Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (11/26)

November 26, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker pleads for federal flood disaster aid after summer storms

“Gov. JB Pritzker has asked Trump to reconsider the decision to reject about $620 million in disaster-relief funding to help the affected residents, though it’s unclear what recourse the state may have to receive the money,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

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Trump calls Pritzker a ‘fat slob,’ Illinois governor blasts president 

“President Donald Trump has revived his criticism of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over crime, and Pritzker has fired back by blasting Trump over Thanksgiving dinner prices,” by The Center Square Illinois.

Suburban legislators, advocates tout single-fare system, transit-oriented development after passage of mass transit funding bill

“On Tuesday, however, a handful of suburban legislators and advocates gathered inside a Metra train depot in Geneva to express their support for the mass transit funding bill — and tout what they believe are the benefits suburban residents will see,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

New federal rules could put formerly unhoused people back out on the streets across Illinois

“Chicago-area housing advocates are bracing for many of the 8,500 formerly unhoused people whose residences are subsidized by the federal government to lose their homes after the Trump administration announced it was drastically changing its funding rules and slashing the money available to subsidize long-term housing solution,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

State cannabis taxes slipping as prices continue to fall

“Illinois is poised to collect less tax revenue from recreational marijuana for the second time in three years, as cannabis prices continue to fall,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Debt owed to City Hall has risen $1 billion during Brandon Johnson’s term, money his budget could use

“A Chicago Sun-Times analysis has found that City Hall is missing out on more than $1 billion in ambulance payments, utility bills, red-light camera tickets and other unpaid debts that have gone accrued since December 2023,’” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Stalemate at City Hall deepens as credit agencies warn of looming downgrade

“As City Hall presses pause on budget negotiations for the Thanksgiving holiday, there appears to be growing consensus over what should be stripped out of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion proposal, but the City Council is at a stalemate on potential alternatives,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Downtown Aldermen Renew Push For Tougher Curfew After Teen ‘Takeover’ Shootings

“Downtown aldermen plan to again introduce a curfew-related ordinance after one boy was killed and eight others were shot during a “teen takeover” following the Millennium Park Christmas tree-lighting late Friday,” by Block Club Chicago. 

Chicago Housing Authority board approves $1.4B budget for 2026

“The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners approved a $1.4 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year on Tuesday. It’s about a 7.7 percent increase over the adopted 2025 budget of $1.3 billion,” by The Daily Line. 

CTU to cooperate with congressional inquiry over financial audits 

“The Chicago Teachers Union is cooperating with a federal inquiry into allegations that it is keeping financial audits from its members, though a lawyer representing the union argues, ‘It’s a waste of time,’” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Shutdown Ended But Healthcare Standoff Continues

With the shutdown over, Democrats must determine if they want to make a point or make a difference on extending the Affordable Care Act’s expiring enhanced premium tax credits. Republicans must decide whether to support extending the premium tax credits or pursue alternative health policy solutions to limit premium increases for their constituents. 

The Supreme Court appears likely to at least curtail President Trump’s ability to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs, which could mean refunds for importers but will not mean the end of the president’s sweeping tariff proposals. 

Senators continue to make progress toward a crypto market structure bill, releasing fresh legislative text earlier this month, but the road to a presidential signature remains long and winding. Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: In-Conversation: Steve Kornacki on Data, Democracy, and Decoding America’s Elections

Steve Kornacki, chief data analyst of NBC News, joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation about how data shapes America’s understanding of politics—and even sports. From the Democratic sweep in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York to long-term voter realignment, Kornacki breaks down what the numbers reveal about turnout, trust, and the future of American democracy. Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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