Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/25)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker says Bears megaproject bill is in hands of state legislature 

“Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters in Springfield Tuesday that he would like to see state lawmakers pass legislation to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois sooner rather than later,” by WAND News.  

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Estate tax reform ‘something that I could support,’ Pritzker says

“Gov. JB Pritzker, speaking with reporters after an event with FFA and F-H students Tuesday morning, said that he would be open to signing changes to the estate tax if they hit his desk,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

Pritzker defends Michael Sacks’ support of AIPAC

“Gov. JB Pritzker defended his political ally Michael Sacks over the influential Democratic donor’s support for a pro-Israel super-PAC that has proved a divisive force within the state party during the recent primary election,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledges ‘real failures’ in immigration system after Loyola student’s killing

“Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday said there were ‘real failures’ in the nation’s immigration system that led to the fatal shooting of Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman last week, and added that while fixes need to be made to the system, that responsibility lies with the administration of President Donald Trump,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Johnson vetoes plan to freeze subminimum wage for tipped workers

“Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday used his third veto to bury an ordinance that would have frozen the hourly pay of Chicago’s tipped workers at 76% of the minimum wage, and he’s likely to make it stick unless there’s a compromise to give struggling restaurants a short break,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Johnson says he was unaware deputy mayor had filed internal complaint before firing him

“Mayor Brandon Johnson says he was not aware his former deputy mayor for community safety and another aide filed complaints with the Office of Inspector General against the mayor’s top advisers before they were abruptly fired last week,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Trump administration must temporarily unfreeze CTA Red Line funds, judge orders 

“The Trump administration must temporarily unfreeze almost $2 billion in federal funds for the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line Extension project, a federal judge ruled Tuesday,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

CHA Commissioner Debra Parker accused of defrauding the public housing agency  

“Eight years later, she’s fighting to keep her board seat and the voucher after an internal investigation by the CHA and multiple hearings determined that she committed fraud, according to a copy of the hearing officer’s decision reviewed by the Sun-Times and WBEZ,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago’s human rights commissioner resigns as Mayor Brandon Johnson defends public safety leaders’ firings 

“Another senior official is leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, even as the mayor on Tuesday defended his recent decision to abruptly fire two top aides tasked with improving public safety,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Democrats’ Oversight Agenda 

In anticipation of winning control of the House in the November midterm elections, Democrats are developing their oversight strategy with an eye towards outflanking President Trump by going around the administration. 

A subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing this week on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides immunity for online platforms regarding third-party content, as the law marks its 30th anniversary. 

Turmoil in the private credit market is testing the Trump administration’s regulation by competition approach to the rapidly growing industry. 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.

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