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

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois agrees to delay enforcing hemp ban for some businesses amid lawsuit

“Illinois has agreed to temporarily delay enforcement of its expected restrictions on sales of intoxicating hemp products for a number of businesses that sued to stop it, according to a court filing,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

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With new Democratic Congress incoming, Pritzker calls for federal AI regulations 

“In his suggested 200-point national agenda for the new incoming Democratic Congress, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called for a comprehensive federal digital protection framework that addresses privacy, Artificial Intelligence safety and data centers,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

IL lawmakers look to fall session for stadium framework aimed at keeping Chicago Bears in state 

“Illinois lawmakers returning to Springfield for the fall veto session next week are expected to take up a range of issues, including efforts to reach a deal that could help keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois,” by ABC7 Chicago.  

Illinois Republicans assess damage from nationwide ‘blue tsunami’

“Last week’s midterm election couldn’t have gone much worse for Illinois Republicans. The cards were already stacked against them despite the GOP being the incumbent party in power in Washington, and losing all the statewide races was expected,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

City Council majority draws line against $400M in mayor’s tax plan

“A majority of Chicago’s City Council is rejecting nearly $400 million in revenue proposals in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2027 budget, setting up a confrontation over how to close the city’s massive deficit,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Aldermen blast Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to rework gunshot detection test

“As aldermen grilled Mayor Brandon Johnson’s top procurement official for abruptly changing the mayor’s vague plan to test gunshot detection technology in Chicago neighborhoods, they were left without a key piece of information,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Mayor Says He’s ‘Always’ Favored Gunshot Detection Technology As Voters Back Its Return

“Mayor Brandon Johnson said he supports bringing back gunshot detection technology, but he defended his decision to end the city’s contract with ShotSpotter after voters signaled overwhelming support for the technology in Tuesday’s election,” by Block Club Chicago. 

Votes for Chicago’s first fully elected school board are in. What you need to know about all 21 races.

“Chicago Teachers Union-backed candidates won nine seats and one was leading in a race that was too close to call as of Nov. 10. A 10-member bloc would give them some sway on the school board. But the union lost its bid for the powerful president’s seat, with sitting school board member Jessica Biggs clinching that position,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: What the Midterms Did and Didn’t Change

With many of his top legislative priorities already enacted, President Trump enters a divided government, relying on executive action and a smaller but more loyal GOP minority, while the 2028 field begins to take shape around him. 

Democrats exceeded expectations in the midterms, leaving each faction claiming they earned a mandate. But with a much bigger tent now, no faction can dictate the party’s agenda alone. With their 2028 field likely expanding, it will take time before a nominee can assert themselves as the party’s next leader. 

Democrats’ gains in gubernatorial, attorney general, and state legislative elections last week put them in the strongest position they’ve had on the state level since the 2010 Republican wave but Election Day also revealed divisions between moderates and progressives. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: Blue Up & Down the Ballot 

From Texas and Georgia to Ohio, Iowa, and Nevada, Tuesday’s blue tsunami reshaped the political map beyond Washington. With Democratic gains in governors’ races and state legislatures, where can the party advance its agenda and where will divided government require compromise? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Patrick Carey (IL), and Julia Hammond (VA). Listen here.

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