Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/15)

December 15, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. JB Pritzker signs ‘right-to-die’ legislation for terminally ill people to end their lives in Illinois 

“Terminally ill people will have the option to end their own lives with a doctor’s prescription in Illinois next year, under legislation signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday. Illinois joins 11 other states that have passed so-called right-to-die legislation, which is opposed by many religious leaders and disability rights activists,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

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Illinois among states suing Trump over $100,000 H-1B visa fee 

“A group of states, including Illinois, announced they are suing the Trump administration to block a $100,000 fee for any new applications for H-1B visas, which allow employers in the US to hire skilled foreign workers,” by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Ex-Illinois House Speaker Madigan seeks pardon from Trump after prison term completion 

“Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan has petitioned President Donald Trump for a presidential pardon following the completion of his prison sentence, according to federal records,” by News Channel 20. 

Indiana Republicans reject Trump-backed redistricting, easing pressure on Illinois Dems for remap 

“Indiana lawmakers on Thursday rejected a mid-decade overhaul of the state’s congressional map that would’ve increased the odds of sending more Republicans to Washington, taking pressure off Illinois Democrats to jump into a national redistricting tit-for-tat started by President Donald Trump,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Council members who oppose Mayor Johnson’s proposed budget drop plan to raise garbage collection fees  

“A City Council majority determined to block Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed corporate head tax on Monday dropped plans to raise Chicago’s $9.50 a month garbage collection fee in hopes of either attracting a veto-proof majority or convincing Johnson not to veto their alternative spending plan at all,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Showdown week: Can the City Council muscle through a budget without the mayor? 

“Chicago’s City Council could soon take the dramatic step of approving a 2026 budget over the objection of Mayor Brandon Johnson, but there are some who doubt the coalition will hold in the face of opposition from the Fifth Floor and potential objections from labor and industry lobbyists,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.  

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s organizer roots at fore as he courts progressives in budget fight 

“The trenches are dug in Chicago’s slow-moving budget battle. And as he seeks to gain ground with a government shutdown weeks away, Mayor Brandon Johnson keeps lobbing the same ordnance: harsh words,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

Chicago Housing Authority subject of HUD audit citing immigration and criminal activity, records show 

“The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General is conducting an audit of the Chicago Housing Authority to scrutinize its procedures around verifying residents’ immigration status and criminal backgrounds, according to documents obtained by the Sun-Times,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

 

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: In-Conversation with Howard Schweitzer: Bestselling Author Annie Duke on Making Better Decisions

Bestselling author, decision strategist, and former professional poker champion Annie Duke joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on how leaders can improve the quality of their decisions to achieve better outcomes against the backdrop of a “world on tilt.” Together, they unpack common cognitive errors, leadership biases, and everyday decision traps—and discuss how reframing our thinking can help navigate an uncertain world. Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Cozen Currents: Long Live MAGA?

President Trump’s position as leader of the MAGA movement is secure for now but the future of MAGA after him is an open question.

The signs of Vice President JD Vance’s influence on issues of domestic and foreign policy have grown in recent months as President Trump’s second in command takes on a more front-facing role within the administration.

This year’s state-level redistricting battles are likely to flip a number of Democrat-controlled congressional districts toward the GOP in next year’s midterms, but a series of recent roadblocks and the overall political environment still gives Democrats a strong chance of flipping control of the House of Representatives. Read the Cozen Currents 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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