Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (2/3)

February 4, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Heading into budget season, Gov. JB Pritzker faces major challenge to show ‘Illinois can govern itself’

“With Gov. JB Pritzker still weighing whether to seek a third term, the firmer foundation he’s laid for Illinois’ historically shaky finances faces a major stress test from ballooning deficit projections, increased spending pressures and uncertainty over federal assistance with President Donald Trump back in the White House,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Judge blocks Illinois retailers from joining credit card fee lawsuit 

“A federal judge denied retailers their bid to join Illinois as defendants in a lawsuit brought by bankers attempting to block a law limiting the amount of fees collected in credit card transactions,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Trump tariffs on Canada and Mexico could hit Illinois hard 

“Trump’s tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico — which could come as early as this weekend — will likely hit Illinois companies and consumers hard. Canada is the largest export market for Illinois, followed by Mexico. But Illinois companies import far more from the two countries than they export,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Illinois lawmakers revive push to create prescription drug affordability board

“With prescription drug costs soaring, Illinois lawmakers announced legislation this week reviving efforts to create a prescription drug affordability board with the goal of capping the growing cost of medication,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Gov. JB Pritzker bans convicted Jan. 6 participants from consideration for state jobs, in memo

“Governor JB Pritzker is calling on the Department of Central Management Services to reject those pardoned by President Trump for their involvement in the Jan. 6 attacks at the U.S. Capitol for consideration for state jobs. In a letter addressed to director Raven DeVaughn, Pritzker says those who participated in attacks violated the State’s personnel code,” by CBS Chicago.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to tax hemp and pass the ‘Anjanette Young ordinance’ in his 2025 to-dos 

“Coming off a bruising budget season, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will spend the next few months trying to claw back revenue from the state, spark a new funding stream for the city by taxing hemp and chip away at some progressive priorities on public safety, the environment and housing,” by WBEZ Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools and teachers union continue haggling over a new contract. What’s settled and what’s next? 

“After nearly nine months of bargaining, the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools have yet to settle a new, four-year contract. The two groups concluded fact-finding last week. In their most recent effort to settle, they presented extensive briefs to a third-party law arbitrator,” by the Chicago Tribune.

High-ranking Chicago Housing Authority director fired amid ongoing staff exodus 

“The Chicago Housing Authority has seen major turnover in recent months, with four top officials resigning and a high-ranking aide being fired over an inspector general investigation that found alleged financial and ethical misconduct,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Madigan jury has resumed deliberations in Madigan trial, turning attention to ComEd allegations 

“Jurors deliberating in the trial of Michael Madigan on Monday asked a question about evidence related to a ComEd board seat, signaling that they are considering the wide-ranging ComEd allegations in their fourth day of discussions,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Activist sues Bally’s Chicago over race-based casino IPO 

“A group led by conservative activist Edward Jay Blum on Wednesday sued a subsidiary of Bally’s Corp. over its plan to offer women and minorities dedicated equity stakes in a Chicago casino,” by the Chicago Business Journal.

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – The GOP’s Elusive Spending Cuts

In the face of competing pressures to cut spending and extend trillions in expiring tax cuts, GOP lawmakers are struggling to agree on how to finance their domestic policy agenda.

While President Trump’s return to the White House means tariffs will again dominate the US-China relationship, they will not be the only tool the new administration uses.

Big changes are coming to electric vehicles. Most of them can’t be accomplished by a day one executive order though.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – Trump’s Second Week: From Order to Chaos

Trump’s return to the White House began with a decisive policy rollout but quickly unraveled amidst confusion, uncertainty, and tragedy. A hastily issued OMB memo freezing aid to 2,600 programs—only to be swiftly reversed—sparked confusion and concern. This was compounded by Trump 2.0’s first major crisis with the tragic commercial aviation disaster on the shores of the Potomac. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French and Kyle Anderson.

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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