Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/27)

April 27, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker feels ‘need for speed’ — and changes — with Bears stadium bill

“Property tax incentive legislation approved by the Illinois House this week needs serious changes to keep the Chicago Bears from jumping the border to Indiana, and state senators need to move quickly to keep that from happening, Gov. JB Pritzker urged on Friday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

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Pritzker’s affordable housing plan gets Senate hearing as municipalities remain opposed 

“Illinois lawmakers questioned affordable housing advocates, municipal leaders and members of the public Thursday on Gov. JB Pritzker’s Building Up Illinois Developments plan,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Feds move to shield national banks from Illinois swipe fee law

“The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency proposed a rule protecting federally chartered banks from the controversial swipe fee law set for implementation in Illinois this summer,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

‘Millionaire tax’ amendment won’t be on November ballot as Illinois Democrats can’t come to agreement

“Illinois Democrats failed Thursday to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that would have asked voters in November to impose an additional tax on residents who earn more than $1 million a year, exposing divisions within the party over education funding and dealing a blow to their election-year message on affordability,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson taps an Exelon exec and former prosecutor for watchdog role following rocky IG tenure 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is nominating former U.S. Attorney and corporate compliance professional David Glockner to become the city’s next inspector general. If approved by the City Council, Glockner would replace Deborah Witzburg as the city’s chief watchdog,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

CTA Kicks Off Construction on Long-Awaited $5.7B Red Line Extension on Far South Side

“Chicago Transit Authority and elected officials participated in a groundbreaking event Friday to celebrate construction on the long-awaited Red Line extension project,” by WTTW.  

Chicago Mayor Johnson signs executive order setting up youth peacekeeping initiative

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson this weekend signed an executive order creating the city’s first year-round peacekeeping program to be led by young people,” by CBS Chicago.

CPS lunch workers block traffic in protest outside the Chicago Board of Education as contract negotiations stall

“Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools lunchroom workers rallied outside of the Board of Education Thursday, demanding higher pay as contract negotiations approach the one-year mark,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Democrats State Their Case

An increasingly favorable national political environment for Democrats is strengthening the party’s prospects in this midterm cycle’s often overlooked state legislative races. 

The Trump administration is all-in on AI innovation, though this approach could have risks for electoral politics. Meanwhile, AI-related political spending is booming in the midterms. 

Top Trump administration officials are making the trek to Capitol Hill over the next few weeks, defending an unprecedented proposed defense spending increase, a massive cut to non-defense programs, and their own records on the job. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: The Road to 2028 Starts Now

With 36 gubernatorial seats up for grabs, the 2026 elections will shape policy outcomes and political momentum heading into 2028. Key battlegrounds like Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Kansas highlight how issues such as affordability, energy costs, and economic conditions are likely to drive voter behavior. National dynamics—from presidential politics to tensions in the Middle East—add another layer of influence, underscoring the growing importance of governors in voters’ everyday lives. Public Strategies’ Pat Carey (IL), John Dunn (IL), and Julia Hammond (VA). 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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