Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (7/28)

July 28, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker calls Texas GOP’s remap effort ‘cheating,’ doesn’t rule out Illinois response 

“Gov. JB Pritzker is leaving the door open to changing Illinois’ congressional maps to “counterbalance” an attempt by Texas politicians to add more Republican seats to the U.S. House,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Judge throws out Trump’s lawsuit against Illinois over sanctuary policies

“A federal judge has thrown out the Trump administration’s bid to force Illinois and Chicago to aid its mass deportation agenda, saying it would encroach on autonomy guaranteed to states under the Constitution,” by Politico.

Gov. Pritzker Signs Gun Safety Bills

“Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, legislative leaders, and stakeholders to sign two bills focused on improving gun safety in Illinois,” by the River Bender.

How one tax change in Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ that even Gov. JB Pritzker supports will work 

“But along with much-lambasted cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and education, the budget reconciliation plan Republicans pushed through Congress this summer includes a tax change that Democrats as well as some Republicans in high-tax blue states have backed for years,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois leaders, advocacy groups call for action as energy prices skyrocket 

“With electricity prices rising for customers across Illinois, lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for action to lower costs,” by The Daily Line.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Brandon Johnson rules out 2026 property tax hike

“Days after Chicago’s chief financial officer said a property tax increase would “likely” be included in the 2026 budget proposal, Mayor Brandon Johnson backed away from the claim,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Mayor names acting commissioner for Transportation Department to replace Tom Carney 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson has elevated Craig Turner, the Chicago Department of Transportation’s first deputy commissioner, to serve as the agency’s acting commissioner,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago mayor now open to video gambling after lawmakers express frustration 

“After Illinois lawmakers expressed frustration with Chicago’s refusal to allow video gambling in the city, Mayor Brandon Johnson says he’s now open to the idea. Johnson told reporters the issue is being debated, although members of his administration previously suggested video gaming terminals wouldn’t bring in much revenue,” by The Center Square.

Chicago-area transit agencies planning for 10 percent budget increase as they look to address fiscal cliff 

“The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has asked Chicago-area transit agencies to plan for a 10 percent fare increase in their 2026 budgets,” by The Daily Line.

Late Cook County property tax bills could roil budgets, elections

“Billions of dollars in Cook County property taxes that should have been paid by now instead won’t even be billed until the autumn — and probably won’t have to be paid until around Halloween, or even later,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents – GOP and Democrats Are Both in Your Debt (Literally) 

The federal debt has grown dramatically in recent years, with both parties pursuing significant deficit spending, the impacts of which will likely not be fully clear for several years.

President Donald Trump scored a win with the passage of a $9 billion rescissions package last week but Trump 2.0’s spending cuts are just getting started.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing – The State of the Governors in Trump’s America

Today, Public Strategies takes the Beltway Briefing outside the Beltway to explore Democratic and Republican governors’ relationships with the second Trump administration. How do policies and messages vary from state to state? What impact is the administration having on the balance of power between the states and the federal government? And which governors might be on the 2028 presidential bingo card? Featuring Public Strategies’ Pat Carey (Illinois) and Julia Hammond (Virginia).

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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