Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/1)

April 1, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Statewide warehouse pollution reduction bill fails to meet committee deadline

“A proposal that would have created the first statewide regulations aimed at curbing pollution generated by fulfillment centers, parcel hubs and sorting facilities failed to receive a committee vote in either chamber of the General Assembly,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief

“Illinois property owners could score tax relief checks of $1,500 on average if a new ‘millionaire’s tax’ succeeds this year, according to former Gov. Pat Quinn,” by Axios Chicago. 

Bill targets zoning laws that block homes for adults with disabilities

“House Bill 1843 would bar municipalities from using zoning mandates to block CILAs and would explicitly state that local zoning boards can’t circumvent the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act or other applicable state laws,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois business leaders press lawmakers as child care costs face scrutiny 

“Illinois business leaders pressured Illinois lawmakers Tuesday to approve billions of dollars in taxpayer‑funded child care investments, arguing that without more public spending, families and small businesses will continue to shoulder the burden of a system they say is already stretched thin,” by the Center Square Illinois. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveils homelessness plan as chief officer departs

“Mayor Brandon Johnson revealed his administration’s five-year plan to tackle homelessness on Tuesday amid another personnel flap that has elicited pushback from one of the city’s nonprofit partners on housing,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Top cop bullish on study calling for 100s more officers — but unions, lack of money could stand in way 

“A staffing study released Wednesday calls on the Chicago Police Department to put hundreds more officers on the street, although the long-awaited plan could be hampered by labor contracts and the city’s financial crisis,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson demotes housing authority board chair over CEO flap 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday removed the Chicago Housing Authority board chair from his leadership position after the mayorally appointed body openly revolted against him last month in installing a new CEO,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Park District pushes $630M Museum Campus overhaul as Bears exit nears 

“The Chicago Park District is intensifying its lobbying campaign for a $630 million revamp of Soldier Field and the Museum Campus even as Mayor Brandon Johnson remains focused on trying to keep the team,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Iran Refuses to Follow Trump’s Playbook 

President Trump has focused on foreign policy in his second term and scored a win in Venezuela, though Tehran’s leverage makes Trump’s assault on Iran significantly different. 

The idea of a second budget reconciliation bill is gaining momentum again but continues to face complications from the internal dynamics of the GOP.

As lawmakers race to resolve the outstanding issues preventing digital asset market structure legislation from becoming law, Trump administration regulators are implementing their own market structure rules using their existing authorities. 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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