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

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker signs bill enacting immigrant protections in courthouses

“Christening it as part of a ‘nation-leading’ response to aggressive federal immigration raids, Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday allowing Illinois residents to sue immigration agents who arrest them in or near courthouses or if they believe their constitutional rights were violated,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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As Indiana Republicans move toward redistricting, Pritzker warns Illinois ‘won’t stand idly by’ 

“Gov. JB Pritzker sent a warning shot across the border Tuesday, declaring Illinois Democrats are ‘ready to stand up’ and gerrymander a new congressional map if Indiana Republicans follow through with a redistricting plan ordered by President Donald Trump,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Illinois AFL-CIO withholds primary endorsements for Senate, comptroller and most open-seat races for Congress 

“The Illinois AFL-CIO, the umbrella organization representing most of the state’s organized labor, opted Tuesday not to make endorsements in several critical races for the March 17 primary, including competitive open-seat contests for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, state comptroller, and some congressional slots,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Pritzker unchallenged on Democrat primary ballot after Tillman removed by board 

“Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his running mate Christian Mitchell will be unopposed in the upcoming Democratic primary. The ballot for Illinois’ March 17 primary is coming into focus with candidates being removed from the ballot for statewide offices after Tuesday’s Illinois State Board of Elections hearing,” by the Center Square Illinois.

Illinois Supreme Court in ‘wait and see’ posture as new public defense policy takes shape 

“A new law designed to reform Illinois’ public defense system is still in the planning phase. The Funded Advocacy and Independent Representation [FAIR] Act, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in August, creates a commission and common public defender’s office over the course of two years,” by WGLT. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Opposition Council members win Round One in budget battle with Mayor Johnson 

“A City Council majority determined to block Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed corporate head tax got the ball rolling Wednesday on their alternative spending plan and their bid to avert an unprecedented shutdown of city government, handing the mayor an initial defeat in the city’s ongoing budget battle,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Hemp ban delayed, but new beverage carve-out makes City Council OK more likely 

“A vote imposing a citywide ban on unregulated intoxicating hemp products was delayed today at City Council — but after adding a carve-out for popular beverages the measure could be approved by the end of the month,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Third Time a Charm? Mayor Johnson Proposes New Corporate Tax Hike to Break Budget Deadlock

“Hoping the third time will be the charm, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday offered to reduce his proposed corporate tax hike to spare companies with fewer than 500 employees in an effort to break the stalemate surrounding Chicago’s 2026 spending plan,” by WTTW.  

CTA board vacancy an opportunity for Mayor Brandon Johnson before he loses mayoral control of transit agency

“A vacancy on the CTA’s board of directors could give Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson a chance to exert some control over the transit agency’s future — months before control over the CTA’s board is wrested away from the mayor for good,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Judge rules Cook County’s tax sale system unconstitutional: report 

“A federal judge has ruled Cook County’s longtime system for selling properties with delinquent taxes unconstitutional — a decision that could expose the county to significant financial liability, the Chicago Tribune reports,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Federal Power vs. City Streets: A Constitutional Shutdown

From Chicago to Portland to Charlotte, President Trump’s deployment of immigration agents to Democratic-led cities has sparked a nationwide debate over the limits of federal authority and local control. Chicago’s showdown with the White House exemplifies the growing tension between Washington and America’s urban centers—and the legal battles that could redefine the balance of power. Featuring Public Strategies’ John Dunn, Pat Carey, and Sydney Holman. Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Cozen Currents: Long Live MAGA?

President Trump’s position as leader of the MAGA movement is secure for now but the future of MAGA after him is an open question.

The signs of Vice President JD Vance’s influence on issues of domestic and foreign policy have grown in recent months as President Trump’s second in command takes on a more front-facing role within the administration.

This year’s state-level redistricting battles are likely to flip a number of Democrat-controlled congressional districts toward the GOP in next year’s midterms, but a series of recent roadblocks and the overall political environment still gives Democrats a strong chance of flipping control of the House of Representatives. Read the Cozen Currents here.

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