Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (10/12)

October 12, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker says ‘so much more to do’ in Illinois as he seeks rare 3rd term

“When the retrospective analyses of his tenure in office are written, Gov. JB Pritzker says he hopes his legacy will rest on the same argument he’s making to Illinois voters in seeking a rare third term,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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Trump’s FEMA rejects Illinois disaster aid request for August storms

“Republican President Donald Trump’s administration has denied Illinois’ request for a major disaster declaration that would have unlocked federal aid for eight counties, including Cook and Will, hit by severe storms this August,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Attorney General Raoul Sues Trump Administration For Terminating Funding For Unemployment Insurance System Improvements

“Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 14 states, filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Labor’s unlawful decision to terminate millions of dollars in funding to improve states’ unemployment insurance systems and prevent fraud,” by River Bender.   

Illinois Senate race: Juliana Stratton, F-bomb ads behind her, leans on primary performance versus Don Tracy

“And the candidate who rose to the top of the March primary with fiery ads and policy proposals that caught the eye of even the state’s staunchest progressives — a $25 federal minimum wage, abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, endorsing ‘Medicare for All’ — has since shifted into a vastly more low-key general election campaign, turning down some opportunities to appear alongside her opponent,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoes debt issuance rule backed by aldermen

“Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a veto late Friday to an ordinance passed by aldermen to require more City Council support before City Hall issues debt,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

City Council grills Ishbia team and Amtrak over Bridgeport plans 

“Hours before the Chicago White Sox played a potential series clinching game at Rate Field, Amtrak and a representative for Justin Ishbia got an earful from angry residents and aldermen about their plans for the team’s longtime neighborhood,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Citywide expansion of automated bus, bike lane violation program advances in City Council panel  

“A City Council panel has advanced a measure to expand a program that automates enforcement of parking violations in bus and bike lanes,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Preckwinkle taps reserves to avoid layoffs, new taxes in $9.69B budget — but sets up tougher 2028 

“Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle will unveil a $9.69 billion budget today that avoids layoffs and new taxes by tapping reserves and long-term financial cushions in what she says is the most difficult fiscal maneuver she’s faced,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: The Democrats’ Oversight Agenda 

As the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is in pole position to chair the committee if Democrats win a majority this fall, which would lead to stepped-up oversight of prudential regulators, financial firms, housing regulators, fintechs, and crypto. 

The 2026-27 Supreme Court term began yesterday. The term includes major cases relating to business, elections, and immigration, but the Court’s emergency docket, which features decisions made on an expedited basis without oral arguments, has become increasingly significant during President Donald Trump’s second term. 

The battle for control of Congress has attracted much of the attention ahead of this year’s midterms but voters in a majority of states, including nearly all the 2024 battleground states, will also elect governors this November. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: From the Beltway to City Hall: The Expanding Reach of Government Investigations

Government investigations are no longer just a Washington story. From city councils to state attorneys general to Congress, oversight is becoming more interconnected, and organizations need to understand how local developments can quickly become national issues and vice versa. Featuring Public Strategies’ Rose Christ (NY), Sean Clerget (DC), and Katie Schwab (NY). 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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