Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Announces $5M Investment to Address Nursing Shortage

During a visit to Temple University Hospital last week, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $5 million investment to strengthen Pennsylvania’s nursing pipeline through the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program, addressing a projected shortage of 20,000 nurses. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

Shapiro Admin Faces GOP Resistance in Push for Home Repairs Funding

Despite high demand and bipartisan support, Republican concerns about state spending may prevent $50 million for Pennsylvania’s home repairs program from being included in this year’s budget. Spotlight PA has more.

PA House Dems Open to Voter ID Expansion as Part of Election Reforms

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Delaware/Philadelphia) indicated that Pennsylvania House Democrats are willing to consider stricter voter ID requirements as part of broader election reforms, provided they do not disenfranchise voters. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Voters to Elect Poll Workers Amid Candidate Shortage

Pennsylvania voters will elect poll workers for the next four years, but many positions may remain unfilled due to a lack of candidates, highlighting the challenges of this unique electoral process. Despite the importance of these roles, the demanding nature and low pay deter many potential candidates. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

3K+ Apply for PA Student Teacher Stipends in Single Day

More than 3,000 aspiring educators in Pennsylvania applied for stipends within 24 hours, but many may not receive funding unless lawmakers approve Gov. Shapiro’s proposed $40 million budget for the program. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Lawsuit Challenges State LGBTQ Antidiscrimination Protections

Two public school districts and several parents have sued Pennsylvania to overturn antidiscrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals, arguing the regulations exceed legislative intent. The Associated Press has more.

Chester Advocates for Environmental Justice to Revitalize Waterfront

The City of Chester is leading the fight for environmental justice by addressing severe pollution from multiple industries, aiming to transform the city into a vibrant waterfront community. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

Sheriff’s Office Delays Prevent Land Bank from Acquiring Lots for Community Projects

Problems in the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office have prevented the Land Bank from acquiring tax-delinquent lots for community gardens and affordable housing, despite a bill passed to facilitate these purchases. The delays, linked to issues with an online auction platform, have frustrated City Council members and jeopardized various community projects. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

O’Connor Narrowly Wins Democratic Endorsement, Triggering Recount

Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor narrowly secured the Allegheny County Democratic Committee’s endorsement over incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey, prompting a recount to finalize the decision for the upcoming mayoral primary. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

SW PA Receives $2.7M in Grants for Water Quality Improvements

Southwestern Pennsylvania has been awarded over $2.7 million in Department of Environmental Protection grants to address water quality issues, with projects focusing on stormwater management and pollution reduction in Allegheny County and beyond. WESA has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing—The (Not-So) State of the Union?

Between President Donald Trump’s Address to Joint Session of Congress, his fluctuating trade and tariff policies, and the threat of a government shutdown, politicos question whether the president’s actions are more performance than policy. With no clear leader or unified message, how much longer will Democrats remain disorganized? And are Republicans stuck in a “team mentality,” prioritizing loyalty over scrutiny of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French here.

DOGE Cuts Federal Contracts in PA, Impacting Minority-Owned Businesses

DOGE has canceled dozens of federal contracts in Pennsylvania, affecting many minority- and women-owned businesses. These cuts have led to substantial reductions in business operations and staff layoffs, raising concerns about the true economic impact and transparency of DOGE’s actions, as some savings claims appear to be inflated. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Rep. Perry Assures “Legitimate” Medicaid Recipients Will Not Lose Coverage

U.S. Representative Scott Perry of Pennsylvania stated that legitimate Medicaid recipients will not lose coverage due to Republican-proposed spending cuts, while suggesting that cuts could affect those who immigrated illegally. He emphasized the need to address fraud, waste, and abuse within the system to ensure taxpayer money is spent efficiently. The Hill 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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