Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS), the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Donovan W. Pepper as principal and director of national strategic partnerships.
“The General Assembly convenes for the annual fall veto session for three days this week followed by another three days on Oct. 28-30. Lawmakers’ to-do list was already hefty with several issues, including public transportation and energy reform, which were left unresolved in the spring,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Just a few months into the new fiscal year, the state of Illinois already has bad budget news. It expects a $267 million deficit for the fiscal year that ends June 30, in large part because of tax cuts passed by Congress. The new forecast puts additional pressure on already shaky state finances,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Illinois Democratic leaders and clean energy groups are racing to pass a wide-reaching energy bill this month to insulate consumers from the Trump administration and regional grid operators whom they blame for ‘an electricity affordability crisis,’” by E&E News by POLITICO.
“A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from deploying 500 National Guard troops to Chicago as the administration’s immigration enforcement actions have intensified — along with protests against them,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“A federal appeals court in Chicago on Saturday denied the Trump administration’s request for an emergency stay of a district judge’s order barring the president from deploying National Guard troops in the city and state,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is proposing a $10 billion budget for next year without a deficit, layoffs or any new taxes, fees or fines. But she warned of future instability for the county as the federal government threatens to cut health care funding and infrastructure grants,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Chicago’s commuter rail is moving to raise fares to help offset a budget gap that threatens to upend the region’s transit service. Metra on Friday unveiled a $1.1 billion budget for 2026 that includes a 13% to 15% fare increase to cover a projected $68 million shortfall, according to the transit system in a press release,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Chicagoans should expect to pay more for city trains and buses next year as the CTA looks to raise fares in the face of a looming fiscal crisis. If the fare hikes of 25 cents per ride are approved by the agency’s board, it will be the first time the CTA has raised ticket prices since 2018,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“The move comes as fiscal pressures ramp up for the cash-strapped school district. Federal pandemic aid is coming to an end and it is in the process of disentangling from the city of Chicago as it moves to a fully elected 21-person board in 2027 from a mayor-appointed panel. Underfunded pensions and rising labor costs are also pain points,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“The decision to push off the vote and continue negotiations is at least a temporary win for Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is opposed to the ordinance, as well as for Bally’s and the unions whose members will work at the casino. The measure could be revived this fall as discussions heat up over how to close at $1.15 billion 2026 budget shortfall,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
While negotiations to reopen the government are centered on both government funding levels and an extension of expiring healthcare subsidies, much of Democrats’ impetus for the shutdown is related to the White House’s impoundment of congressionally-appropriated funds.
The Supreme Court’s 2025-26 term began yesterday and the Court’s docket includes major cases on presidential power, elections, and social issues.
President Trump’s antitrust enforcers have sought to reset competition policy from where it stood under the Biden administration. However, there has not been a complete break, with significant attention still focused on Big Tech. Read the Cozen Currents here.
From a breakthrough in Middle East diplomacy to the deployment of troops in Chicago, President Donald Trump’s recent moves highlight the complexities of governing at home and abroad. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and John Dunn here.
Legislative Analyst
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.
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.
November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025
