Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

Pennsylvania

PA Crisis Management Agencies Face Funding, Recruitment Challenges

Pennsylvania’s emergency management and fire response agencies are grappling with potential federal funding cuts and recruitment issues, which could impact their ability to manage crises effectively. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Advocates Urge Increased Funding for PA Student Teacher Stipend Program

Education advocates in Pennsylvania are pushing for increased funding to expand a stipend program that supports student teachers financially, addressing the state’s teacher shortage. KYW has more.

Lawmakers Push to Allow 1.3M Independents to Vote in PA Primaries

Pennsylvania lawmakers are reintroducing a bill to permit the state’s 1.3 million independent voters to participate in primary elections, aiming to make the process more inclusive. GoErie has more.

PUC Suspends UGI Utilities’ Natural Gas Rate Hike for Investigation

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has suspended UGI Utilities’ proposed natural gas rate hike, delaying the decision until October to allow for investigation and public comment. WVIA has more.

Judge Orders Temporary Takeover of Troubled Rural Water Company

A judge has ordered Pennsylvania American Water Company to temporarily manage Rock Spring Water Company due to ongoing service issues, pending approval from PUC. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Gaming Revenue Increases Nearly 11% in January

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported a 10.88% increase in total gaming revenue for January 2025, driven by significant growth in iGaming despite a decline in sports wagering. PoliticsPA has more.

PA Turnpike Introduces Open Road Tolling, Warns of Scam Texts

The Pennsylvania Turnpike’s new open road tolling system east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension results in more frequent, smaller charges for drivers, while officials warn that texts about unpaid tolls are scams. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Investigation Uncovers Dangerous Abandoned Mines in Western PA

An investigation revealed numerous abandoned mines in Western Pennsylvania posing significant risks, prompting calls for better identification and reclamation efforts following a fatal sinkhole incident. WTAE has more.

Future of “Solar for All” in PA Uncertain Amid Funding Freeze

The $7 billion Solar for All program, aimed at helping low-income households in Pennsylvania access solar energy, faces uncertainty due to a funding freeze by the Trump administration and pending state legislative approval. The Allegheny Front has more.

Motive Unclear in PA Hospital Shooting That Killed Officer

The motive behind the Pennsylvania hospital shooting remains unclear, but officials noted the gunman had recent contact with the ICU. The incident resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to several others. The Associated Press has more.

Philadelphia

City Council Approves $45M for 250th Anniversary Celebrations

Philadelphia City Council has approved $45 million in funding for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, marking the city’s largest investment yet for the milestone event in 2026. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Delaware River Named PA’s 2025 River of the Year

The Delaware River has been named Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year, earning a $15,000 grant to support year-long celebrations and activities highlighting its ecological and historical significance. Billy Penn has more.

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Steps In to Support Refugee Resettlement

Allegheny County will provide $224,000 to support local refugee resettlement groups affected by a federal funding freeze, with plans to collaborate with the City of Pittsburgh and local foundations to cover the remaining shortfall. WESA has more.

Pitt Pauses Ph.D. Admissions Amid Funding Uncertainty

The University of Pittsburgh has temporarily halted Ph.D. admissions due to uncertainty over reduced federal research funding, as it assesses the potential impact on its programs. WESA has more.

Richey Elected Allegheny County GOP Chair

Jason Richey was elected as the new chair of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County, despite objections from rivals about the election process and calls for greater transparency. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit Urges Community to “Lean In”

The 27th annual Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit focused on mobilizing the community to engage in justice and accountability efforts, encouraging attendees to actively participate in addressing social issues. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing — Where Are the Democrats?

President Donald Trump appears to be following through on his promises, while the Democratic Party seems unprepared to effectively counter his actions. The question arises: who will step forward as the leader to challenge this trajectory? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Kyle Anderson here.

President Trump Appoints Gov. Shapiro to Council of Governors

President Trump has appointed Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to the bipartisan Council of Governors to enhance state-federal collaboration on national security, disaster response, and military coordination. WHYY has more.

President Trump’s Cuts to Election Security Agencies Raise Concerns in PA

Pennsylvania officials worry that cuts to federal election security resources by the Trump administration could compromise election integrity and increase costs for local counties. WITF 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.

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