Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/13)

July 13, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois House to investigate Rep. Carol Ammons following indictment

“An Illinois House committee will investigate actions by Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, following her indictment on 10 federal charges this week,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

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Federal appeals court upholds Illinois assault weapons ban, overturning lower court ruling

“A federal appeals court in Chicago on Thursday upheld Illinois’ 2023 assault weapons ban, overturning a lower court decision and delivering what could be a short-lived victory to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Pritzker signs legislation for energy bill transparency, utility discount program

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed a pair of bills Thursday aimed at improving transparency of utility billing and expanding access to discounts for low-income residents,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

Illinois sues to stop Trump from ending school mental health grants 

“Several states, including Illinois, are suing to stop the federal government from cutting mental health funding for schools, arguing a judge already ordered the Trump administration not to touch the congressionally approved programs,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget chair comes out against parking meter sale

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget chair broke with him on Monday, saying he is against the planned sale of Chicago’s infamous parking meter lease to a private firm because the city should instead create a trust to purchase the system itself,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Johnson moves to reclaim control of rogue CHA board 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson is trying to reassert his influence over the Chicago Housing Authority, nominating three new board members to replace a mayoral challenger and two others who voted to install a new leader of the agency over the mayor’s objection,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Aldermen reject Mayor Brandon Johnson’s move to ask voters if millionaires should be taxed 

“Chicago aldermen Thursday struck down most of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s last-minute progressive questions to ask voters this autumn, opting instead for a slate mainly of their own making,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Chicago school board bars candidates from taking CPS vendors’ campaign contributions 

“The Board of Education is barring school board candidates from accepting campaign contributions from current or prospective Chicago Public Schools vendors to ward off conflicts or undue influence as election season forges ahead,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: How Far Can Progressives Progress?

Progressives are gaining electoral momentum and shifting the Democratic Party to the left, though their success may have limits on the national stage. 

From the impact of GLP-1 medications to how the Food and Drug Administration approves drugs, much of the policy debate around pharmaceuticals centers on one number: a pill’s list price. 

A growing gap between the White House’s China diplomacy and Congress’s hawkish legislative agenda is emerging, with the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act likely to be where the two approaches collide. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: Can the American Experiment Endure?

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we step back from the daily headlines to examine the state of the American experiment. From the 2026 midterm outlook to global conflicts, AI, and the search for political leadership, the conversation explores the forces shaping the nation’s next chapter—and whether shared experiences can help bridge the nation’s deepest divides. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (PA), and Cozen O’Connor alum Jim Schultz (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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