Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (11/10)

November 10, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Energy bill gives Illinois regulators new power over rates, how electricity is generated 

“Under the state’s new energy legislation, the Illinois Commerce Commission can not only delay the planned closures of fossil fuel sources, but also raise electricity rates to build both renewable and fossil fuel sources that the legislature hasn’t even considered,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

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Illinois redistricting will hinge on Indiana, Gov. Pritzker says

“Whether the Illinois General Assembly should redraw the state’s congressional map in the middle of the decade will depend on Indiana, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said Wednesday,” by STLPR. 

‘Clean Slate’ Act passes after failing to clear legislature in past years 

“After an earlier version of the bill failed to clear both chambers during the spring legislative session, House Bill 1836 now awaits only a signature from Gov. JB Pritzker to become law. The legislation passed 39-17 in the Senate and 80-26 in the House during the fall veto session,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch touts success of transit funding bill 

“Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Westchester) was at Chicago’s Union Station Thursday morning to tout a successful legislative session that ended with a transit funding bill,” by CBS Chicago. 

Chicago and Illinois sue over Trump student loan forgiveness rule

“Illinois and Chicago each joined separate lawsuits this week against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF),” by Axios Chicago.  

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Emboldened by Democrats’ recent election sweep, Mayor Johnson stands firm on corporate head tax 

“Emboldened by the Democratic sweep in Tuesday’s elections, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday offered a fiery defense of the corporate head tax that Gov. JB Pritzker, business leaders and more than half the City Council are determined to either reduce or eliminate altogether,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Ald. Villegas to introduce $1.25 delivery fee ordinance in Chicago 

“Hoping to replace some of the new taxes included in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion 2026 budget proposal, a Northwest Side alderman wants to charge a $1.25 fee on packaged deliveries, with exemptions for groceries, medicine and restaurant deliveries,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

City Hall mulls deep cuts to domestic violence programs as funding dries up

“The end of federal COVID money could mean a 43% reduction in city spending for domestic violence aid as fatal attacks jump. Mayor Brandon Johnson has tied future funding for programs to his proposed corporate head tax, which faces City Council opposition,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Chicago Outlook Cut One Notch by S&P on Deficits, Pension Woes 

“Chicago had its credit outlook lowered one notch to negative by S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday after Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed making just a partial supplemental pension contribution next year as the city grapples with back-to-back deficits and weaker reserves,” by Bloomberg. 

No fare hikes or service cuts for Chicago transit agencies, RTA chair says 

“Chicago-area public transportation agencies won’t need to raise fares, cut routes or lay off workers next year after state lawmakers approved a bill overhauling public transit, the head of the Regional Transportation Authority said Thursday,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Let’s Make a Deal

President Trump has taken a more direct interest in influencing the private sector in his second term, as his administration opportunistically pursues deals aimed primarily in industries deemed strategic to competing with China. 

The Trump administration and Congress are both searching for ways to lower the cost of housing at a time when mortgage rates and the cost of living are near the top of voters’ list of concerns. 

While AI is all the rage now, quantum technology is thought to be the next frontier and the federal government is looking to promote US competitiveness in this domain. Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Off-Year Election Readout

From Virginia and New Jersey to New York City and beyond, the 2025 off-year elections offered a glimpse into the political landscape heading toward 2026. What voter dynamics stood out most, and what trends could define the next midterms? Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Michael Acevedo, Julia Hammond, and Katie Schwab. 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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