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.
“Illinois Democrats leading transit talks floated several potential taxes in a bill filed late Tuesday to generate $1.5 billion to help the CTA, Metra and Pace avoid a $200 million-plus fiscal cliff approaching next year,” by the Chicago Sun Times.
“Labor and environmental groups have teamed up to support an energy bill in the General Assembly’s veto session this week that would fund billions of dollars in battery-storage projects,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Illinois House Republicans say they strongly oppose any attempt to change the current congressional map to help Democrats gain another seat,” by WAND News.
“The city of Chicago, Cook County and the state of Illinois are appealing President Donald Trump’s denial last week of a disaster declaration that would have unlocked federal financial assistance for survivors and public repairs after heavy rains and flooding in the state in July and August,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“Illinois joined 24 other states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump administration over plans to stop funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Saturday as the federal government shutdown continues,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson said today the business community is ‘awfully unreasonable’ in opposing his attempt to revive the corporate head tax, but pledged to fight to keep it in his $16.6 billion 2026 budget proposal,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson turned up the heat on the Illinois General Assembly Tuesday to deliver the progressive revenue he claims Chicago needs to protect working people from funding cuts imposed by President Donald Trump that he called potentially life-threatening,” by the Chicago Sun Times.
“The Chicago school board will hold a special meeting Thursday to authorize a $175 million pension reimbursement to the city,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.
“In his highly anticipated appearance in a federal courtroom Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino — who has become the face of the Trump administration’s ongoing ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ Chicago-area immigration enforcement campaign — did very little of the talking,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“As election season kicks off in earnest and the Springfield veto session hurtles to its conclusion, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Assessor Fritz Kaegi are both pressing state legislators to expand property tax break eligibility for lower-income seniors,” by the Chicago Tribune.
President Trump’s philosophy may be “America First,” but thus far in his second term, he has increasingly focused on foreign policy and has staked out a role in conflicts around the world.
President Trump has proposed several ways in which his administration may utilize the increased revenues his array of tariffs are yielding. However, these plans have yet to turn into reality as the White House faces legal obstacles that may primarily limit the application of the tariff revenue to offset the deficit impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
A power struggle is emerging over who will lead NASA into its next era – and where it will go. Read the Cozen Currents here.
Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, joins host Howard Schweitzer to reflect on her decades leading one of the nation’s most influential business organizations. Together, they explore how New York’s fabric is defined by its bottom-up composition—diverse voices across sectors united by a shared vision. The city’s resilience and commitment to public-private collaboration offer lessons for how government and business can work together to solve complex challenges. Featuring Public Strategies CEO Howard Schweitzer and Partnership for New York City CEO Kathy Wylde 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 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
