Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/23)

March 23, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

In texts, Gov. Pritzker, Comptroller Susana Mendoza split over Trump-backed school tax credit program in Illinois

“A text from Gov. JB Pritzker to Comptroller Susana Mendoza is exposing a split between the two Illinois Democrats over whether the state should participate in a federal tax incentive program championed by Republicans and signed into law by President Donald Trump,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

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Six years on, Illinois builds defenses for the next pandemic amid federal retreat

“Illinois is stockpiling medical supplies, joining international disease-tracking networks and forming alliances with other states to prepare for the next pandemic — steps driven by what public health officials describe as a hostile and hollowed-out federal public health infrastructure under President Donald Trump,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Pritzker quips on weight loss, Rahm and 2028 buzz in Washington speech

“Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledged his rapid weight loss, joked about former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel — another 2028 presidential hopeful — and critiqued the Trump administration during a speech before Washington journalists and dignitaries on Saturday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

Illinois high court finds employers could be on the hook for time worked outside normal hours

“Illinois law does not specifically shield companies from having to pay employees for time spent completing required pre- and post-work activities, the state Supreme Court unanimously ruled,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

CTA sues Trump administration over frozen Red Line extension funds

“The Chicago Transit Authority sued the Trump administration over its freezing of billions of dollars in federal funds intended for the transit agency’s Red Line extension project,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Johnson proposes $55M tax break for Bulls, Blackhawks 1901 development

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is proposing a $55 million property tax break to help launch the first phase of a $7 billion real estate redevelopment backed by the owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cultural affairs pick sued by former employee

“A former City Hall official filed a lawsuit Friday alleging that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to be commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events fired her in retaliation for agreeing to testify in a misconduct investigation,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Brandon Johnson’s budget director got illegal property tax breaks for 5 years

“For the past five years, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget director has illegally gotten property tax breaks on a South Loop condo she owns but hasn’t lived in since 2019,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson fires community safety chief 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson fired his top community safety leader Thursday despite the fact the mayor has given him credit for playing an important part in Chicago’s recent drop in violent crime,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Tallying the Political Cost of Iran

With the midterm elections less than eight months away, affordability remains one of the top issues for voters, and the conflict in Iran threatens to compound the high prices they face. 

The Treasury Department is racing to implement the many tax deductions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in an effort to meaningfully impact Americans’ pocketbooks ahead of the midterms. 

Although Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s departure is the first Cabinet shakeup of President Trump’s second term, the Trump administration’s immigration policy is unlikely to substantively change. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: In-Conversation: Michael Gips on Navigating Risk in a Polycrisis Era

Security and risk expert and author Michael Gips joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on risk assessment, decision-making, and leadership when certainty is not an option. While most leaders are focused on the immediate pressures of the moment, security and risk professionals are scanning the horizon, identifying fractures in the foundation of institutions before they become crises. From AI-driven disruption to politically fueled threats, they operate where ambiguity is constant and the stakes are high. Together, they explore how these professionals stay grounded and persuade leaders to prepare for risks they cannot yet see, and why that mindset is increasingly essential across every sector. Listen 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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