Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Pennsylvania

PA Senate Passes Bill to Crack Down on Fentanyl Dealers

The state Senate approved a bill imposing a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers whose fentanyl sales result in fatal overdoses. The bill, known as Tyler’s Law, aims to address the opioid crisis and now moves to the House for consideration. WHTM has more.

Proposed Bill Would Mandate Return to In-Person Work for State Employees

State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Adams/Franklin) has introduced the “State Employees Return to Work Act,” which would require state employees to return to in-person workplaces to improve public service delivery and enhance workplace coordination. WHTM has more.

Some Republicans Consider Running for Governor in 2026

Pennsylvania Republicans Stacy Garrity and Dan Meuser outlined their potential gubernatorial platforms at a conservative conference, emphasizing their visions for the state’s future, highlighting key issues such as economic growth, education reform, and public safety. State Senator Scott Martin (R-Berks/Lancaster) has not ruled out a potential run for governor in 2026.

AG’s Office Declines Further Action on Musk’s PAC’s $100 Checks

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office will not pursue further action on complaints about unsolicited $100 checks from Elon Musk’s America PAC, received by Pennsylvanians during the 2024 presidential election. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

State Aging Department Launches New Protective Services Data System

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has introduced a new public-facing monitoring system to improve accountability and support for the state’s aging population, highlighting significant improvements in Westmoreland County’s Area Agency on Aging. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Ranks Low in Energy Affordability Despite Natural Gas Abundance

Pennsylvania ranks 32nd in energy affordability, with existing policies and the slow transition to cleaner energy sources contributing to higher costs and a complex debate on future energy strategies. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

State Parks Expect Record-Breaking Summer Amid Federal Cuts

With federal cuts impacting national parks, Pennsylvania’s state parks are seeing a nearly 30% increase in campsite reservations, prompting the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prepare for a record-breaking summer season. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

$10B AI Data Center Planned for Indiana County

The former Homer City Generating Station in Pennsylvania will be transformed into a natural gas-fired facility, creating the largest power station in the U.S. and supporting AI data centers, with construction expected to generate over 10,000 jobs. PoliticsPA has more.

Concerns Raised Over Use of Message-Deleting Apps by Public Officials

Despite assurances from Lancaster County officials that they do not use message-deleting apps for government business, experts warn that the lack of laws requiring disclosure and the difficulty in enforcing transparency with such technology pose significant challenges. LancasterOnline has more.

Philadelphia

Federal Cuts Threaten Public Health, IRS Jobs in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is facing significant challenges as federal grant cuts jeopardize hundreds of public health jobs, potentially impacting disease prevention and public health initiatives in vulnerable communities. Additionally, thousands of IRS employees in the city are at risk of losing their jobs due to the Trump administration’s plan to reduce the federal workforce, causing widespread concern and uncertainty among workers.

Federal

Beltway Briefing—U.S. Tariffs Spark Global Backlash, Economic Uncertainty

President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement disrupted global markets, catching international leaders and the business community off guard and fueling economic anxiety. Why the surprise? How can they still engage the administration productively? The news of the tariffs, along with elections in Wisconsin and Florida and Senator Booker’s marathon speech, gave Democrats a chance to show momentum. Did they present a fresh vision or fall back on the usual anti-Trump narrative? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Patrick Martin here.

PA Lawmakers Divided on President Trump’s Tariff Plan

Lawmakers expressed mixed reactions to President Trump’s new tariffs, with Republicans largely supporting the move to boost American industries and Democrats warning of potential economic risks and market volatility. U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Summer Lee (D-PA-12) have criticized the tariffs as poorly planned and potentially harmful, whereas U.S. Representative Scott Perry (R-PA-10) has expressed strong support for the tariffs, emphasizing the need to rebalance financial relations with other countries and revive American industries.

President Trump’s Funding Freeze Halts $27B PA Clean Energy Program

The Trump administration’s freeze on a $27 billion clean energy program has left numerous local projects in Pennsylvania in limbo, causing widespread uncertainty. This decision threatens the progress of various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable energy solutions in the state. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Former Rep. Wild Will Not Run for Congress in 2026

Former U.S. Representative Susan Wild announced she will not seek another term in 2026 after narrowly losing to now-Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07) in 2024. Several other Democrats are considering entering the 2026 midterm race. The Morning Call has more.

State AG Pulse—With the Reshaping of Government, More Power to State AGs

As the new administration pursues actions that will fundamentally reshape U.S. government, former Arkansas Attorney General, now Cozen O’Connor State AG Group Co-Chair, Dustin McDaniel and team members Chris Allen and Grace Garver discuss how state AGs will step up and the tools they have to fill the regulatory void. Listen to the latest episode here.

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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