Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/16)

September 16, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois, Chicago sue to block Trump plan to restrict green cards to legal Medicaid, SNAP users

“The state of Illinois and city of Chicago, along with a coalition of other states and cities controlled by Democrats, are suing the Trump administration to block a new federal rule that would give immigration officials broader authority to deny green cards to those who have legally been using public aid like Medicaid and food stamps,” by NPR Illinois.  

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Former federal prosecutor to take over as Illinois’ acting legislative ethics watchdog Oct. 1

“A former federal prosecutor will temporarily take over as the Illinois General Assembly’s top ethics watchdog, stepping into an office roiled by controversy over how sexual harassment complaints against a former state lawmaker were handled,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

President Trump endorses Darren Bailey for Illinois governor in 2026

“President Trump has thrown his support behind Darren Bailey, the Republican candidate for Illinois governor,” by CBS News.  

Illinois Democrats cheer Supreme Court mail-in voting order while President Trump lashes out at justices

“President Donald Trump lashed out at the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday for blocking his efforts to give the U.S. Postal Service power to determine who can receive and cast mail-in ballots, while top Illinois Democrats and national voting rights experts hailed the ruling and said it would prevent chaos for the Nov. 3 general election,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson pitches renters’ rights compromise, opponents balk as fight continues

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is backing off a key part of his broad plan to bolster the rights of Chicago renters, but opponents say his proposal remains too extreme,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Parking meter owners offer Chicago $75M in bid to revive stalled $2.53B sale 

“The current owners of Chicago’s parking meters have offered the city a $75 million one-time payment and a cut of future profits in hopes of getting the City Council’s approval of a $2.53 billion sale,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Aldermen call for traffic safety action in wake of city employee’s bike death 

“A group of aldermen is asking the city to take steps to improve traffic safety — steps, they argue, that could have prevented the death of Chicago Department of Transportation employee Riley O’Neil in a Bridgeport traffic crash earlier this year,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Ald. Burnett Pushes Parking Ban, Tougher Rules For Problem Bars After Latest West Loop Shooting

“Ald. Walter Redmond Burnett (27th) is calling for new parking restrictions and changes to liquor license enforcement in the aftermath of a shooting along a prominent stretch of West Loop’s Restaurant Row,” by Block Club Chicago. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Democrats Rage Against the Machine

Progressives surged onto the national stage with a series of Democratic primary victories this year; however, their success so far has largely been confined to safe blue territory. These progressives aren’t expected to pose the same challenges to Democratic congressional leadership as the Tea Party or House Freedom Caucus have to their GOP counterparts. 

In the absence of congressional action on AI, California is leading the conversation over regulating frontier models and AI deployment, particularly in relation to employment. 

The US-Canada trade conflict escalated further last week, creating a political headache for Republican Senate candidates in the border states caught in the crossfire. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: The 2026 Midterms: A Battle for the Senate and Both Parties’ Futures

With early voting approaching, the 2026 midterms are emerging as a consequential test for both parties. Our team examines the closely watched Senate races, the voter sentiment shaping the cycle, and what the results could mean for control of Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Patrick Martin (DC). Listen 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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