Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, August 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

Pennsylvania

Garrity Launches GOP Bid for Governor in 2026

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor, becoming the first GOP contender in the race and positioning herself as a challenger to Democratic incumbent Governor Josh Shapiro. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Perennial Urban-Rural Divide at Center of Transit Debate, Budget Impasse

As Pennsylvania lawmakers recess until September, partisan gridlock over the $47.6 billion GOP-backed budget has stalled funding for schools, counties, and SEPTA, prompting warnings of service cuts and fare hikes. The debate has exposed a widening rural-urban divide, with Democrats pushing for long-term transit solutions and Republicans proposing short-term fixes, including a skill games tax, while local governments prepare for financial strain reminiscent of the 2015 impasse.

No Secret Police Bill Targets Masked ICE Raids in PA

Pennsylvania Senate Democrats are planning to introduce legislation that would require law enforcement, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, to visibly identify themselves and remain maskless during operations. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

PA Launches Online Pardon Application

Pennsylvania has digitized its pardon application process, making it easier for residents to seek criminal record expungement and restoring access to jobs, housing, and civic rights. The new system includes multilingual support and aims to streamline reviews for thousands of applicants annually. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Home Care Workers Keep Wage Protections Despite Federal Rollback

While the federal government moves to end enforcement of overtime and minimum wage rules for home care workers, Pennsylvania will maintain those protections under state law, though officials warn that limited resources could slow investigations into widespread wage theft in the industry. WESA has more.

New Homes in PA Cost More Than Twice as Much as Existing Ones

Pennsylvania is one of only two states where the median price of a newly constructed home is more than double that of an existing home, requiring buyers to earn over $100,000 more annually to afford the difference, according to a LendingTree report. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Announces $550M Police Contract with Raises, Wellness Perks

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker unveiled a new labor agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police that includes wage increases, bonuses, wellness initiatives, and a record-setting $550 million labor reserve to support current and retired officers. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

Pittsburgh

Botta Named Democratic Nominee for Allegheny County Council District 13

Jordan Botta, currently serving as interim council member, has been selected by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee to run in the fall special election for District 13, aiming to complete the final two years of David Bonaroti’s term. WESA has more.

Federal

AmeriCorps Cuts Leave PA Programs Scrambling to Recover

After the Trump administration abruptly canceled nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants, Pennsylvania programs were left in limbo, forcing nonprofits to lay off staff and delay services in schools and communities. Although court rulings have restored some funding, uncertainty remains as the Office of Management and Budget withholds appropriated funds, jeopardizing future service efforts. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Dems Test New Outreach in Rural PA Ahead of 2026

With Republicans dominating Pennsylvania’s rural counties, Democrats are experimenting with cultural events and grassroots engagement to connect with voters, while also targeting vulnerable GOP-held congressional districts and judicial retention races to build momentum for next year’s elections. WITF 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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