Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Criticizes President Trump, VP Vance Over Zelenskyy Dispute

Governor Josh Shapiro condemned President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their treatment of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, asserting it undermines U.S. national security, emphasizing Pennsylvania’s strong ties to its Ukrainian community and the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Gov. Shapiro Considers Exiting PJM Amid Rising Power Demand

Gov. Shapiro is exploring the possibility of Pennsylvania leaving PJM to better manage the projected 20% rise in energy demand and address the slow approval of new generation projects. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Marijuana Legalization, Education Funding Dominate Budget Hearings

Legalizing recreational marijuana was a key topic during last week’s state budget hearings, with discussions focusing on economic benefits, regulatory plans, and potential impacts on public safety and health. Education funding reform was also a topic of conversation, with concerns over potential federal cuts and discussions about equitable distribution and cyber charter school rates.

PA Aging Department Faces Funding Challenges 

Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich is highlighting the need for increased investment in the Department of Aging to better support Pennsylvania’s growing senior population. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Senators Propose State Version of DOGE

State Senators Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Doug Mastriano (R-Adams/Franklin) are introducing legislation to create a Pennsylvania version of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), inspired by Elon Musk’s federal model. Their proposals aim to review state regulations and improve efficiency, though they differ in scope and authority. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

State Supreme Court Race Could Reshape PA Politics

This year’s Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention elections could significantly alter the court’s composition and influence state policy for the next decade. Both parties are preparing for an expensive campaign, highlighting the potential impact on issues like redistricting and voting rights. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

High Radon Levels in PA Pose Cancer Risk, Awareness Crucial

A radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer, radon is found in high levels in 39.1% of Pennsylvania homes. Experts emphasize the importance of testing and mitigation to reduce exposure and prevent lung cancer. PennLive has more.

IFO Releases February Monthly Revenue Update

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released its monthly revenue update for the month of February. View the report here.

Philadelphia

City Council Proposes Expanding Bike Lanes on 3 Streets

City Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. (D-District 5) has introduced bills to add bike lanes to three high-traffic streets in Philadelphia, aiming to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Flower Show Envisions “Gardens of Tomorrow”

The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, themed “Gardens of Tomorrow,” kicked off this weekend, showcasing innovative floral and landscape designs that imagine the future of horticulture. WHYY has more.

City Faces Severe Flu Season Amid FDA Vaccine Meeting Cancellation

The Philadelphia region is experiencing a severe flu season, with record-high cases in early February, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) cancellation of a key vaccine meeting raises concerns about future flu vaccine preparations. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

NFL Seeks Diverse Local Businesses for Pittsburgh Draft

The National Football League (NFL) is encouraging local businesses owned by underrepresented groups to apply for the NFL Draft Source Program, offering potential contracts and networking opportunities for the 2026 draft in Pittsburgh. WESA has more.

Land Bank Achieves Affordable Housing Success in Hazelwood

The Pittsburgh Land Bank has successfully transformed blighted properties in Hazelwood into affordable housing, marking a significant achievement in its efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and combat land speculation. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pittsburgh’s First Women’s Sports Bar Opening Soon

Title 9, a new bar in Pittsburgh dedicated to exclusively showing women’s sports, is set to open soon, inspired by the growing popularity and recognition of women’s athletics. WESA has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing—The Cost of Musk’s Efficiency Revolution

Most Americans agree the federal government overspends and our debt is unsustainable. But Elon Musk’s approach at the Department of Government Efficiency is challenging assumptions—not about the problem, but the execution. Instead of the usual bureaucratic reshuffle, he’s taking unprecedented action, with ripple effects reaching localized federal workers. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Kyle Anderson here.

PA Republicans Face Backlash Over Proposed Medicaid Cuts

Pennsylvania Republicans who won by narrow margins in 2024 are facing backlash from constituents for supporting budget cuts that could impact Medicaid, despite earlier promises to protect benefits. The Associated Press has more.

Democrats Invite Fired Federal Workers to Protest Trump’s Address

Democratic lawmakers are inviting former federal workers to President Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday to protest mass firings and funding cuts by his administration. U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania has invited a constituent who was an architect at Valley Forge National Park. The New York Times has more.

McClure Announces Early Bid for PA-07

Democratic Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure has announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, currently represented by Republican U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie, in the 2026 election. PoliticsPA 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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