Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/1)

June 1, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Session slog ends in $56B budget, new taxes on social media companies, crypto, fantasy sports 

“Illinois lawmakers approved the state budget early Monday morning after slogging through the night, enacting new taxes on businesses and authorizing less spending than what Gov. JB Pritzker proposed in February,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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Bears tax-break plan dies as Springfield’s search for deal continues

“The Illinois Senate approved a brand new framework to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois in the middle of the night, but the bill was not taken up by the House, further clouding the team’s future,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Landmark transit funding legislation takes effect today. Here’s what commuters can expect.

“Landmark legislation intended to prevent service cuts on the CTA, Metra and Pace goes into effect today. The transit law is expected to raise about $1.5 billion for public transit annually,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Illinois lawmakers pass statewide school cellphone ban, handing win to Gov. JB Pritzker

“After falling short last year, Illinois lawmakers gave final approval Sunday to a measure that would prohibit students from using cellphones throughout the day at most public and charter schools,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson pushing sweeping changes to renter laws and landlords bristle 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is proposing a sweeping overhaul to city rules governing renting, and landlords are already organizing against the effort aimed at giving tenants significant new powers and protections,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Housing program to give eligible Chicagoans up to $70,000 toward down payment 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing announced Monday a new program that gives eligible Chicagoans up to $70,000 in financial assistance to buy a new home,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Chicago Plans $19.2 Million Purchase Of Greyhound Station To Save Bus Service 

“Chicago is moving to buy the city’s Greyhound bus station, a major step toward preserving the station after more than a year of uncertainty over the future of intercity bus service Downtown,” by Block Club Chicago. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson touts faster Chicago police responses post-ShotSpotter

“Mayor Brandon Johnson argued Wednesday that Chicago police are doing a better job without gunshot detection technology like the controversial ShotSpotter system he got rid of, even as his administration is considering bids from other companies to take over installing such tools citywide,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: An Unprecedented President

President Trump is finishing his project of fully remaking the GOP in his image through party primaries. 

The crypto market structure legislation (known formally as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act) cleared the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee with bipartisan support. However, the legislation still needs more Democratic votes and key concessions before it can pass the full Senate ahead of an effective August deadline. 

Addressing housing affordability remains a focus of intense bipartisan interest ahead of the midterms, exemplified by lawmakers’ efforts to resolve the differences between the Senate’s and House’s competing versions of a comprehensive housing reform bill. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: New Jersey’s Energy & Affordability Crisis

Rising utility costs and affordability concerns are reshaping the political conversation in New Jersey. As residents grapple with higher energy bills, housing costs, and property taxes, Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration is pursuing an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy aimed at balancing affordability, reliability, and long-term planning. As political pressure grows around energy policy and cost-of-living concerns, New Jersey may be emerging as an early test case for how candidates navigate economic pressures ahead of the 2026 midterms. Featuring Public Strategies’ Jamie Ansorge (NY), Braxton Plummer (NJ), along with Lyndsay Ruotolo (NJ), member of Cozen O’Connor’s state attorneys general practice. 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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