Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Pennsylvania

Dems Propose “Transit For All PA” Funding Package

Democratic state lawmakers have introduced the “Transit For All PA” Funding Package to provide dedicated funding for public transit systems in order to prevent service cuts and ensure stability amid financial challenges faced by SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

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PA Lawmakers Push to Expand, Protect IVF Access Amid National Concerns

Pennsylvania lawmakers are advocating for insurance coverage of fertility treatments and legal protections for IVF, driven by concerns over reproductive care access following an Alabama ruling granting embryos personhood. The proposed bills, several of which have secured bipartisan support, aim to ensure comprehensive fertility care and prevent potential restrictions in the state. Spotlight PA has more.

GOP Leader Criticizes Gov. Shapiro’s Spending Plan as Budget Deadline Nears

Republican House Minority Leader Jesse Topper (Bedford/Fulton) criticized Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D) $51.5 billion spending plan as unsustainable, warning it could lead to a structural deficit and exhaust state reserves, while proposing alternative revenue sources and opposing a carbon tax. WHTM has more.

PA Lawmakers Push for Bipartisan Support on Cannabis Legalization

Pennsylvania lawmakers are gaining bipartisan momentum to legalize recreational cannabis, aiming to close a budget gap and reclaim tax revenue, with proposals for both private and state-run dispensaries under consideration. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Cyber Charter Tuition Consumes State Funds for Poor PA Schools

Pennsylvania’s poorest school districts are using state funds intended for student support to cover rising cyber charter tuition costs, which have surged since the pandemic. Lawmakers are considering reforms to the outdated funding structure amid growing concerns over the financial burden on public schools. SpotlightPA has more.

Delco Lawmakers Urge AG to Recover $40M from Prospect Medical Holdings

Delaware County state lawmakers penned a letter to Attorney General Dave Sunday (R) requesting that he recover $40 million from Prospect Medical Holdings, extend ambulance services at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, and initiate a criminal investigation into Prospect’s current and former owners. The closure—which leaves Delco without a trauma center and is expected to cost County millions in tax revenue—has renewed efforts for state oversight of hospital transactions, with proposed legislation aiming to prevent future closures and ensure better management of health resources.

StateImpact Pennsylvania Ends After 13 Years

StateImpact Pennsylvania, a public media collaboration focused on energy and environmental issues, is ending after 13+ years, with its archive remaining accessible and future stories available on WITF’s website. StateImpact Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Transmits First HOME Initiative Bills to City Council

Mayor Cherelle Parker transmitted the first five bills of her signature Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative to the City Council. One bill has been officially introduced, while the other four are under review by members of Council. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City to Recruit 10,000 “Phambassadors” for 2026

Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation President & CEO Kathryn Ott Lovell announced plans to recruit 10,000 “Phambassadors” to serve as city champions, advocates, and storytellers ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, with the goal of enhancing city pride and representation on the global stage. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

City Council Advances Lot Size Bill Amid Inclusionary Zoning Debate

The Pittsburgh City Council has given preliminary approval to a bill allowing housing construction on smaller parcels, but its fate is tied to the more controversial inclusionary zoning proposal, which remains uncertain. WESA has more.

Mayoral Candidates Debate Affordable Housing Claims

Pittsburgh mayoral candidates, incumbent Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor, have debated their respective records and plans on affordable housing. However, experts note that measuring progress is complex and the importance of both new construction and preservation efforts.

Pitt Leadership Outlines Strategy to Combat Federal Funding Cuts

During a virtual town hall, University of Pittsburgh leaders discussed their behind-the-scenes advocacy efforts and plans to address federal funding cuts, emphasizing collaboration with national organizations and exploring alternative funding sources. WESA has more.

Federal

How PA Fared During President Trump’s First 100 Days

In his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump issued numerous orders reshaping immigration, the economy, and federal government, causing significant disruptions and uncertainty. Pennsylvania was impacted by all of these orders in some capacity, with increased raids by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), federal job cuts, tariff-induced business challenges, and restrictions on transgender rights and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Gov. Shapiro Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Against AmeriCorps Cuts

Gov. Shapiro is joining 25 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle AmeriCorps, which impacts numerous invaluable community programs and services across Pennsylvania. PoliticsPA has more.

Federal Appeals Court Rules Out-of-State Group Cannot Sue for PA Voter Records

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Virginia-based Public Interest Legal Foundation lacks standing to sue the Pennsylvania Department of State for voter registration records, as it failed to show concrete harm or direct ties to Pennsylvania voters. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Dems Target Key PA Seats in Midterm Push

House Democrats are making early investments and recruiting former members to help flip four Pennsylvania seats held by Republican Representatives Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Scott Perry (PA-10), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) in the hopes of regaining the House majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Carol Obando-Derstine has declared her candidacy for the 7th Congressional District seat in Lehigh Valley, having secured an endorsement from former Democratic Representative Susan Wild.

Sen. Sanders Brings “Fighting Oligarchy” Tour to PA

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will visit Pennsylvania for three days, joining rallies in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Bethlehem to speak out against President Trump’s policies as part of his nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. 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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