Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, July 21, 2025

July 21, 2025

Pennsylvania

PA Budget Stalemate Deepens, Raising Alarm for Schools, Transit

Three weeks past the deadline, Pennsylvania lawmakers remain deadlocked over the state budget, delaying critical funding decisions and raising alarms for schools, transit agencies, and local governments. The impasse also puts at risk a proposed $50 million home repair program for low- and moderate-income residents and jeopardizes $156 million in federal Solar for All funds, which must be authorized by September 1 to expand clean energy access for thousands of households.

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PA GOP Senator Proposes Private Dispensary Cannabis Legalization

A new bipartisan bill from state Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) would legalize recreational marijuana through private dispensaries regulated by a state board, offering lower fees for small and equity-focused businesses. However, the proposal faces uncertainty as key Senate Republicans remain opposed or noncommittal. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Lawmaker Pushes Flood Disclosure Bill Amid Rising Climate Risks

In response to increasing flash floods and a deadly Texas disaster, state Representative Perry Warren (D-Bucks) introduced legislation requiring home sellers to disclose past flood events and insurance requirements, aiming to boost transparency and awareness as climate-driven flooding intensifies across Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

GOP Field for PA Governor Heats Up

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R) has fallen under early scrutiny from labor unions as she continues to weigh a gubernatorial bid, while state Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Adams/Franklin) has reignited speculation about a potential 2026 run by polling supporters on campaign logos.

$93B in Energy, Tech Projects Announced for PA, But Questions Remain

Energy and tech companies have pledged over $93 billion for projects in Pennsylvania, including natural gas plants, nuclear upgrades, and AI-related infrastructure, with limited investment in renewables. While state leaders tout the economic potential, critics warn of environmental costs and uncertainty over whether many projects will materialize. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Unemployment Rises Slightly in June

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate increased to 4.0% in June, while job growth continued in key sectors like education and health services, keeping the state’s rate below the national average for the 26th straight month. PoliticsPA has more.

PA Gambling Revenue Surges in June

Pennsylvania’s gambling revenue rose 15.4% year-on-year in June, totaling $544.7 million, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). iGaming saw a significant increase, with revenue jumping 32.3% to $212.6 million. PoliticsPA has more.

Philadelphia

GOP Continues to Eye Dugan for Philly DA Race

After losing the Democratic primary in May, former Judge Pat Dugan is being courted by Republicans to run for Philadelphia District Attorney in the general election, with polling and write-in efforts suggesting strong interest despite Dugan’s silence on accepting the nomination. Billy Penn has more.

Philly Gears Up for Historic 2026 Sports Summer

Philadelphia is preparing for an unprecedented summer in 2026, with major events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and NCAA tournament expected to draw massive crowds and global attention as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Stephenson Named Allegheny County Housing Authority Director

Richard Stephenson, a longtime official and interim leader, has been appointed executive director of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, where he plans to expand partnerships and focus on resident self-sufficiency amid looming federal funding cuts. WESA has more.

Federal

Public Radio Stations Brace for Cuts as Congress Votes to Rescind CPB Funding

Pennsylvania’s NPR and PBS affiliates face major budget shortfalls after Congress voted to rescind over $1 billion in federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, prompting warnings of reduced programming and threats to emergency broadcast services. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

DNC Chair Outlines 2026 Strategy, Highlighting PA

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin discussed Democratic plans for Pennsylvania ahead of 2026, emphasizing grassroots outreach, Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D) popularity, and the importance of engaging diverse voter blocs amid internal party debates. 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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