Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/17)

June 17, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker signs nearly $56B budget with new business taxes as he seeks 3rd term

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed the eighth budget of his tenure on Tuesday as he and Illinois Democrats gear up for an election-year battle centered around affordability — though he had to issue a clean-up veto aimed at addressing late-night drafting errors,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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Pritzker calls on Bears to specify what they want in stadium deal as Indiana remains bullish 

“After signing a $56 billion budget that didn’t include any funds for a Bears stadium project, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the ball is in the Bears’ court at the moment when it comes to crafting a stadium deal, saying the state needs to know what the team is seeking in an agreement,” by NBC Chicago. 

Gov. JB Pritzker likens Trump’s rule to ex-Gov. Rauner in making latest case for potential presidential bid

“While restating he plans to be very involved in the 2028 presidential election, Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday delivered his strongest case yet for a presumptive bid for the Democratic nomination, saying the party’s candidate needs to run on a ‘restoration and renewal of American values’ after programmatic cuts enacted under Republican President Donald Trump,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Lawmakers, stakeholders are ready for summer of data center negotiations 

“Lawmakers have a busy summer of negotiations ahead of them with pressure from both the governor’s office and their constituents to craft data center regulations that stakeholders and legislators can live with,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Parking meter hearing delayed amid debate over Stonepeak deal

“Chicago aldermen postponed a key hearing on the proposed sale of the city’s parking meter lease, buying themselves more time to determine whether they can force concessions from the buyer of one of the city’s most unpopular public-private deals,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Chicago City Council Panel Votes 33-15 to Reject Ban on ‘Sweepstakes’ Machines

“The Chicago City Council voted 33-15 Wednesday to reject a ban on so-called sweepstakes machines, heeding the objections of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration,” by WTTW. 

Former Ald. George Cardenas enters race for Chicago mayor

“Former Chicago Ald. George Cardenas announced Tuesday he will run for mayor, expanding the crowded pool of candidates vying to oust Mayor Brandon Johnson,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Greyhound bus terminal will soon be public-owned as City Council approves $19M purchase 

“The ordinance passed Wednesday allows the city to purchase the terminal at 630 W. Harrison St. for $19 million. The deal also pumps millions into renovating the neglected terminal — and saves the nearly half-million people who use the station each year from potentially being kicked to curb-side bus service,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: By the Numbers

Traditional midterm indicators, from generic-ballot polling to consumer sentiment, point to Democratic gains in the House in the November midterm elections. However, mid-decade redistricting has produced a narrower, GOP-leaning battlefield. This places a ceiling on Democrats’ potential gains and gives the GOP a chance to retain its majority should the political environment change between now and the fall. 

President Trump’s recent executive order on AI has shifted the debate over federal regulation of the technology. Meanwhile, blue and red states are filling the void left by the absence of binding federal rules. 

The World Cup will bring the world to America’s doorstep, as well as a set of complications for federal, state, and local governments. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: Inside Cities’ World Cup Preparations 

As New York and Philadelphia prepare to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local leaders are treating the tournament as more than a sporting event. From transit coordination and public safety planning to tourism strategy and economic development, cities are using the World Cup to test how they manage infrastructure, mobility, and global attention at scale. Featuring Public Strategies’ Rose Christ (NY), Jamie Ansorge (NY), and Max Weisman (PA). 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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