 

“Illinois lawmakers are pushing a bill to ban food additives that have been linked to cancer and behavioral issues, but there is a debate over who should regulate it. The bill targets erythrosine — or red dye No. 3 — brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate and propylparaben,” by NPR Illinois.

With electricity price spikes coming, environmental and industry groups pitch reform 

“Illinois faces potential energy shortfalls and all-but-guaranteed price spikes for northern Illinois this summer, consumer and environmental advocates say. Lawmakers and advocates in Springfield have proposed bills that they say would address their concerns — but it’s unclear whether they’re likely to pass by the General Assembly’s expected May 31 adjournment,” by Capitol News Illinois.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson defends Chicago’s sanctuary laws during opening testimony before GOP-led congressional committee

“Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered a forceful defense of Chicago’s storied history as a haven for immigrants Wednesday morning during a Republican-led congressional hearing on sanctuary policies, setting the stage for a day rife with political theater over one of the nation’s most divisive issues,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago is kicking off the search for its next schools chief 

“Chicago’s school board is kicking off its search for the district’s next top leader — one of its most consequential decisions, coming on the heels of unprecedented leadership turmoil in the district. The board is enlisting Alma Advisory Group to run a national search for a replacement for Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.

Real estate firm sues Chicago Housing Authority over alleged mishandling of lead poisoning lawsuit

“The Habitat Co., a property management and development firm that used to oversee 3,400 units of public housing for the Chicago Housing Authority, is suing CHA and two of its attorneys for an alleged breach of contract and legal malpractice over the agency’s handling of a lead poisoning lawsuit brought by two residents,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CTU Delivers 5 ‘Must Haves,’ Ramping Up Pressure to Finalize New Teachers Contract

“After nearly a year of bargaining, Chicago Teachers Union officials believe a contract agreement is close and submitted on Wednesday a list of their five “absolute must haves” to push a new contract over the goal line,” by WTTW.

Chicago buildings make initial GSA list of noncore assets slated for disposal 

“The General Services Administration on Tuesday released a sprawling list of “non-core” federal properties slated for sale or disposal, including several in Chicago,” by the Chicago Business Journal.

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – Follow the Money

A fight between the two parties over the power of the purse is increasing the odds of a government shutdown later this month.

Several contributors to Project 2025 have gone on to major roles in the Trump administration, and the policy document offers a guide to understand the policies of Trump 2.0.

Republicans have their very own ideas about what types of energy they prefer, even within the category of renewables.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – The Cost of Musk’s Efficiency Revolution

Most Americans agree the federal government overspends and our debt is unsustainable. But Elon Musk’s approach at the Department of Government Efficiency is challenging assumptions—not about the problem, but the execution. Instead of the usual bureaucratic reshuffle, he’s taking unprecedented action, with ripple effects reaching localized federal workers. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Kyle Anderson.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Authors

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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