Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/24)

September 24, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker asks state agencies to reserve 4% of funds while blasting Trump economic policies

“Codifying his lack of confidence in President Donald Trump’s economic policies, Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday ordered state agencies to find 4% in cuts to their budgets that would go into reserves to mitigate the effects of federal budget uncertainty,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul Champions Fight Against EPA’s Proposed Climate Policy Rollbacks

“Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is at the forefront of opposing the Trump administration’s proposed rollback of pivotal climate change policies,” by Hoodline. 

Illinois Democrats want answers from DHS Secretary Noem about ICE operations

“The Illinois Democratic congressional delegation on Tuesday sent a lengthy number of questions to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about deportation operations in Illinois, which they say have included arbitrary arrests and detentions without due process,” by the Chicago Sun Times. 

Rep. Hoffman says Illinois needs to fix its pension system for public workers 

“It’s a critical time to fix Illinois’ pension program for public-sector employees hired after 2011 — but it may not happen this fall, state Rep. Jay Hoffman told pension-eligible employees of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Tuesday,” by STLPR. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson calls more Chicago protected bike lanes ‘ultimate goal,’ touts milestone 

“It’s a cause that has become an essential item for progressive politicians amid sustained political pressure from pedestrian and cyclist advocacy groups, which are key parts of Johnson’s base,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Mayor Johnson uses new Council committee chair line-up to appease critics and shore up progressive support 

“Key appointments include progressive Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) replacing retired City Council dean Walter Burnett (27th) as Zoning Committee chair, and Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) becoming Johnson’s vice-mayor,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Aldermen reach compromise on coach houses and ‘granny flats’ legalization 

“Aldermen Marty Quinn and Bennett Lawson had sparred for nearly a year over the ‘additional dwelling unit’ legislation. But the compromise they announced is poised to clear the way for some Chicago homeowners to soon add units in their buildings and over their garages,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Millions in loans to replace lead pipes pumping water into Chicago homes remain unspent

“Millions of dollars in federal and city loans dedicated to replacing lead pipes that pump water into people’s homes remain unused, a city official said Monday, at the same time that officials are struggling to keep up with state and federal deadlines to warn people of the risks,” by the Chicago Sun Times.

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: No One is to Blame

With congressional leadership deeply divided over how to avert a government shutdown at the end of month, both parties are gearing up to blame the other for the funding lapse. Despite the messaging wars, history suggests that the long-term political ramifications of the shutdown will be limited.

The Trump administration’s plan to build a nuclear reactor on the surface of the moon is just the least of their efforts to spark an atomic renaissance.

President Trump and Republicans in Washington, DC are looking to move fast and break things on AI while California lawmakers have passed legislation to regulate the emerging technology. Read the Cozen Currents here. 

Beltway Briefing: Politics, Power, and the Price of Speech

Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension has reignited debates over free speech, cancel culture, and political power. The episode breaks down all things Jimmy Kimmel—what his case reveals about hypocrisy on both sides, the role of government pressure, and what it means for the future of public discourse. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French 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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