WASHINGTON, September 1, 2026 — Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O'Connor, today announced the addition of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the firm's federal health policy practice in Washington, D.C.
“Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill on Friday that allows more Chicago homeowners to access financial relief for flood damage locally while many communities in the state cleaned up from damaging storms,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Following a spate of wet, windy weather and tornadoes in the Chicago area this week, Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday contended that the federal government had ‘turned their back’ on Illinois families when it denied the state’s request for relief from damaging storms last year,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“Gov. JB Pritzker said he believes the Chicago Bears would like to stay in Illinois, but said they haven’t yet come to the legislature with a bill they want passed to address building a new stadium in Arlington Heights,” by CBS News.
“The Chicago Bears aren’t ready to say exactly where in Hammond, Ind., they will build their proposed new stadium-anchored campus or when they will make that decision,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson told municipal investors [Thursday] the city will make the second half of a $260 million advance pension payment later this year,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“A pledge signed by nearly half of Chicago’s aldermen to reject campaign contributions from companies allegedly tied to federal immigration crackdowns has split the City Council — with supporters calling it a critical show of solidarity and detractors dismissing it as an insincere political gesture,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson stood beside organizers and elected officials Sunday to advocate for his sweeping tenant protections ordinance ahead of a looming City Council showdown on the future of renters’ rights,” by Block Club Chicago.
“Despite a directive from the Chicago Board of Education to reverse hundreds of layoffs across Chicago Public Schools, district officials said they can’t afford to reinstate every position cut earlier this summer,” by Chalkbeat Chicago.
A challenging national environment has put the Senate majority within Democrats’ reach. Even so, securing an outright majority remains an uphill climb because the chamber turns over only about a third of its seats at a time and the battleground is tilted toward GOP-leaning states.
Even if Republicans retain the Senate, their majority will likely shrink, implying that the upper chamber may be more willing to push back against the White House than it has been in Trump’s second term.
Although currently not the base case, a Democratic-controlled Senate could change the course of the remainder of President Trump’s second term through oversight and a blockade of his nominations. Read the Cozen Currents here.
Budget season offers a window into state priorities, policy choices, and the challenges lawmakers are working to address. As state negotiations wrap up in Illinois, New York, and Virginia, we explore the tradeoffs, areas of agreement, and key decisions that shaped this year’s legislative sessions. What do these budgets reveal about governing today, and what do they signal for the road to the November midterms? Featuring Public Strategies’ Julia Hammond (VA), Sydney Holman (IL), and Katrell Lewis (NY). Listen here.
Policy Advisor
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.
September 10, 2026
September 10, 2026
September 9, 2026
