WASHINGTON, March 4, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced that Alexandra DeRiso has joined the firm as a principal on its health care team.
“The budget proposed by Pritzker on Wednesday largely maintains the status quo, and forgoes significant broad-based tax increases. The proposed budget totals $56 billion in spending in fiscal year 2027 beginning on July 1, which is up $878 million, or 1.6% from the current year,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Lawmakers agreed last year to lift the state’s ban on building new nuclear reactors. Pritzker’s order today directs state agencies and regulators to begin evaluating potential reactor sites with a goal of getting construction underway by 2033,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Pritzker’s office says the measure will call for relaxed restrictions on the development of multi-unit housing, allowing homeowners to build ‘granny flats’ and cutting other forms of red tape that have slowed homebuilding in recent years,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is proposing a new fee on social-media companies that he says would raise about $200 million a year for education, as the state confronts a sizable budget shortfall and greater uncertainty around federal funding under President Donald Trump,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Sweeping voting rights legislation emerged Thursday to strengthen the hands of Illinois judges to take control of disputes over redistricting and give expanded safeguards to non-English speaking voters,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto of legislation that would have banned most intoxicating hemp products in Chicago was upheld today after a bid to override the mayor’s rejection came up short,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“The City Council gave final zoning approval Wednesday to Foundry Park, JDL Development’s new, scaled-back vision for North Side industrial land along the Chicago River that once was supposed to be home to the Lincoln Yards megaproject,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Chicago is seeking to sell about $1 billion in debt the city is owed from things like unpaid parking tickets even as a top finance official warns the unprecedented offering is expected to be costly with uncertain investor appetite,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Treasurer Maria Pappas promised Tuesday that homeowners and other property owners will receive tax bills on time this spring, and that property tax revenues will go out to local governments when they are supposed to,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“A whistleblower in City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s office filed a wide-ranging ethics complaint against her late last year, alleging the congressional candidate’s political staff pushed a questionable plan to boycott U.S. Treasury bonds in protest of President Donald Trump, despite internal objections over its financial prudence,” by the Chicago Tribune.
Congress’s lack of action on tech issues leaves an opening for states to take the lead on regulation, which has created a patchwork of laws across states.
While a prolonged shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security will have unequal impacts across its various agencies, the immigration policy changes discussed have sparked interest from a broader set of stakeholders due to their potential far-reaching impact.
The Environmental Protection Agency finalized its revocation of the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases last week, with major consequences for environmental regulation going forward. Read the Cozen Currents here.
Executive coach, image consultant, and author Kathryn Lowell joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on leading with presence and trust in moments of uncertainty. Kathryn explores how trust is built by “going first,” what it means to project presence without proximity, and why human skills like listening and intuition matter more than ever in today’s workplace. Together, they examine how leaders can serve as a steadying force for their teams, balancing authenticity and authority in a world shaped by simultaneous technological, economic, and political disruption. Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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.
March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
