Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, February 3, 2025

February 3, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal to Focus on Education, Transportation, Fiscal Responsibility

Governor Josh Shapiro’s upcoming budget proposal is expected to prioritize increased funding for the state’s poorest public schools, support for public transit, and the legalization of marijuana. The plan also includes aid for rural hospitals, higher pay for caregivers, and new taxes on skill games, all while emphasizing fiscal responsibility amid a significant state surplus.

Gov. Shapiro Unveils Ambitious “Lightning Plan” for PA’s Energy Future

Gov. Shapiro introduced a six-part “Lightning Plan” to revitalize Pennsylvania’s energy sector, create jobs, and lower consumer costs. The plan includes capping carbon emissions, incentivizing renewable energy, and reforming tax credits to support innovative energy projects. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Counties Push for Vote-by-Mail Reform, Mental Health, 911 Funding

Pennsylvania county commissioners are urging state lawmakers to address vote-by-mail law flaws, increase mental health funding by $100 million, and enhance 911 services to improve county government efficiency and community well-being. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

House Committee Advances Medical Marijuana Program Oversight Bill

The state House Health Committee advanced a bill to improve oversight of the state’s medical marijuana program to address safety concerns over contaminants and ensure product integrity through stricter testing and regulatory measures. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Legislature to Consider Mandatory Property Reassessments for All PA Counties

State Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) has introduced a bill that would require all 67 Pennsylvania counties to reassess property values every five years to ensure a fair system. CBS Pittsburgh has more.

Lower Merion Zoning Lawsuit Could Influence Gun Policies Across PA

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court will decide if Lower Merion can restrict gun sales through zoning laws, a ruling that could impact local government authority on gun policies statewide. The case highlights the tension between state preemption laws and local efforts to regulate firearm sales. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

State Consumer Advocate Resigns Amid Controversy Over Independence

Patrick Cicero resigned as Pennsylvania’s consumer advocate, citing pressure from investor-owned utilities and a request from the new attorney general to reapply for his position. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Saw Highest Voter Turnout Since 1988 in 2024

The 2024 general election in Pennsylvania had the highest voter turnout in 36 years, with 69% of the voting-age population casting ballots. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Philadelphia

Cleanup, Investigation of Northeast Philadelphia Plane Crash Ongoing

A medical jet crash in Northeast Philadelphia killed seven people and injured 22, with five still hospitalized. City officials are working with multiple agencies to assess and repair the damage, while urging the community to remain patient during the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts. WHYY has more.

DA Krasner, City Lawmakers Vow to Defy Federal Immigration Actions

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and lawmakers condemned recent federal immigration actions, pledging non-cooperation and calling for an immigrants’ strike to protest the measures. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Pittsburgh

Mayor Gainey, O’Connor Debate Housing, Finances in Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

In their first debate, incumbent Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and County Controller Corey O’Connor discussed budget concerns, housing policies, and other key issues, highlighting their differing approaches and priorities. Meanwhile, Lawrenceville business owner Thomas West has joined the mayoral race on the Republican side. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Dems, GOP Announce Nominees for HD-35 Special Election

Democrat Dan Goughnour and Republican Charles Davis will compete in the March 25 special election to fill the late Rep. Matt Gergely’s seat in Pennsylvania’s 35th state House District, with control of the state House at stake. WESA has more.

PRT Seeks $117M State Subsidy Increase to Avoid Service Cuts

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is requesting a $117 million annual increase in state funding to prevent severe service cuts, fare hikes, and layoffs. The agency warns that without this funding, it will face significant financial challenges as federal COVID-19 relief funds are depleted. The Pittsburgh Union-Progress has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing: Trump’s Second Week: From Order to Chaos

President Donald Trump’s return to the White House began with a decisive policy rollout but quickly unraveled amidst confusion, uncertainty, and tragedy. A hastily issued OMB memo freezing aid to 2,600 programs — only to be swiftly reversed — sparked confusion and concern. This was compounded by Trump 2.0’s first major crisis with the tragic commercial aviation disaster on the shores of the Potomac. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson here.

President Trump’s Tariffs Set to Impact Consumers, Industries

President Trump’s new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China are expected to raise prices on cars, gasoline, and groceries in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The tariffs could also lead to higher costs for businesses and potential job losses in the state’s hospitality and agricultural sectors. Tariffs on Mexican goods have been delayed for a month, while those on Canadian and Chinese goods are expected to go into effect Tuesday. PennLive has more.

DNC Elects New Slate of Officers, Including Pennsylvanians

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) elected a new slate of officers — including Pennsylvanians Malcolm Kenyatta as Vice Chair and Virginia McGregor as Treasurer — with the goal of strengthening the party’s efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.

House Democratic Super PAC Launches $50M Fund to Reconnect with Working-Class Voters

The House Majority PAC announced a $50 million “Win Them Back Fund” to appeal to working-class voters across the U.S. for the 2026 midterms. The fund will focus on economic messaging and target 14 Republican-held House seats — including Pennsylvania’s 7th, 8th, and 10th Congressional Districts — aiming to regain the majority by addressing the concerns of diverse working-class communities. The New York Times has more.

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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News