Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (1/27)

January 27, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

New state transportation boss looking to cure Kennedy construction ‘headache,’ focus on speeding up projects

“Gia Biagi has been at the wheel of the Illinois Department of Transportation for less than two weeks, but she already is planning to hit the accelerator on construction projects, including the slow-moving Kennedy Expressway headache,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois schools prepare for immigration enforcement

“The Illinois State Board of Education is encouraging local school districts to adopt clear policies spelling out how and when their staff should cooperate with federal immigration officials carrying out enforcement actions or seeking information from school officials,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Trump order freezes funding for Illinois EV charging network, raises questions about other clean energy projects 

“In its quest to get a million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, Illinois was counting on $148 million in federal funding to help build a statewide network of public EV chargers. Now that funding has been frozen — and targeted for possible reduction or elimination — under a wide-ranging executive order that President Donald Trump signed on his first day in office,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois announces $7M available through tech incubator program

“On Friday, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $7 million in funding for the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants Program, aimed at establishing support for startups and small businesses,” by StateScoop.

Illinois launches $10M grant program for small businesses

“The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity launched a $10 million grant this week for small businesses to help pay for such things as land and building acquisitions, site improvements and equipment purchases,” by the Chicago Business Journal.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Targeted immigration enforcement efforts underway in Chicago

“Targeted immigration enforcement operations by multiple agencies were launched in Chicago Sunday, with top Trump administration officials in the city to oversee the operation. Multiple sources told CBS News Chicago that those held by ICE Sunday have active warrants,” by CBS News Chicago.

Closing arguments in Madigan trial to continue Monday with more from his defense 

“An attorney for Michael Madigan on Monday repeatedly denied that the ex-House speaker ever thought utility giant ComEd was bribing him, and painted co-defendant Michael McClain as an exaggerator who would frequently use Madigan’s name to inflate his own significance,” by the Chicago Tribune.

City of Chicago conducts annual count of everyone experiencing homelessness 

“More than 250 people walked designated routes through the city Thursday night for a physical count of everyone who is experiencing homelessness — including everyone in shelters,” by CBS News Chicago.

Can The Google Effect Revive The Loop? Experts Say Yes 

“Google’s $105 million purchase of the Thompson Center in 2022 marked a turning point for Chicago’s struggling financial district. Plagued by high office vacancies and dwindling foot traffic, the area is now being primed for city-backed residential projects and the arrival of thousands of Google employees,” by Block Club Chicago.

Candidates and political groups poured more than $13 million during Chicago’s first school board election

“The Chicago Teachers Union was the biggest spender in Chicago’s first school board elections, which pitted the union against pro-school choice groups as both angled for influence on a new, partly-elected board,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – Disruption is a Process

President Trump launched a rollback of Biden-era regulations on day one of his second term, but following through on his campaign trail deregulatory promises will take a matter of years, not just days, weeks, or months.

Even though all the attention is on the coming reconciliation push, don’t ignore the possibility of bipartisan measures passing through Congress.

President Trump is nothing if not a disruptor, and his second administration could disrupt the federal government’s traditional contracting processes.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – Trump 2.0: Rebranding America

Trump’s second inauguration and the signing of over 40 executive actions signal the administration’s ambitious vision to rebrand America as a “winning” nation. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

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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