Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (7/29)

Illinois

Pritzker signs school cellphone ban to avoid student distractions

“Although many districts already have similar policies in place, Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday that will require all districts to have ‘bell-to-bell’ device bans in place before the start of the 2027-2028 school year,” by Capitol News Illinois.

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Pritzker loses potential home-state edge in 2028 DNC lineup

“Illinois won’t be among the Democratic Party’s early presidential primary states in 2028, despite an aggressive lobbying effort by Gov. JB Pritzker and state Democrats to move the state to the front of the nominating calendar,” by AXIOS Chicago.

Illinois recognizes gambling addiction, allowing new treatment options

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Friday that officially recognizes gambling disorder as an addiction in Illinois,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Govs. Pritzker, Stitt discuss ways to reduce divide in politics

“Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined multiple politicians from around the country Monday at the National Conference of State Legislatures for a discussion on political violence and toning down political rhetoric,” by the Center Square Illinois.

Chicago

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs order toughening city standards on buying guns

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday signed an executive order to toughen standards for where city departments and sister agencies buy guns, firearm accessories, and ammunition,” by CBS News.

Illinois teachers union sues to force Cook County treasurer to issue property tax bills and make payments

“The Illinois Federation of Teachers sued Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Monday to try to force her to mail property tax bills and compensate school districts for recent revenue delays,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago’s acting CFO exits ahead of Johnson’s next budget showdown

“Chicago’s interim Chief Financial Officer Steven Mahr is departing City Hall, leaving uncertainty over a key position as Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council gear up for another budget battle,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago Public Schools ups tax increment financing dollars in budget by $85 million to avoid furloughs

“After outcry from board members and staff unions, Chicago Public Schools leaders have upped the district’s projected tax increment financing surplus revenue by $85 million to prevent furloughs,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Federal

Cozen Currents: Trump v. The World’s Most Deliberative Body

A challenging national environment has put the Senate majority within Democrats’ reach. Even so, securing an outright majority remains an uphill climb because the chamber turns over only about a third of its seats at a time and the battleground is tilted toward GOP-leaning states.

Even if Republicans retain the Senate, their majority will likely shrink, implying that the upper chamber may be more willing to push back against the White House than it has been in Trump’s second term.

Although currently not the base case, a Democratic-controlled Senate could change the course of the remainder of President Trump’s second term through oversight and a blockade of his nominations. 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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