Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (6/11)

June 11, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon faces potential $9.8 million fine for improperly accepting campaign cash

“State election officials have informed Senate President Don Harmon that he will face more than $9.8 million in penalties pending an appeal of a case alleging he broke an Illinois election law designed to rein in big money in political campaigns,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois sues Trump administration over forced reset trigger redistribution, state ban to remain in place

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 15 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over a plan to return confiscated forced reset triggers and allow them to be sold again,” by The Daily Line.

Feds to retry Sen. Emil Jones after mistrial on bribery, lying to FBI charges

“Federal prosecutors on Tuesday announced they intend to retry state Sen. Emil Jones III after his April trial on charges of bribery and lying to the FBI ended in a hung jury,” by Capitol News Illinois.

‘This issue isn’t going away’: Illinois lawmakers delay pension reform again

“Public employees hired since 2011 must continue to wait for pension reform after Illinois lawmakers declined to take up the issue during the spring session,” by Capitol News Illinois.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Uber refunds nearly $1.8 million in mistaken surcharges to Chicago riders

“An Uber spokesman told City Council members Wednesday morning, in a special committee hearing on the matter, that the company refunded all riders after realizing it misapplied a congestion tax outside of hours it was allowed to,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City Council members could soon have blanket power to ban Airbnb from their wards

“An ordinance introduced by Far Northwest Side Ald. Anthony Napolitano, 41st, was approved in committee today with little opposition. It would give the local alderman the ability to ban short-term rentals on a precinct level in his or her ward,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Transportation Committee to consider automated enforcement program for school buses, safe youth travel pilot program

“Alderpeople on the city’s transportation committee on Wednesday will consider measures to implement an automated enforcement system for drivers that illegally overtake school buses, reform fines for illegal vehicle dumping and waste disposal and establish a pilot program to provide safe travel for youth in a West Side ward,” by The Daily Line.

Rideshare pay ordinance faces crucial vote — and deep divisions — in City Council

“The ordinance could be approved by the full City Council by June 18, but if it’s delayed, the measure could be set aside until next year, forced to take a back seat to a traditional summer recess and the city’s annual budget process,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

 

FEDERAL

The NYC Political Season Heats Up

With New York City’s primaries just weeks away, the political season is heating up. Who are the key candidates in the mayoral, comptroller, and city council races? What dynamics and strategic alliances are emerging? What role will federal decision-making play in shaping the city’s future—and how are local candidates positioning themselves in response? Featuring New York Public Strategies’ Katie Schwab, Jamie Ansorge, and Ashley Thompson DiNardo.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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