Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/3)

June 3, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois’ ‘swipe fee’ law on the brink after another delay, adverse court ruling

“An Illinois law banning ‘swipe fees’ on taxes and tips — already delayed twice by lawmakers — appears to be on life support after a federal judge that once permitted it issued a permanent injunction against it this week,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Gov. JB Pritzker ready to own possible Bears departure after Illinois House punts on stadium bill 

“Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday acknowledged he could end up being the Illinois governor who loses the Chicago Bears to Indiana, but it would be a turnover he can live with if it means keeping a fair playing field for taxpayers,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Speaker Welch explains how his 60-vote rule affects his decisions 

“House Speaker Emanuel “Chis” Welch, D-Hillside, uses an unofficial rule in his caucus that requires 60 Democrats to commit to supporting a bill before it is called for a vote on the floor,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois lawmakers put brakes on gas tax as costs continue to rise 

“Part of Illinois’ newly approved $55.9 billion state budget includes pause of a scheduled increase for the statewide gas tax. The Motor Fuel Tax was scheduled to increase by 1.3 cents on July 1, but the approved budget pauses the increase for six months, pushing it to January,” by the State-Journal Register. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Susana Mendoza launches bid for Chicago mayor

“Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza officially entered the 2027 Chicago mayoral race today, becoming the highest-profile candidate to declare a challenge to Mayor Brandon Johnson,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Springfield wins put Chicago ‘in the mix’ for Bears stadium 

“Springfield’s stalled drive for Bears stadium legislation and lingering questions about the potential playing field in Hammond, Indiana, leave Chicago as the team’s best play for a new dome,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

World Business Chicago names six finalists in competition for city’s next big idea 

“Finalists in a citywide design competition want to reimagine Chicago’s highways, alleys and boulevards into networks of community spaces and climate-resilient infrastructure. Those proposals are among the six concepts World Business Chicago has selected to advance after an open call for transformative projects, seeking the city’s next big idea in the vein of Millennium Park or the Chicago Riverwalk,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Two top Mayor Brandon Johnson aides had ties to tech consultant at center of hiring, contracting scandal 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson has dismissed a hiring and contracting scandal that was the subject of an investigation by City Hall’s inspector general as a matter involving a ‘previous mayoral administration,’ that of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Party for One?

The Senate has always had its share of mavericks, but not all independent streaks are the same. Whether a lawmaker breaks with their party out of electoral necessity or for personal branding can determine the impact of their independence. 

Unions historically have been a cornerstone of the Democratic coalition. Since President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, however, the labor movement’s support has been more fiercely contested between the two major parties. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D) final budget is more than a fiscal document for the world’s fourth-largest economy. It serves as an early blueprint of how he would likely run for president and govern nationally. 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News