Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/15)

July 15, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois raises limits on wrongful conviction payouts under new law Gov. JB Pritzker has signed 

“People who were wrongfully imprisoned in Illinois could see larger payouts after Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday he had signed a law raising the compensation cap,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

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Pritzker signs new laws on birth control, AI regulations, play-based learning 

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed 31 new laws on Friday as he continues evaluating measures passed in the spring session, including bills banning certain ingredients from cosmetics and correcting the state’s property tax laws,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Pritzker signs veteran assistance bills into law 

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed several bills into law Tuesday to lift up veterans across the state. The new laws aim to help with higher education and mental health services,” by WAND News. 

Illinois lawmaker files new Bears stadium bill with property tax protections

“A Republican lawmaker has introduced new legislation he says would help Illinois compete for major development projects, including a potential Chicago Bears stadium, while protecting homeowners from higher property taxes,” by My Stateline.  

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson sidesteps transit board fight as nominees advance 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eight transit board appointments were advanced to the City Council [Tuesday], setting up final approval ahead of a Sept. 1 deadline,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

City Council blocks Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Chicago Housing Authority appointments

“The council Housing Committee meeting was upended when Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, protested the direct introduction of three commissioners to the Chicago Housing Authority board. Dowell, Johnson’s Finance Committee chair, condemned what she said was a pattern from the administration of abusing the direct introduction process rather than taking the usual steps to bring proposals to the body,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

ShotSpotter, festival venue advance for Chicago ballot as other questions stall

“A City Council power struggle today left Chicago’s November ballot taking shape, with aldermen advancing some advisory referendum questions while blocking others,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

CTU endorses 15 school board candidates, throwing weight behind incumbents, mayoral picks 

“The Chicago Teachers Union announced Monday it will endorse only 15 candidates in the upcoming school board race in which all 21 seats are up for election — a decision that could make it difficult for the union to hold onto its majority,” by Chalkbeat Chicago. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: What Happens to Trump’s Coalition After Trump?

President Trump transformed the Republican Party’s coalition during his decade in national politics, but the future of his MAGA movement in a post-Trump GOP is uncertain.

As lawmakers return to DC, the next several weeks will be their last chance to move major legislation before the midterm elections take over. After the August recess, the brief fall legislative session will be consumed by government funding negotiations. The next real opening for legislative activity won’t come until the post-election lame-duck period, typically reserved for must-pass items like the national defense policy bill. 

President Trump’s relationship with the UK has been defined by tension and special treatment in equal measure, and Andy Burnham’s imminent ascension to prime minister will test whether that balance holds under a leader whom Washington barely knows. 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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