Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/22)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois Speaker Welch tries to contain fallout over handling of Harry Benton harassment allegations

“Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, seeking to contain political fallout over his handling of sexual harassment complaints against former state Rep. Harry Benton, held outreach meetings with Democratic caucuses Tuesday, telling members that delays in taking action against Benton stemmed from the wishes of a now-former Benton staffer who first reported the allegations three years ago,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

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Pritzker touts climate, green energy record as capacity leaves, rates rise

“After years of climate and green energy alternative-imposing legislation signed into law by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the state’s top Democrat spoke at length Tuesday about his reasoning behind a variety of his climate policies,” by the Center Square Illinois. 

Bailey seeks to classify any organization receiving $10K in state grants as a ‘public body’

“Republican Darren Bailey’s gubernatorial campaign is calling for greater transparency over nongovernmental organizations that receive at least $10,000 in state grants by making them subject to public records and open meetings requests,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois to launch blue envelope program for autistic drivers Jan. 1 

“A new state law will help improve communication between police officers and drivers with autism. Autistic drivers in Springfield have been able to use blue envelopes since March, and the tools will be available statewide beginning Jan. 1,” by WAND News. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson loses fight to put millionaire tax before Chicago voters

“A majority coalition of moderate and more conservative aldermen outflanked Mayor Brandon Johnson and his progressive allies today, locking in six advisory referendum questions for Chicago’s next two elections while denying the mayor a chance to put his signature millionaire tax proposal before voters,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

A ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ For Landlords? Challenge To Mayor’s Housing Plan Slammed By Tenant Groups

“The fight over the future of renters’ rights in Chicago is heating up, as supporters of a proposal put forth by Mayor Brandon Johnson are blasting a competing measure as the ‘Chicago landlord’s big, beautiful bill,’” by Block Club Chicago. 

Aldermen sign ‘ICE Out’ pledge demanding officials reject money tied to immigration enforcement

“A dozen progressive aldermen have signed on to a demand for their colleagues to reject contributions from corporations tied to federal immigration enforcement, in the latest political fallout over the recent U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement presence in Chicago,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Watchdog report on Cook County tax tech contract: ‘Nobody’s hands are clean’

“Cook County’s inspector general released a report Tuesday on the county’s troubled decade-long property tax system modernization, sharing some insiders’ candid — and wholly anonymous — reflections on what has gone wrong and estimating the county has so far spent $63 million on the project,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Courting Power

In its recently concluded 2025-26 term, the Supreme Court made rulings in two major cases impacting federal agencies traditionally considered independent. 

The Republican Party’s foreign policy debate ahead of the 2028 election cycle pits an old guard interventionist tradition against MAGA’s America First nationalist philosophy, with China and Israel policy emerging as two key tests of where candidates stand. 

Senate GOP leadership plans to hold a floor vote on the crypto market structure bill known as the CLARITY Act before the August recess — a deadline lawmakers and analysts view as crucial if the bill is to become law this year. But with several issues still outstanding, its fate remains uncertain. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: Budget Season Wrap-Up: What States Can Tell Us About Governing

Budget season offers a window into state priorities, policy choices, and the challenges lawmakers are working to address. As state negotiations wrap up in Illinois, New York, and Virginia, we explore the tradeoffs, areas of agreement, and key decisions that shaped this year’s legislative sessions. What do these budgets reveal about governing today, and what do they signal for the road to the November midterms? Featuring Public Strategies’ Julia Hammond (VA), Sydney Holman (IL), and Katrell Lewis (NY). Listen here.

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