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

July 7, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

State ends fiscal year with record revenue 

“Despite uncertainty over the economy and federal funding during the second half of fiscal year 2025, the year closed on June 30 with the state setting a new record for annual revenue,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Illinois schools chief denounces Trump administration decision to withhold federal education funds 

“Illinois schools chief Tony Sanders called the Trump administration’s decision to withhold almost $7 billion in federal education funds ‘deeply disruptive’ for the state’s 1.9 million public school students,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.

Housing funding cut in Illinois budget as homelessness increases 

“Facing a tight budget year with constrained spending and limited natural revenue growth, the $55.1 billion fiscal year 2026 budget that took effect July 1 reduces total funding for housing programs by more than $14 million, including Pritzker’s signature initiative designed to eliminate homelessness in Illinois,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Illinois lawmakers have mixed results in efforts to rein in AI 

“Illinois lawmakers have so far achieved mixed results in efforts to regulate the burgeoning technology of artificial intelligence, a task that butts up against moves by the Trump administration to eliminate restrictions on AI,” by the Chicago Tribune.

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

CPS struggling to cobble together retroactive teacher raises promised in contract 

“Chicago Public Schools is so cash-strapped that its new interim CEO and board president are scrambling to find a way to send out back pay owed to teachers and staff that was negotiated in the Chicago Teachers Union contract, which was settled in March,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Cook County’s troubled tech overhaul boils over, as political leaders start pointing fingers 

“Cook County property tax bills already on track to be at least one month tardy may arrive even later as controversial contractor Tyler Technologies’ upgrades to the countywide property tax systems are again running behind schedule, leading to mounting frustration and political fighting among county leaders,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Mayor Johnson open to keeping NASCAR in Chicago — after exploring date change, top aide says 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is open to two more years of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, but only after exploring the possibility of shifting the marquee event to a different date that does not pose the “challenges that July 4th weekend presents,” a top mayoral aide said Monday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Ald. Walter Burnett in the running to lead the Chicago Housing Authority 

“The elder statesmen of Chicago’s City Council is considering his options as he marks 30 years at City Hall. Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., 27th, is one of three finalists to be appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson to lead the Chicago Housing Authority,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

 

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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