Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/1)

December 1, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. Pritzker’s job approval rating hits 52.2% in latest Illinois poll

“According to the poll, by Chicago-based Victory Research, residents approve of the governor’s handling of infrastructure, spending, and education, but cite his handling of crime, taxes, and immigration issues as his weaknesses,” by My Stateline.   

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Nonpartisan think tank identifies Illinois’ most effective state legislators

“Unsurprisingly, because of their legislative supermajorities, Democrats in the Illinois House and Senate ranked the highest on the researchers’ list of legislators’ deemed to be the most effective, with House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, leading the way,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Trump cuts could shrink Illinois economy by $10B: report

“Recent cuts by President Donald Trump’s administration could reduce the size of Illinois’ economy by nearly $10 billion each year, according to a new report released Monday by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois rejects federal ‘no tax on tips’ rule, keeps state tax on tipped income

“Illinois is not adopting the new federal ‘no tax on tips’ provision, meaning tipped workers in the state will still owe Illinois income tax on tips, even when those tips are exempt at the federal level,” by the Center Square Illinois. 

Illinois sues USDA to block changes to SNAP eligibility of immigrants 

“Illinois is among a group of Democratic states suing the Trump administration, seeking to block a change to the federal food stamps program that the states say unlawfully prevented some legal immigrants from accessing the aid,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Alternative to Mayor Johnson’s budget could entail higher trash collection fee, new package delivery fee 

“With 30 days to break Chicago’s second straight budget stalemate, a small group of City Council moderates and conservatives are intensifying efforts to craft an alternate spending plan that does not include a corporate head tax,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.  

Chicago school board members urge city council to approve mayor’s budget

“Several board members who spoke said there would be cuts at specific schools if Johnson’s proposed budget doesn’t pass. Their comments were based on calculations done by the Chicago Teachers Union,” by Chalkbeat Chicago. 

Immigration Committee Launches Portal To Collect Reports Of ICE, Border Patrol Violating City Laws 

“The City Council’s Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights is encouraging Chicagoans to report violations of city law by federal immigration agents in a new online portal,” by Block Club Chicago. 

Chicago Spent $212M on Police Overtime So Far This Year, 6% More Than New Limit Set for 2026 

“The city of Chicago spent more than $212 million on overtime for members of the Chicago Police Department in just the first 10 months of 2025 — 6% more than the amount Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to set aside for police overtime in all of 2026, records show,” by WTTW. 

Chicago Park District Budget Proposal Aims to Tackle New Projects, Address Homeless Encampments

“A long-awaited new fieldhouse, the transformation of a toxic waste site into a lakefront park and plans to address homelessness are all on the list of priorities for the Chicago Park District. Those are among several projects included in the Chicago Park District’s budget proposal for next year. It’s set for a final vote from the Park District Board of Commissioners on Dec. 10,” by WTTW. 

 

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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