Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (2/25)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois legislators introduce bills to regulate pricing based on personal data 

“As top legislators emphasize affordability this session, several lawmakers are taking aim at regulating algorithmic pricing that uses consumers’ personal data,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

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After weeks of tension, Pritzker now strikes upbeat tone on Bears tax talks 

“After days of public frustration over the Chicago Bears’ flirtation with Indiana, Gov. JB Pritzker struck a notably optimistic tone today, saying there is ‘broad agreement’ on legislation the team wants to advance a stadium project in Arlington Heights,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Gov. JB Pritzker renews call to ban cellphones in schools across Illinois after effort fell short last year 

“Just one year after the Illinois General Assembly failed to pass a school cellphone ban, Gov. JB Pritzker is asking lawmakers to advance an even stricter version of the proposal that mandates all public and charter school districts adopt a ban that runs throughout the full school day,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Trump funding cuts and threats to Illinois reach $61.5B and counting 

“President Donald Trump’s second term has thus far been heavily marked by a war of political retribution against his perceived enemies, which includes Democratic-leaning states and cities like Illinois and Chicago,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Parks chief talks up $630M Soldier Field overhaul if Bears bolt

“Even if the Chicago Bears leave for Arlington Heights or Indiana, Soldier Field should get a $630 million overhaul to remain competitive for concerts and major events, according to the head of the Chicago Park District,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at ‘State of the Swamp,’ countering Trump’s State of the Union

“Leaders and supporters at the unofficial event streamed on defiance.org included Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson,” by CBS News.  

Chicago on the hook for paying back millions in late fees collected for parking, city sticker violations: judge

“The city of Chicago could be on the hook to pay drivers back millions of dollars following a class-action lawsuit that alleged it violated state law by tacking expensive late fees onto tickets for infractions like parking without a city sticker,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Cook County tech company says it will not talk to Treasurer Maria Pappas due to ‘abuse’

“The head of a beleaguered Cook County technology contractor announced this week he was cutting off communication between his staff and Treasurer Maria Pappas after what he described as months of verbal abuse and threats to ruin the company’s reputation,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

A new bill would force Chicago Public Schools to pay into municipal retirement fund

“Chicago Public Schools officials are voicing concern about a pair of bills targeting pension costs for employees, particularly one that would force the district to take on a controversial payment into a municipal retirement fund,” by ChalkBeat Chicago.  

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: What DJT Has Made Possible for AOC

In his second term, President Trump has asserted greater executive authority. However, this expansion of presidential power will also be available to the next president, who could be a Democrat such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). 

President Trump is expected to center tonight’s State of the Union address around his administration’s first-year accomplishments, sidestepping much of the forward-looking agenda setting presidents have historically engaged in during midterm years. 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is facing a major shake-up as the White House looks to retool the agency heading into the midterms and use the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement as an offensive weapon. Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: In-Conversation: Kathryn Lowell on Leadership & Presence in Turbulent

Executive coach, image consultant, and author Kathryn Lowell joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on leading with presence and trust in moments of uncertainty. Kathryn explores how trust is built by “going first,” what it means to project presence without proximity, and why human skills like listening and intuition matter more than ever in today’s workplace. Together, they examine how leaders can serve as a steadying force for their teams, balancing authenticity and authority in a world shaped by simultaneous technological, economic, and political disruption. Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

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