Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (6/23)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Here’s why Illinois Republican lawmakers sued Democrat leaders

“Republican lawmakers in Illinois filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County on June 17, arguing that the Democratic Majority passed a special interest proposal unconstitutionally. The lawsuit, filed in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, seeks to prevent a particular senate bill from being signed into law because of the manner in which the General Assembly passed it,” by the State Journal-Register.

Amid federal funding uncertainty, Illinois lawmakers add ‘safety valve’ to state budget 

“Illinois lawmakers grappling with uncertainty over Trump administration spending cuts tucked a handful of tools aimed at maintaining key programs into the budget package signed by Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this week, including a flexible fund of $100 million the governor can use to cover gaps left by unrealized federal funding,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Welch defends what Republicans call ‘pork’ in Illinois budget 

“Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch continues to defend a $40 million line item in the state budget for a school district in his jurisdiction. The budgeted spending would be for a Proviso schools athletic facility. After Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the $55.2 billion budget, Welch defended the planned spending as an economic driver for his and other communities,” by The Center Square.

Illinois Attorney General says state, local environmental justice policies still legal despite federal action targeting them

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued guidance for organizations engaging in environmental justice work in the face of executive orders seeking to end federal environmental justice action,” by The Daily Line.

January date set for State Sen. Emil Jones III retrial

“State Sen. Emil Jones III will face retrial on bribery charges in January 2026, a year when he’ll also be up for reelection to a seat bequeathed in classic Illinois fashion by his well-known father,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Brandon Johnson’s transportation chief resigns 

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s transportation chief is resigning after about two years in the post. Tom Carney, a veteran of City Hall who was named commissioner of the city’s Department of Transportation in December 2023 after filling in as acting chief that August, announced internally he would step down,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Mayor Vetoes Controversial ‘Snap Curfew’ Policy 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially vetoed a controversial curfew ordinance that would allow Chicago Police to implement a youth curfew anytime, anywhere,” by Block Club Chicago.

Mayor Brandon Johnson firm on ending tipped subminimum wage as restaurant group calls for reversal 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed his support Monday for Chicago’s plan to end the subminimum wage for tipped workers, rejecting calls from hospitality business groups for City Hall to reverse course,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Resolution would set up special committee to examine creation of city charter 

“Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) introduced a resolution (R2025-0018089) during Wednesday’s City Council meeting to begin the process of exploring the establishment of a city charter,” by The Daily Line.

Mayor Brandon Johnson didn’t conduct formal national search for CTA head despite claiming otherwise, records show 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration never undertook a formalized national search for a new CTA president despite the mayor saying last month that his office had in fact done so, according to responses to public records requests made by the Tribune,” by the Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – Democrats’ Not So Invisible Primary

The race for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination is wide open and the field is beginning to take shape. Major lanes include former Biden administration officials, governors, and senators.

As stablecoin legislation advances one step closer to becoming law, an even more sweeping effort to create a regulatory framework for a wider array of digital assets is gaining momentum in Congress.

While President Trump is fixated on tariffs, the standoff between the world’s two largest economies is increasingly focused on respective export controls that cover strategic supply chain chokepoints.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – In-Conversation with the Wall Street Journal’s Gregory Zuckerman

Award-winning Wall Street Journal writer Gregory Zuckerman joins host Howard Schweitzer to explore how today’s political landscape is shaping global markets. Drawing on nearly 30 years of reporting, Zuckerman offers sharp insights into the intersection of markets, politics, policy, and culture. Featuring Public Strategies’ CEO Howard Schweitzer and WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

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