Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/22)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois lawmakers visit Broadview ICE facility months after they were denied entry 

“A group of Illinois lawmakers who were denied entry into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s processing facility in suburban Broadview in June returned on Monday, court order in hand, and toured the facility for roughly an hour,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

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Justice Department sues for access to Illinois voter rolls

“The U.S. Department of Justice filed suit Thursday against the state of Illinois seeking access to its complete, unredacted voter registration database, including sensitive personal data such as dates of birth, driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Chief of new Illinois panel vows to hold Trump immigration blitz accountable — ‘We will not forget’ 

“A panel of local officials took its first crack Thursday at trying to hold federal immigration agents accountable for the deluge of alleged abuses that have unfolded across the Chicago area under the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation campaign,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Chicago Bears’ Threat to Move to Indiana a ‘Slap in the Face,’ Gov. Pritzker’s Office Says 

“Gov. JB Pritzker’s office blasted the Chicago Bears announcement that they are considering moving to Northwest Indiana, since state officials have declined to subsidize their plans to build a new stadium and entertainment district in Arlington Heights,” by WTTW.

As state regulators warn of impending energy shortfalls, capacity prices rise again

“Illinois’ electric grids may soon face power shortages and further price increases as fossil fuel plants go offline and data centers fueling the rise of artificial intelligence demand ever-increasing amounts of power,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Aldermen pass 2026 budget in historic revolt against Mayor Brandon Johnson

“Aldermen passed the final part of a counterproposal to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2026 budget on Saturday, in a historic meeting that redraws the political lines at City Hall and further imperils his progressive agenda,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Trump administration threatens $50 million CTA funding cut, says security plan is ‘materially deficient’

“The Chicago Transit Authority’s new security plan, implemented to avoid losing federal funding, is ‘materially deficient’ and doesn’t go far enough to target violent crime, President Donald Trump’s administration said Friday while threatening to withhold up to $50 million in funding,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City Council Passes 2026 Budget: Here Are The Major Fees And Changes 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson could still veto the alternative spending plan, which includes a shopping bag tax increase, a new retail liquor fee and a small property tax hike to help fund the public library system,” by Block Club Chicago. 

Cook County’s top prosecutor offers alternative to jail for Chicago teens accused of serious crimes 

“The Cook County state’s attorney’s office will launch a new pilot program offering an alternative to jail for teenage boys from the city’s West Side who’ve been accused of serious crimes,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Cook County property tax troubles trigger school district losses, reform demands 

“The due date for property tax bills has come and gone, but Cook County officials remain under siege,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

FEDERAL

‘Twas the Night Before 2026

In this holiday special, our hosts look back on the 2025 federal landscape the only way that feels appropriate, through seasonal song parodies paired with real-world anecdotes spanning the White House and Capitol Hill. From unpacking the first year of Trump 2.0 to navigating the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, our politicos blend humor, harmony, and political and policy truths as we look ahead to 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Patrick Martin. Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Cozen Currents: AI-merica First

President Trump issued an executive order that seeks to block state AI laws, but his own party is divided over the issue. 

The Trump administration’s decision to approve the sale of Nvidia’s H200 semiconductors to China represents a significant departure from the previous consensus in Washington on sales of advanced chips to China. 

The Trump administration is pursuing efforts to decrease its reliance on Chinese critical mineral supply chains not only through a whole-of-government approach domestically but also the uncharacteristically multilateral support of allies and partners abroad. Read the Cozen Currents here.

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