Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Braxton Plummer as principal in its Cherry Hill office.
“Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is not planning to follow Cook County by implementing a guaranteed income program, and one Statehouse Democrat wants to prevent government units from funding such programs with taxpayer dollars,” by the Center Square Illinois.
“The unfunded liabilities of the state’s five big pension systems improved slightly for the fiscal year ended June 30, thanks to strong investment returns,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Illinois is rolling out a range of initiatives aimed at showcasing the state’s contributions to the country’s early history. Gov. JB Pritzker announced plans for the celebration Wednesday at Navy Pier on Illinois’ 207th anniversary,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“With that in mind, the three top Democrats vying to become the party’s nominee for U.S. senator in Illinois have released proposals detailing how they plan to make life more affordable for Americans,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Illinois has eliminated racial preferences in a state-funded scholarship program for aspiring teachers, following a legal challenge that argued the policy violated constitutional protections,” by My Stateline.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson is offering a revamped version of his corporate head tax — targeting only the city’s largest employers and raising the rate to $33 per worker — in a last-minute effort to salvage his $16.6 billion budget and head off a potential government shutdown,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson warned Monday morning that Chicago was headed for its first-ever government shutdown after a marathon weekend meeting failed to break the budget deadlock gripping the city,” by WTTW.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson has rejected much of the budget overhaul put forward by 26 aldermen, arguing the projections are unreliable and the savings unachievable in 2026, even while leaving wiggle room for negotiations,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“The Chicago Housing Authority board told the federal government this fall that Mayor Brandon Johnson was pressuring the agency behind the scenes to install a close political ally to lead the nation’s third-largest public housing agency,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“Chicago’s second straight budget stalemate is not about the City Council vs. Mayor Brandon Johnson, or left vs. centrist. It’s about Wall Street rating agencies and an almost certain downgrade in the city’s bond rating ‘if we don’t get this right,’ Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson said Thursday,” by the Chicago Tribune.
From Chicago to Portland to Charlotte, President Trump’s deployment of immigration agents to Democratic-led cities has sparked a nationwide debate over the limits of federal authority and local control. Chicago’s showdown with the White House exemplifies the growing tension between Washington and America’s urban centers—and the legal battles that could redefine the balance of power. Featuring Public Strategies’ John Dunn, Pat Carey, and Sydney Holman. Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.
Democrats’ electoral success last month has put increased attention on the affordability issue facing voters and raised questions about what President Trump and Republicans will do, but so far, the indications are that the main emphasis will be on adjusting the message rather than policy.
Lawmakers are racing to make up for lost time in negotiations over full-year government spending bills as the January 30th deadline to fund the federal government through the end of FY26 rapidly approaches.
Congress is expected to pass the National Defense Authorization Act by year-end and the legislation presents an opportunity for other bills to hitch a ride and become law as amendments. Read the Cozen Currents 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.
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
