Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (6/25)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker to announce he’s running for a third term in 2026 

“Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker will announce Thursday that he will seek a third term next year, answering a question about his immediate political future but leaving unanswered whether he will pursue a longer-term goal of running for president in 2028,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Attorney General Raoul Files Lawsuit Challenging Illegal Attempts To Terminate Critical Federal Funding 

“Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its unlawful attempts to invoke a single provision buried in federal regulations to strip away billions of dollars in critical federal funding for states and other grantees,” by the River Bender.

Pritzker Administration Announces 2025 Affordable Housing Tax Credit Developments 

“The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board approved awards totaling $24 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and an additional $39 million in federal and state subordinate resources that will finance the creation and preservation of 16 affordable housing developments in 11 counties throughout Illinois,” by The Chicagoland Journal.

Illinois advances foam ban legislation, progresses on EPR study

“The legislature considered bills addressing polystyrene foam food containers as well as single-use plastic bags and food ware items. Meanwhile, a recycling needs assessment study is in the works,” by Packaging Dive.

Raoul, Democratic AGs testify on federal lawsuits at informal Congressional hearing 

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined Democratic members of Congress and fellow attorneys general for an informal hearing Monday on legal challenges to the Trump administration,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Push for mandatory security cameras puts City Hall at odds with biz and the ACLU 

“A measure introduced last week at the City Council requiring businesses in Chicago to maintain security cameras has drawn pushback from business groups and civil liberty advocates,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

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.

CPS needs to borrow to avoid budget cuts, CTU chief Stacy Davis Gates says 

“Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates made the case Monday for the school district to borrow funds to address a $529 million budget deficit. She cast the decision as one that would show whether the city will support its public schools by doing what’s necessary to avoid cuts or give in to what she sees as President Donald Trump’s mission to dismantle them,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

County’s projected 2026 budget gap a ‘best guess’ while awaiting federal action

“While Cook County budget officials are currently forecasting a manageable budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year, they also stress that the estimate doesn’t really tell the whole story,” by The Daily Line.

City mum on what documents it provided ICE in Streets and Sanitation subpoena 

“After first asserting it did not turn over personal information about city workers to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Law Department is now hedging on how exactly the administration responded to a federal subpoena for employment eligibility forms,” by the Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – Are Trump and MAGA One in The Same?

President Trump’s decision to attack Iran tests what “America First” means in his second term.

Senate GOP leadership is in the midst of last-minute negotiations with holdouts over modifications to the chamber’s reconciliation bill ahead of the party’s self-imposed July 4th deadline to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.

Even if President Trump likely doesn’t pull the trigger on trying to fire Jerome Powell, his pressure campaign could extend to naming a shadow chair of the Federal Reserve early.

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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