Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (8/17)

August 17, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker tours storm damage, signs flood relief bill expanding local Chicago programs 

“Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill on Friday that allows more Chicago homeowners to access financial relief for flood damage locally while many communities in the state cleaned up from damaging storms,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

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Amid latest Illinois storm damage, Gov. Pritzker says Trump administration ‘turned their back’ on past storms

“Following a spate of wet, windy weather and tornadoes in the Chicago area this week, Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday contended that the federal government had ‘turned their back’ on Illinois families when it denied the state’s request for relief from damaging storms last year,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Gov. JB Pritzker believes Chicago Bears want to stay in Illinois, but haven’t offered a bill to address stadium needs

“Gov. JB Pritzker said he believes the Chicago Bears would like to stay in Illinois, but said they haven’t yet come to the legislature with a bill they want passed to address building a new stadium in Arlington Heights,” by CBS News.  

Bears turn up the volume on Hammond stadium push 

“The Chicago Bears aren’t ready to say exactly where in Hammond, Ind., they will build their proposed new stadium-anchored campus or when they will make that decision,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson says Chicago will make full advance pension payment  

“Mayor Brandon Johnson told municipal investors [Thursday] the city will make the second half of a $260 million advance pension payment later this year,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

‘ICE Out’ pledge divides Chicago aldermen amid campaign finance reform push 

“A pledge signed by nearly half of Chicago’s aldermen to reject campaign contributions from companies allegedly tied to federal immigration crackdowns has split the City Council — with supporters calling it a critical show of solidarity and detractors dismissing it as an insincere political gesture,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Mayor Johnson Rallies Housing Organizers As City Council Vote On His Tenants’ Rights Bill Looms

“Mayor Brandon Johnson stood beside organizers and elected officials Sunday to advocate for his sweeping tenant protections ordinance ahead of a looming City Council showdown on the future of renters’ rights,” by Block Club Chicago.  

The Chicago Board of Education voted to reverse layoffs, but CPS says not all positions can be restored 

“Despite a directive from the Chicago Board of Education to reverse hundreds of layoffs across Chicago Public Schools, district officials said they can’t afford to reinstate every position cut earlier this summer,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.  

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.

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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