Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/20)

April 20, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Feds move to block controversial Illinois credit card swipe-fee ban, siding with banks in ongoing legal fight 

“The federal government is looking to stop a controversial Illinois law banning certain credit card fees, a move that appears to favor financial institutions that have fought the state law in court for more than a year,” by the Chicago Tribune.

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Judge grants motion to dismiss lawsuit over National Guard deployment in Illinois

“Six months after federal troops were preparing to deploy to Chicago during Operation Midway Blitz, a federal judge on Monday granted a motion to dismiss the state’s lawsuit over the mobilization amid assurances that the presidential orders have been rescinded,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Illinois lawmakers claim progress on Bears stadium legislation

“Illinois lawmakers did not advance property tax legislation this week that the Chicago Bears say is needed for them to build a domed stadium in Arlington Heights. But key players in negotiations say progress has been made and amended bill language is expected to be filed soon,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois House revives school cellphone ban; bill awaits scrutiny in Senate

“The Illinois House has resurrected a push to ban cellphones and other wireless devices in classrooms during school hours, advancing legislation to the Senate late Thursday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Rahm Emanuel’s mayoral record ‘disqualifying’ for a possible presidential contender, Johnson says

“As former Mayor Rahm Emanuel revs up for a 2028 presidential bid, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday described Emanuel’s eight years as mayor as ‘disqualifying,’” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Chicago Public Schools CEO, CTU, Mayor Johnson divided over plans for CPS to remain open on May Day

“Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Macquline King has now made it clear classes will not be canceled on May Day. Regardless, Mayor Brandon Johnson says the city is coming up with a plan for parents and families to participate,” by ABC7 Chicago.  

Ex-mayor’s aide got child hired by city contractor, let firm do unauthorized work, inspector general says

“A Chicago Office of Inspector General report alleges a high-ranking official of a previous mayoral administration used their city title to get a job for their child with a city contractor, then tried to secure nearly $10 million in payments to the contractor,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Alexi Giannoulias dominates mayoral hopeful fundraising with $12 million haul 

“In the crowded field of candidates committed to or flirting with a run for mayor of Chicago, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias again dominated fundraising to start the year,” by the Chicago-Tribune. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: The Battle for the Soul of the Democratic Party

Democrats are favored to retake control of the House in the midterm elections. However, the composition of their expected majority remains to be determined by ongoing primaries and will make a difference in terms of their agenda. 

President Trump’s recent decision to adjust his tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper underscores his intention of pressing on with tariffs, despite his defeat at the Supreme Court and the looming trade talks with the US’s biggest trading partners. 

As Republicans in Washington debate whether to advance federal election reform legislation by relaxing filibuster rules or pursuing budget reconciliation, several GOP states are passing their own election laws. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: In-Conversation: Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh on Bridging Divides in a Fragmented World

Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh—the first Druze woman elected to the Israeli Knesset and the first non-Jewish anchorwoman to broadcast Israel’s main evening news in Hebrew and Arabic—joins Howard Schweitzer, CEO of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on cross-cultural leadership and shared humanity in a divided world. Drawing on her experience across government and global platforms like the World Economic Forum and Munich Security Conference, she reflects on what it means to lead across cultural, political, and societal divides. Together, they explore geopolitics, the current conflict in the Middle East, rising global polarization, and the leadership traits required to build trust, foster dialogue, and drive progress across communities. 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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