Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/8)

December 8, 2025

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker: ‘No’ to state taxpayer-funded guaranteed income 

“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. 

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State pension shortfall improves, thanks to strong market 

“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. 

Gov. JB Pritzker announces plans for America’s 250th anniversary

“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. 

Illinois Democrats running to replace Durbin release economic proposals

“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 ends race-based teacher scholarship restrictions, ending legal challenge

“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. 

 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson floats head tax overhaul amid budget stalemate 

“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. 

Johnson Warns Chicago is Headed for Shutdown Amid Budget Deadlock

“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. 

Johnson pours cold water on council bloc’s budget plan

“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.  

Chicago Housing Authority head told HUD ‘we do not recommend’ Mayor Brandon Johnson ally as CEO

“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 headed for a bond rating drop if City Hall doesn’t get budget right, Civic Fed president says

“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. 

 

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: Federal Power vs. City Streets: A Constitutional Shutdown

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.

Cozen Currents: Trump Blames the Message But Not the Messenger

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.

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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