Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (7/2)

July 2, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker taps Christian Mitchell as lieutenant governor pick in campaign for third term 

“Christian Mitchell, a former South Side state representative and deputy governor-turned-University of Chicago executive, will join Gov. JB Pritzker as the Democratic incumbent’s running mate on the reelection campaign trail,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Pritzker signs health care legislation 

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed a pair of health care-related bills Tuesday that he said would put more controls on the pricing of pharmaceutical drugs sold through insurance plans while expanding insurance coverage for certain kinds of hospital costs,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Attorney General sues Trump administration for sharing personal health data with DHS, ICE 

“Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition of 20 attorneys in filing a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ over its decision to provide unfettered access to health data for individuals to the Department of Homeland Security, which houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” by WAND.

Illinois Secretary of State Awards $20M in Grants to More Than 600 Public Libraries Amid Federal Cuts

“Nearly $20 million in grants will be awarded to more than 600 Illinois public libraries, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced Tuesday. The public library grants come as libraries nationwide face federal funding cuts by President Donald Trump,” by WTTW.

Business groups, organized labor release new report warning of $1 trillion price tag for government-mandated electrification in Illinois 

“A new report issued by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, and the Illinois Pipe Trades Association (IPTA) warns a government-mandated push toward full electrification in Illinois could impose more than $1 trillion in costs by 2050,” by Sun Times News.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Audit reveals Chicago blew through a key budget reserve in 2024 

“The city ended 2024 with a $161 million deficit in its general fund, driven by the loss of the $175 million payment city officials anticipated would be reimbursed by Chicago Public Schools,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Johnson Says It Is ‘Not Acceptable’ That CPD Overspent Its $2B Budget by $207M 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday it is “not acceptable” that the Chicago Police Department exceeded its nearly $2 billion 2024 budget, approved by the Chicago City Council, by $207 million,” by WTTW.

Key City Panel Demands Probe Into CPD’s Conduct During Immigration Raid, Protest 

“A key City Council panel unanimously demanded Tuesday that an independent probe examine the conduct of Chicago Police Department brass and officers during a June 4 federal raid on a South Loop immigration office that triggered a protest,” by WTTW.

Cook County opens first modular homes in $12 million affordable housing push 

“Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will open the first two of 120 planned modular-built houses today, a little more than a year after the county board approved spending $12 million, or $100,000 per unit, to build the homes as new affordable housing options,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago Public Schools laid off 161 employees. More cuts could be on the way 

“Chicago Public Schools’ layoff of 161 employees last week is a likely precursor to more budget cuts the district will consider to address a $734 million deficit,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.

 

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 – Political Upheaval in the Capital of Capitalism

New York Democrats nominated a Democratic socialist in the Democratic primary for mayor, sparking national debate over the future of the Democratic Party, its ideological direction, and the role of moderates. What does this mean for New York City, New York State, and national politics? Meanwhile, have events in the Middle East bolstered President Trump’s political standing and foreign policy chops? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Rose Christ.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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