Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (5/18)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker optimistic of Bears deal but knocks Mayor Johnson for ‘no plan’ on keeping team in Chicago

“Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday he expects the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation incentivizing a Chicago Bears stadium and other major development projects before the end of the spring legislative session, while also repeatedly dinging Mayor Brandon Johnson for having ‘no plan’ to keep the team in Chicago,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

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Illinois’ budget picture tightens in final stretch amid economic uncertainty 

“Both the governor’s budget office and the General Assembly’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability revised revenue projections for the current year and fiscal year 2027 down by less than 1%. While the change is small and generally keeps budget talks on track, it’s a sign that confidence in the economy is waning,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Senate Democrats introduce bills to regulate artificial intelligence

“With just two weeks left in the spring legislative session, Illinois Senate Democrats introduced an eight-bill package aimed at regulating some uses of artificial intelligence after a lack of federal action on the issue,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

School choice option at standstill as legislators weigh benefits, political fallout 

“Diverse interest groups — from public school activists and downstate voters to state officials and school boards — have pushed Gov. JB Pritzker to finally make a decision about the Trump administration’s Education Freedom Tax Credit,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson pitches city takeover of stadium authority to keep Bears in Chicago

“Hoping to keep the Chicago Bears in the city, Mayor Brandon Johnson has floated giving Chicago more control of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, a complicated plan likely to receive significant pushback in Springfield,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Mayor Brandon Johnson decries further cuts to CPS in district’s budget plan

“Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday condemned further cuts to Chicago Public Schools following the district’s latest proposal to address a yawning budget deficit by eliminating teaching staff, arguing the fate of Black enrollment is at stake,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Ald. Gardiner sues city, ethics board and inspector general for $1 million over findings against him 

“Ald. Jim Gardiner is suing the city and various ethics and accountability agencies, arguing that previous investigations and fines leveled against him were aimed at damaging his political viability,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

CPS CEO Macquline King subpoenaed for congressional hearing 

“A Republican-led congressional committee has subpoenaed Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King to testify at a June hearing addressing ‘attacks on parental rights, inappropriate content, and legal abuses’ in classrooms,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: The Power of the Primaries

The Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais is likely to result in more safe Republican congressional seats in the short term and ensure that the current redistricting battle continues in the long term. 

Even before the Callais decision expands the number of safe GOP seats, the party is staring down several marquee intra-party primary battles this month. These battles could impact both the GOP’s midterm prospects and its legislative agenda for the next several years. 

The primary battles between the different wings of the Democratic Party will influence not just Democrats’ chances of winning in November, but how they will govern. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: In-Conversation: Susan Eisenhower on Ike from D-Day to the White House

What does it actually take to lead at the highest stakes moments in history — and what can that teach us about leadership today? Susan Eisenhower, founder of The Eisenhower Group and granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation that goes behind the history books and into the real story of how Ike led. From his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom while at West Point to commanding the Allied Forces on D-Day to the presidency, Howard and Susan explore what made Ike’s leadership both extraordinary and deeply human — his authenticity, his humility, his willingness to accept failure, and his belief that democracy itself must be actively defended. Drawing on personal family insights that no historian could access, the discussion illuminates a model of principled leadership that feels not just relevant but urgently necessary. Listen here.

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