Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Reflects on Arson Attack in NYT Guest Essay

In a guest essay for The New York Times, Governor Josh Shapiro (D) recounted the traumatic experience of an arson attack on his residence, emphasizing the importance of moral clarity and unity in the face of violence and division. The New York Times has more.

PA Faces Hiring Freeze Amid Efforts to Recruit Federal Workers

Gov. Shapiro’s administration is encouraging federal employees to apply for state jobs, but the hiring process is slowing due to federal funding cuts affecting thousands of state positions. Pennsylvania saw a significant reduction in its federal workforce last month, losing 400 workers, a higher percentage decline than the national average.

PA House Advances Expanded Consumer Data Privacy Bill

The state House unanimously advanced a bill to broaden consumer data privacy protections, allowing residents to opt out of certain data collection practices and requiring businesses to remove consumers’ information upon request. WITF has more.

PA’s Growing Number of Independent Voters Still Excluded from Primaries

Despite the increasing number of independent and third-party voters in Pennsylvania, they remain unable to vote in primary elections due to the state’s closed primary system, with legislative efforts to change this facing significant challenges. Spotlight PA has more.

Crozer Health Begins Closure Despite $40M Lifeline

Crozer Health’s emergency departments at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital stopped accepting patients by ambulance, marking a critical step in the closure of Delaware County’s largest health system, despite receiving $40 million in state aid.

PA Faces Uncertainty Over Potential $500M Federal Health Funding Cuts

Pennsylvania health officials are concerned about the impact of a potential $500 million federal funding cut, which could affect vaccine administration, disease monitoring, and other critical public health services, but have not disclosed specific program impacts. Spotlight PA has more.

Potential Head Start Cuts Could Devastate PA Families

The proposed elimination of the Head Start program by the Trump administration could severely impact over 35,000 Pennsylvania children, worsening child care waitlists and costs, especially in rural areas, and leading to significant job losses. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Philadelphia

City Council Examines Mayor’s HOME Initiative

City Council members pressed for more details on the $2 billion Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative during a day-long hearing on Wednesday, in particular asking about the impact on low-income residents, community involvement in zoning decisions, and ensuring diversity in the construction workforce. The Parker administration is exploring the possibility of reinstating the City’s original 100% tax abatement program to spur real estate development in underinvested parts of Philadelphia.

Proposed SEPTA Service Cuts Could Slash $20B from Property Values

A report estimates that SEPTA’s proposed service cuts could reduce property values in Greater Philadelphia by $20 billion, impacting tax revenues and the local economy. WHYY has more.

Pittsburgh

Gov. Shapiro Backs Pittsburgh’s Downtown Revitalization Ahead of NFL Draft

Gov. Shapiro expressed strong support for Pittsburgh’s Downtown revitalization efforts, emphasizing state assistance to ensure civic projects are completed before the 2026 NFL draft, while also addressing the recent arson attack on his home. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Pittsburgh School Board Seeks Community Input

Pittsburgh School Board members are gathering community feedback to shape future district goals, but parents are concerned about the lack of clarity on proposed school closures. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Climate Action Plan Gains Traction

Allegheny County’s Climate Action Plan is moving forward with a mix of global and local consultants, focusing on sustainability, decarbonization, and community engagement, following initial objections over the bidding process. PublicSource has more.

Federal

Trump Admin’s Climate Plan Divides Hydrogen Hubs Along Political Lines

The Trump administration plans to cut funding for renewable-powered hydrogen hubs in Democratic regions while retaining funds for fossil fuel-powered hubs in Republican states, which may cause upheaval in Pennsylvania’s hydrogen industry and uncertainty for projects like the Pittsburgh aviation fuel hub. Capital & Main has more.

Sen. McCormick Confident U.S. Trade Relationships Will Endure

During a visit to Erie, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) expressed confidence that the U.S. will maintain strong relationships with its allies despite current trade tensions. GoErie has more.

Daniel Byron Enters 2026 Race for PA-9

Democrat Daniel Byron has announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District, which is currently represented by Republican U.S. Representative Dan Meuser. Byron hopes to bring a fresh perspective to Congress. WHTM has more.

Regulators Approve Settlement to Cap Electricity Prices

Federal regulators approved a settlement between Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro’s administration and PJM Interconnection to cap electricity prices, projected to save consumers about $21 billion over the next two years. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star 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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