Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (4/29)

April 29, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker pushes Illinois watchdog to speed up investigation into Rep. Harry Benton

“Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday urged the Illinois General Assembly’s watchdog to move more quickly in its investigation into allegations against a Democratic state representative who was stripped of key caucus duties two months ago by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch without any explanation,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Subscribe

Illinois bill to pay striking workers raises business alarm

“Business groups are worried that legislation to allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits could prolong labor disputes. The bill now under consideration in the Illinois House of Representatives would allow workers to begin receiving unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Gov. JB Pritzker says Chicago Bears stadium bill ‘within the framework’ of deal the team would accept

“Gov. JB Pritzker said Tuesday legislation that passed through the Illinois House last week to help the Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights ‘is within the framework’ of a deal that the team would be willing to agree to, while acknowledging the bill needs changes as it moves through the Senate,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Top Illinois Democrats call U.S. Supreme Court ruling on voting rights a ‘crushing blow to our democracy’

“Former President Barack Obama and key Illinois Democrats, including Gov. JB Pritzker and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, are condemning Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to dilute a Voting Rights Act provision, which is likely to lead to redistricting across the country and could help Republicans continue to control the House,” by the Chicag Sun-Times. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago inks new deal with Ernst & Young to pursue savings in city budget

“The city of Chicago has entered into a nearly $7 million contract with Ernst & Young to expand upon and implement the potential spending cuts and efficiencies outlined in a report the consultant delivered to the city last fall,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Aldermen press Johnson administration over new budget consulting contract, revenue projections

“Aldermen once again aired their distrust of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s work implementing Chicago’s budget Monday as his top finance leaders revealed the city is once again turning to an outside consulting firm for help in cutting costs,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CPS projected to end school year with $45M deficit as budget challenges persist   

“For the second year in a row, Chicago Public Schools is on track to spend more money than is coming in — a sign of the district’s difficult financial situation,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Overtime Cost Chicago Taxpayers $544.4M in 2025, Including $285.8M for Police, Down 6.3% From Last Year 

“Chicago taxpayers spent approximately $544.4 million on employee overtime in 2025 — 6.3% less than in 2024, with more than half of the total amount used to compensate Chicago Police Department officers for working extra hours, according to records obtained by WTTW News,” by WTTW News. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Regime Change at the Fed

Kevin Warsh’s path to Fed chair confirmation is clear, but questions about his ability to defend the institution’s independence will follow him there. 

The Californian gubernatorial race has been rocked by two recent developments: the endorsement of the leading Republican candidate by President Trump and the abrupt dropping-out of a leading Democratic candidate. 

House Republicans’ division over reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act underscores the challenges in legislating with their narrow majority. 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News