Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (7/14)

July 14, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker issues executive order for state agencies to assess ‘disastrous’ Trump tariffs 

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order Monday directing state agencies to evaluate the economic impact Illinois could face under the latest rounds of sweeping tariffs that President Donald Trump is threatening to levy against U.S. trade partners, including its allies,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Trump’s ‘big bill’ takes center stage in Illinois’ U.S. Senate race 

“With major future cuts to social service programs now written into law, Democrats seeking Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat in 2026 are hitting the campaign trail seeking to position themselves among the law’s most vocal opponents,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Activists Call On State To Fill Nearly $1 Billion Transit Funding Gap: ‘I Don’t Know How I’m Going To Get Around’ 

“Demonstrators took over Downtown streets Saturday to urge Gov. JB Pritzker and state lawmakers to solve a transit funding crisis that could spell disaster for the CTA and suburban commuter systems,” by Block Club Chicago.

Pritzker hammers State Farm, calls for legislative action after rate hike 

“Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pushing for lawmakers to ban “severe and unnecessary rate hikes” after a major insurance company sought a substantial hike. This week, State Farm revealed that it plans to escalate insurance rates by more than 25% amid what it called an increase in catastrophic weather events,” by NBC 5 Chicago.

Feds seek nearly 6 years in prison for Madigan confidant Mike McClain

“Federal prosecutors are recommending nearly six years in prison for ex-Springfield lobbyist Mike McClain, the longtime friend and advisor of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan,” by NPR Illinois.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson avoids rebuke as committee rejects stricter bond rules 

“An ordinance that amounted to a legislative rebuke of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handling of the city’s finances fell short in committee today in a razor-thin vote. The ordinance would have required a two-thirds majority vote in the City Council to issue city bonds, up from the simple majority needed under current law,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Upcoming Chicago budget ‘grimmest picture of all’ for Mayor Brandon Johnson, aldermen 

“It was the only allusion Johnson made to the disorder in Chicago’s fiscal house that threatens the improvements and investments he’s fought for: a more than $1 billion anticipated deficit for 2026, a major pending union contract, a fractious City Council resistant to both new revenues and cuts, federal threats to cancel grants to local governments and a school district long overdue on a promised pension payback,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Walter Burnett Is Leaving His Job As Alderman — And His Son Wants To Replace Him 

“Chicago’s longest-tenured alderman and vice mayor told Block Club he’ll resign by the end of this month and wants to head the CHA. The move paves the way for his youngest son to be appointed to his seat,” by Block Club Chicago.

Burnett’s exit leaves Johnson without key City Council ally 

“City Hall veterans say the City Council is not only losing its elder statesman when Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th, resigns this month, but Mayor Brandon Johnson will be out a valuable ally whose 30 years of experience and political savvy allowed him to share hard truths with the Fifth Floor,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Housing discrimination complaint remains active as Mayor Brandon Johnson delays finalizing agreement with HUD 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has delayed signing an agreement to resolve negotiations over a federal complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development related to aldermanic power on Chicago zoning, leaving in limbo a yearslong fight over allegations of housing discrimination by the City Council,” by the Chicago Tribune.

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – Who Can Follow Trump?

While only six months into President Trump’s second term, the contours of the race to succeed the president are starting to take shape, with his ability to weigh in on his preferred candidate looming large over the contest.

With an AI Action Plan coming on July 23rd, the Trump administration understands that winning the race for AI will require a lot of necessary relevant infrastructure — namely, the energy to supply data centers.

The Supreme Court wrapped up its 2024-25 term with an affirmation of the Trump administration’s view of expansive executive power.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – The Trump Agenda Six Months In 

With the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” now behind us, domestic legislating has slowed. Is foreign policy now the dominant element of Trump 2.0? Meanwhile, Democrats remain fractured, struggling to find a unified narrative. How will these dynamics shape the road to the midterms? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Kyle Anderson.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Authors

Explore Articles and News

See All News