Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (8/11)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker, on ‘Meet the Press,’ says he won’t rule out 2028 presidential run

“Gov. JB Pritzker on Sunday’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” said he’s not ruling out a 2028 presidential run — and called President Donald Trump a “cheater” in his personal and professional life,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

‘What more could the governor do?’: Illinois lawmakers doubt state’s districts could be more gerrymandered 

“While Gov. JB Pritzker last week repeatedly said he and his allies in the General Assembly might pursue gerrymandering Illinois’ congressional districts to benefit Democratic candidates even more than they already are, legislators on both sides of the aisle doubt it’ll happen,” by The Daily Herald.

Chicago Bears seek ‘mega’ tax relief bill from Illinois legislature to build stadium 

“Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren said Friday the team requires a big push from the state legislature to reach its goal of digging for a new stadium in Arlington Heights sometime this year. The Bears have the plans drawn up for the indoor stadium but need a mega bill to pass in Springfield in October to supply momentum for the construction,” by 25 News Now.

Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes 

“With Illinois now being home to the highest property tax rates in the country, state Rep. Dan Ugaste is pushing legislation aimed at alleviating part of the load now being heaped on stressed out taxpayers,” by The Center Square.

Attorney General Raoul Issues Warning Letters To 37 Telecom Companies, Launches Operation Robocall Roundup 

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Thursday the launch of Operation Robocall Roundup. As part of this initiative, Raoul and 50 other attorneys general are sending letters to 37 voice providers demanding immediate action to stop illegal robocalls being routed through their networks,” by WCIA.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office denied pushing to weaken CPS board voting rules — but email confirms it was a ‘goal’ 

“Despite Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office saying it was not pursuing controversial changes to the Chicago Board of Education’s voting procedures, his top Springfield lobbyist emailed a state official in the closing days of the spring legislative session expressing interest in a bill that would do just that,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Walter Burnett’s CHA appointment delayed by federal rule 

“Former Ald. Walter Burnett’s appointment to lead the Chicago Housing Authority has been delayed as the city’s Law Department probes a federal rule that potentially makes it difficult for the former elected official to run a housing agency,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Mayor may seek broader power if Springfield won’t let city pursue ‘progressive revenue,’ top aide says 

“If the Illinois General Assembly refuses to support progressive revenue sources needed to help dig Chicago out of its massive budget hole, Mayor Brandon Johnson may seek a dramatic expansion of the city’s home rule authority to allow the city to help itself, a top mayoral aide said Thursday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Trump ends investigations into Chicago’s zoning practices 

“The Trump administration has formally closed two investigations into Chicago’s zoning practices — probes that had been expected to result in settlements requiring the mayor to push for major changes in city law,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago alderperson calls on mayor to make a deal with ComEd that includes relief as bills skyrocket 

“Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) wants the city to finally renew the long-expired power-service agreement that ComEd is operating under, and for Mayor Brandon Johnson to negotiate more relief money for people struggling to pay their electric bills as part of the deal,” by WBEZ Chicago.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – The Battle for the Soul of the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party is searching for a path out of the political wilderness after being locked out of power on the federal level in last year’s elections.

The crypto industry notched its first major legislative victory with the passage of a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins. Now, both industry and lawmakers are turning their attention to the more expansive effort to create a regulatory framework for non-stablecoin digital assets.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – In-Conversation with RealClearMarkets Editor John Tamny

RealClearMarkets editor John Tamny joins host Howard Schweitzer to share his counter-conventional thinking on today’s most pressing economic debates. From fiscal policy to the national debt, Tamny challenges widely held assumptions and urges business and political leaders to think differently. Featuring Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ CEO Howard Schweitzer and RealClearMarkets’ John Tamny.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

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