Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/28)

September 28, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker names new Illinois Prisoner Review Board executive director 

“Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday named the chief of staff of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board as its next executive director, a position created two years ago after the board faced a firestorm of criticism,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Subscribe

Pritzker pushing for data center legislation in fall veto session

“Gov. JB Pritzker expects the state Legislature will take up the issue of data center regulation during the veto session later this year,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

In Illinois governor race, Darren Bailey sticks to SAFE-T Act attack despite falling crime numbers

“Four years after he called Chicago a “hellhole” and lost the race for governor by nearly 13 percentage points, Darren Bailey’s attempt at running a different kind of campaign has included declaring he’s ready to ‘stop some of the political rhetoric that I’ve been a part of’ and trying to avoid being portrayed as a MAGA Republican amid President Donald Trump’s unpopularity in Illinois,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

As early voting begins, officials seek to reassure public about election security, integrity

“With early in-person and mail-in voting now underway in Illinois, state and local election officials insisted Friday that the state’s voting system is being run fairly and accurately,” by Capitol News Illinois.  

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

City Council majority warns Johnson: No head tax in 2027 budget 

“A City Council majority is drawing lines around Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2027 budget before he even unveils it, ruling out a corporate head tax, a property tax hike and uncertain help from Springfield — without yet offering its own plan to close an $882.4 million 2027 deficit,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

City Council punts decision on $2.53 billion Chicago parking meter sale to Stonepeak

“Aldermen delayed a vote on the sale of Chicago’s parking meters Friday, punting a fateful decision on whether to turn the page on a decades-long saga widely considered one of the worst deals in city history,” by the Chicago Tribune.     

Civic Committee sounds alarm on city finances ahead of budget 

“As Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council get ready to assemble next year’s budget in what promises to be another chaotic, politically charged process, the Civic Committee is weighing in with some friendly but stern advice,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson seeking data center moratorium while Ald. Bill Conway seeks immediate regulations 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed a one-year moratorium on new or expanded data centers in Chicago to come up with a plan for regulating the controversial facilities, but one alderman is pushing to move faster on regulating the industry,” by CBS News. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Okay Doomer

Doomerism is dominating the debate over regulating AI with different implications for major labs and smaller firms. 

While political support for data centers continues to collapse, politicians are trying to walk a line between appearing tough on AI and not scaring away investment. 

When President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in Washington this week, the summit will prioritize stability and tangible deliverables will likely be relatively modest. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: The 2026 Midterms: A Battle for the Senate and Both Parties’ Futures

With early voting approaching, the 2026 midterms are emerging as a consequential test for both parties. Our team examines the closely watched Senate races, the voter sentiment shaping the cycle, and what the results could mean for control of Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Patrick Martin (DC). 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News