Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Pennsylvania

PA Public Transit, Facing Funding Challenges, Looks to Harrisburg for Solution

Governor Josh Shapiro (D) warns of severe cuts to bus and rail services across Pennsylvania due to financial challenges, with debates over funding solutions continuing in Harrisburg. The crisis affects both urban and rural communities, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable transit funding. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

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House Recreational Marijuana Bill Reignites Debate Over Who Will Benefit

Last week, the state House passed a historic bill that would legalize recreational marijuana, which reignited a debate over who will benefit most. Proponents argue the bill will end cannabis criminalization and support local businesses, while detractors worry it may favor state control and large corporations over existing dispensaries and grassroots businesses. WITF has more.

PA Senate Considers Bipartisan Bill to Keep Seniors, Disabled People in Their Homes

The state House last week approved legislation that would allow older adults and incapacitated individuals to designate someone to receive notices of delinquent property taxes to prevent sheriff’s sales, aiming to protect vulnerable residents from losing their homes. The bill now heads to the state Senate. Tristate Alert has more.

Senate to Consider Bill to Boost Investment in PA’s Steel Industry

State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) introduced a bill last week aimed at incentivizing investments in Pennsylvania’s aging steel plants by reducing state sales tax for Pennsylvania-made steel and offering tax credits for investments in modern steel technology, to enhance manufacturing efficiency and worker safety. WESA has more.

PA Supreme Court Faces Politicized Retention Battle

Three Democratic justices on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court face a contentious retention election as Republican groups and figures like Elon Musk are rumored to push for their removal, raising concerns about the court’s future balance and its ability to rule effectively. The justices, restricted by ethics rules from campaigning like typical politicians, warn that their ouster could deadlock the court during critical election years. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Scranton School District Faces Uncertain Future of “Adequacy Funding”

The Scranton School District has utilized $8.4 million in state “adequacy funding”—supplemental financial support provided by the state to underfunded school districts—to enhance educational programs and resources, but faces uncertainty about future funding due to ongoing legislative debates. Spotlight PA has more.

PA’s Growing Data Centers Pose Challenges for Power Grid Stability

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is considering new regulations to manage the surge in electricity demand from data centers and industrial facilities, aiming to prevent grid overloads and protect ratepayers from unfair cost burdens. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Homebuyers Need $30K More Income Than Renters

Philadelphia metro homebuyers need an annual income of around $105,400—nearly $31,000 more than renters—due to rising home prices, high mortgage rates, and a shortage of houses for sale. Despite these challenges, the Philadelphia region remains one of the most affordable places to buy a home in the U.S. Axios Philadelphia has more.

Michelin Guide to Include Philadelphia in New Edition

Michelin inspectors are currently evaluating several Philadelphia restaurants for inclusion in a new “Northeast Cities” edition of the prestigious guide. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau has partnered with Michelin to ensure local representation. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Affordable Housing Challenges in Pittsburgh Extend Beyond Mayoral Efforts

Developers and community leaders acknowledge Mayor Ed Gainey’s (D) efforts in affordable housing, but emphasize that significant challenges, such as funding and regulatory hurdles, remain regardless of the election outcome. WESA has more.

Western PA Counties Offer Cash Incentives to Combat Population Decline

Facing significant population loss, Western Pennsylvania counties are offering cash and other benefits to attract new residents and remote workers, aiming to stabilize their economies and communities. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing—From D.C. to City Hall to the Vatican

The Public Strategies team breaks down New York’s response to the federal landscape—from congestion pricing and the SALT cap to the high-stakes mayoral race. Plus, a look at the global stage: what the appointment of the new American Pope means for U.S. influence in the Vatican and beyond. Listen to the latest episode featuring insights from Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Jamie Ansorge here.

Bipartisan Effort to Tackle Housing Costs Gains Momentum

U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced a bill to enhance cooperation among federal agencies on affordable housing programs with the goal of increasing housing supply and reducing costs, particularly for veterans and low-income families. 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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