Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Pledges Support for PA Farmers Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Governor Josh Shapiro warned that new tariffs could harm Pennsylvania farmers and pledged to protect them, highlighting his administration’s investments in agriculture as part of a statewide economic development plan to members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau on Tuesday. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA House Approves Pension Increase for Retired Teachers, State Workers

The state House passed a bill to provide a cost-of-living raise for approximately 59,000 retired teachers and state employees whose pensions have been stagnant since 2002. PennLive has more.

PA Environmental Justice Bill Advances from Committee

The state House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee approved a bill requiring cumulative environmental impact reports for new businesses in environmental justice areas along party lines on Monday, aiming to protect vulnerable communities from pollution. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Legislators Considering Bills to Support DEI, Combat Hate Crimes

Two bills introduced in the state House and Senate aim to uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and modernize laws to combat hate crimes, including measures for law enforcement training and increased penalties for ethnic intimidation. WTAJ has more.

New HD-35 Representative Sworn In

Dan Goughnour was sworn in as the new state representative for House District 35 on Monday, emphasizing his commitment to public safety, job training, education, and reducing costs for families. PoliticsPA has more.

What Dem’s Senate Win in Trump District Means for 2026 Midterms

While some believe that Democrat James Malone’s unexpected victory in the heavily Republican Senate District 36 may portend Democratic gains in the 2026 midterms, analysts caution that higher-turnout elections may yield different results. Spotlight PA has more.

Treasurer Garrity Eyes 2026 Gubernatorial Run

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity is reportedly considering a run for governor in 2026, emerging as a leading Republican contender to challenge the popular Democratic incumbent. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Voter Registration Trends Show Decline in Both Major Parties

Recent voter registration data reveals that both Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania have lost voters since October, with Democrats experiencing a larger decline—particularly in urban areas like Philadelphia and Allegheny County—shrinking the gap between the two parties. PoliticsPA has more.

In-Home Care Crisis Worsens as Senior Population Grows

The Pennsylvania Home Care Association is warning of severe shortages in direct care workers and nurses, urging immediate legislative action to support the growing senior population’s in-home care needs. PoliticsPA has more.

PASSHE Schools Receive $350,000 Boost for Work-Based Learning

Three rural Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools received $350,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission to enhance work-based learning opportunities with local employers, focusing on STEM and healthcare fields. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Prepares to Shine for America250 Celebration

Pennsylvania is gearing up for America’s 250th anniversary with significant investments and statewide initiatives to enhance historical education, civic engagement, and infrastructure. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Crozer Health Faces Closure Without Immediate $9M Funding

Prospect Medical Holdings warned that Crozer Health could begin diverting ambulances and patients if $9 million in funding is not secured by Wednesday, as efforts to find a new buyer continue amidst financial struggles. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council to Consider Tenant Protections Bills

Philadelphia City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (At Large) introduced the Safe Healthy Homes Act, which aims to protect tenants from retaliation when reporting poor living conditions and provide support for relocation efforts if needed. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Mayor Parker Announces Continued Support for SEPTA Fare Subsidies

Mayor Cherelle Parker announced plans to maintain funding for SEPTA fare subsidy programs that provide City employees and low-income residents with free rides following feedback during budget hearings. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Council Member Declares Trash Emergency, Seeks State Help

City Councilmember Bob Charland (District 3) highlighted Pittsburgh’s severe trash problem, proposing state intervention, but settled for a formal request for assistance without an emergency declaration. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Mayor Gainey, Controller O’Connor Target UPMC for City Revenue

Pittsburgh mayoral candidates Mayor Ed Gainey and County Controller Corey O’Connor are focusing on securing payments from tax-exempt nonprofits like UPMC to address the City’s budget shortfalls, with Mayor Gainey defending his record and Controller O’Connor criticizing the lack of progress. O’Connor maintains a financial advantage over the incumbent mayor.

Tenants, Officials Seek Role in Foreclosure Case of Troubled Properties

Allegheny County officials and low-income tenants are seeking to intervene in a foreclosure case involving the Mon View Heights apartments to ensure their interests are represented and to maintain affordable housing. WESA has more.

Federal

Sen. McCormick, Gov. Shapiro Weigh in on Tariffs

During a tour of Eos Energy’s plant in East Pittsburgh on Monday, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania acknowledged the uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump’s tariffs but emphasized their goal of achieving fairer trade relationships and urged Pennsylvanians to give the strategy time to work. Meanwhile, Gov. Shapiro criticized President Trump’s tariffs for destabilizing the U.S. stock market and warned they could lead to a trade war, harming Pennsylvanians and raising consumer prices. On Wednesday, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs.

President Trump Opposes Nippon’s Purchase of U.S. Steel

President Trump announced he was seeking a review of the nearly $15 billion deal sale of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel Corp., emphasizing the need to protect American manufacturing and national security. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Sen. Fetterman Urges President Trump to Reinstate Drug Access

U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania revealed he uses the weight loss drug Mounjaro and urged President Trump to reinstate a Biden-era rule to make anti-obesity medications more affordable for millions of Americans. PennLive has more.

Dems Target 4 PA Congressional Seats for 2026

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is focusing on flipping four Pennsylvania congressional seats in 2026, aiming to regain lost ground and capitalize on recent electoral successes and economic concerns linked to President Trump’s policies. The Philadelphia Inquirer 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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