Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (2/4)

February 4, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker sticking to proposal to fully fund pensions 

“The governor announced on Monday he is reviving a plan he introduced during his 2024 budget address that calls for fully funding pensions by 2048 and changing benefits calculations to comply with Social Security requirements,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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Illinois lawmakers introduce bill to expand voter registration for high schoolers

“House Bill 4339 is known as the Jesse Jackson, Sr., Young Voter Empowerment Law, and if passed it would require Illinois high schools to provide students with opportunities to register to vote,” by NBC Chicago.  

Illinois lawmakers, advocates hope House passes 340B reform plan

“Illinois lawmakers and advocates are renewing their push to lower drug prices by regulating 340B contracts. Many believe the federal program limits healthcare organizations and hospitals from providing discounted medications,” by WAND News.  

Illinois joins WHO global outbreak network after U.S. withdraws

“Illinois will join the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, or GOARN, to counterbalance the federal government’s withdrawal, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

Illinois Congressional Republicans question state election integrity 

“Republican Congress members Darin LaHood, Mary Miller, and Mike Bost sent a letter to the Illinois State Board of Elections asking about the accuracy of voter rolls and compliance with federal voter registration laws,” by 25News Now. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson names interim chief financial officer

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed Steven Mahr to serve as interim chief financial officer,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Mayor Johnson defends executive order aimed at holding ICE accountable for alleged abuses

“Mayor Brandon Johnson Tuesday defended his decision to order Chicago police officers to document alleged abuses by federal immigration agents for potential felony prosecution after the county’s top prosecutor questioned his plan’s ‘legality,’” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Chicago schools, transit, public housing remain rudderless under Mayor Brandon Johnson

“Chicago’s schools, its train and bus system and its public housing agency have all been without permanent leaders for at least a year now under Mayor Brandon Johnson, complicating their mission to deliver essential services without someone setting clear goals and funding priorities at the top,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Alderpeople Say COPA Should Investigate Chicago Police Conduct During Immigration Raids, Protests

“The Chicago City Council will vote Feb. 18 on a proposal that would allow the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to investigate whether CPD officers have violated city law by helping federal immigration agents,” by WTTW.  

Mayor Brandon Johnson says it’s up to Cook County state’s attorney to prosecute federal agents 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday said it’s now up to Cook County state’s attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke to decide whether to prosecute federal immigration agents for crimes they committed in Chicago, after he signed an executive order he said lays the groundwork for the unprecedented move,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: How Trump Plays the Great Game

In times past, the world revolved around oil. Global power still does but it is increasingly entwined with other forms of power that feed both the grid and the technology that drive the Information Age. 

Normally, the enactment of all 12 annual appropriations bills is the end of the road for federal spending negotiations in any given year, but in Trump 2.0, it’s only just the beginning of the process. 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will expire this September so lawmakers will have to consider a new surface transportation reauthorization bill. Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Mamdani First 30 Days & Key NY Congressional Races

30 days into the Mamdani administration, New York City finds itself blanketed in snow and ice as early signals from City Hall begin to take shape. The New York Public Strategies team examines key appointments, executive actions, and evolving relationships with Washington, while previewing the state and federal races to watch ahead of 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman (DC), Jamie Ansorge (NY), and Rose Christ (NY). 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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