WASHINGTON, September 1, 2026 — Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O'Connor, today announced the addition of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the firm's federal health policy practice in Washington, D.C.
Pennsylvania’s ongoing measles outbreak has grown to 676 cases across 37 counties, making it the largest in the nation, as health officials confirmed a third fatality involving a 40-year-old Jefferson County woman. State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen emphasized that while four of the recent cases occurred in fully vaccinated individuals, the two-dose MMR vaccine still offers 97% protection, and the department is actively working to increase access through dozens of pop-up clinics. As the commonwealth grapples with the highly contagious virus, pediatricians and family medicine physicians are urging residents to update their seasonal immunizations for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV ahead of the fall and winter respiratory virus season, emphasizing that preventative measures remain crucial for protecting vulnerable populations despite rising vaccine hesitancy.
Four individuals serving mandatory life without parole for second-degree murder have filed “King’s Bench” petitions with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, asking the justices to step in and apply a recent ruling retroactively after the state legislature failed to act. In March, the court ruled that mandatory life sentences without parole for second-degree murder, which applies to individuals involved in a fatal felony even if they did not directly cause the death, are unconstitutionally cruel under the state constitution if a defendant’s specific role is not considered. However, the ruling was not made retroactive, and the politically divided General Assembly adjourned in July without passing a legislative fix, leaving over 1,100 current inmates with no clear legal recourse to challenge their existing sentences. The petitioners are now requesting the high court bypass lower courts and create a pathway for resentencing, arguing that delaying justice results in continued unconstitutional imprisonment and substantial taxpayer expense.
The Pennsylvania State Police will begin seizing unregulated “skill game” machines and potentially filing criminal charges against noncompliant businesses starting October 14, following the expiration of a state Supreme Court stay. The court recently ruled that the roughly 70,000 machines operating in local businesses and social clubs statewide classify as illicit slot machines under the criminal code, overturning past decisions that allowed them to bypass casino regulations. While some nonprofit organizations rely on the machines for revenue, and lawmakers could still attempt to legalize and tax the games later this month, legislative compromise has stalled. Authorities have warned business owners that merely unplugging the devices is insufficient for legal compliance, requiring the physical removal of the machines from their establishments.
As Pennsylvania health insurance companies propose 2027 rate increases of up to 40 percent for individual plans, state regulators maintain they lack the legal authority to uniformly freeze the hikes. The proposed increases follow the expiration of federal subsidies, a change that has already led nearly 202,000 residents to cancel their state marketplace coverage over the past nine months due to surging premium costs. While insurers attribute the requested hikes to the escalating costs of medical care, prescription drugs, and the loss of federal tax credits, consumer advocates and healthcare workers are protesting the proposals, pointing to the industry’s significant corporate profits and high executive compensation. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is currently reviewing the filings to ensure the requested rates are financially justified and not excessive, with finalized rates scheduled to be released before the open enrollment period begins in November.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stonycreek to observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The solemn ceremony featured bells tolling at the precise moments the four hijacked planes crashed, alongside addresses from officials including Governor Josh Shapiro and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who emphasized the bravery of the 40 passengers and crew members who thwarted an attack on Washington, D.C. As family members read the names of the victims, a major focus of the observance was shifting the memorial’s mission toward the future, highlighting efforts to educate younger generations who were not yet born in 2001 through teacher workshops, new scholarships, and the participation of the victims’ grandchildren in the remembrance rituals.
Spotlight PA published a guide for the 2026 governor’s race detailing the backgrounds and policy platforms of the three candidates vying to lead the commonwealth, including incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, Republican challenger Treasurer Stacy Garrity, and Libertarian candidate Ken Krawchuk. The guide highlights policy divides between Governor Shapiro and Treasurer Garrity on issues including abortion access, environmental regulations, recreational marijuana legalization, LGBTQ rights, and election administration.
Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-191( hosted a historic panel at Philadelphia’s Mother Bethel AME Church featuring state legislative leaders from Delaware, Illinois, and New York to discuss the nation’s founding and its future. Centered around the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, the conversation focused on the evolution of American democracy, the role of state and local politics in safeguarding civil liberties, and the ongoing push for broader inclusion and voting rights. The participating lawmakers, who all represent historic firsts as Black legislative leaders in their respective states, reflected on the country’s racial history and emphasized the need for increased voter engagement ahead of the November elections. The panel also acknowledged the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and addressed the difficulties of passing state-level legislation, such as election reform and transit funding, amid partisan legislative gridlock.
For the first time in nearly forty years, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives convened at Congress Hall in Philadelphia to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. During the historic legislative session, lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution recognizing America’s birth while reflecting on the country’s ongoing journey toward equality. Speakers, including House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-191), highlighted the stark contrast between the legislature’s current diverse composition and the exclusionary demographics of early American government. Lawmakers emphasized the historical struggles of marginalized groups to secure voting and civil rights, celebrating the assembly’s modern milestones in representation as they gathered in the same building that once served as both the state and national capital in the late eighteenth century.
A coalition of advocacy groups is urging Mayor Cherelle Parker and the City Council to enact a moratorium on new data center construction until local regulatory guidelines are established. Operating as the No Data Centers in Philly campaign, activists argue that the facilities consume massive amounts of electricity, create noise pollution, provide few long-term jobs, and risk raising utility costs for residents. While the city currently hosts a small number of existing data centers, organizers are raising alarms over potential large-scale developments at the South Philadelphia Bellwether District and a city-owned site in the Northeast.
The Allegheny County Board of Health is expected to introduce a scaled-back version of a proposed paid parental leave bill that initially offered 18 weeks of leave for new parents. As officials consider adjusting the amount of available leave or altering employee eligibility requirements, debate has centered on the economic and administrative impact on local employers. Proponents, including progressive policy researchers, argue the mandate will yield long-term benefits such as increased workforce participation, lower turnover, and improved public health outcomes that outweigh the initial financial costs. Business advocates and conservative analysts caution that the localized mandate places undue financial strain on small businesses and nonprofits already navigating rising operating expenses, suggesting that such regulations are better suited for the state level. The finalized measure will ultimately require approval from the County Council.
At the first-ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Donald Trump urged voters to maintain conservative control of Congress in exchange for permanent tax cuts, a new healthcare plan, and a conditional cash dividend for American adults. The two-day event prominently featured Pennsylvania politicians, with Republican Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) emphasizing the state’s industrial importance and criticizing the Democratic party’s political shift. In a surprise virtual appearance, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced Senator McCormick, distancing himself from his own party’s progressive wing and voicing support for domestic manufacturing alongside the president. Meanwhile, vulnerable Republican Representatives Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-8) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-7) used their speeches to promote recent tax legislation, drawing criticism from Democratic leaders and opponents who argued the lawmakers were prioritizing the president’s national agenda over local needs and engaging in unnecessary political theater out of state.
A coalition of 22 states, including Pennsylvania, alongside the District of Columbia and several major cities, filed lawsuits to block a new Trump administration immigration policy scheduled to take effect on Friday. The revived public charge rule would grant immigration officers expanded authority to deny green cards to applicants who utilize public assistance programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, and housing aid. State and local leaders argue the rule will prompt immigrants to drop benefits, impacting local emergency services and reducing federal funding, while the Department of Homeland Security asserts the policy protects public resources and promotes financial self-sufficiency.
A legal settlement secured by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and a coalition of 23 other state leaders has restored the federal AmeriCorps program, which the Trump administration moved to dismantle in 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, the federal government must reinstate $400 million in overall AmeriCorps funding, release $184 million owed to existing service programs, and provide advance warning before any future attempts to eliminate the initiative. For Pennsylvania, the settlement protects approximately $16 million in annual funding managed by the Department of Labor and Industry, which supports hundreds of active AmeriCorps members across 41 counties who provide community services such as educational tutoring, job readiness training, veteran assistance, and public land maintenance.
Speculation is mounting around Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators regarding their political futures following the recent Republican midterm convention in Dallas. First-term Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) has been floated by Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH-4) as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, despite Senator McCormick previously stating he does not intend to seek higher office. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is also facing renewed predictions that he may switch political affiliations. After Senator Fetterman submitted a convention video praising Senator McCormick and expressing a desire to work with President Donald Trump on domestic manufacturing, his former campaign rival, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, publicly encouraged him to join the GOP. Senator Fetterman’s cross-aisle appearance drew criticism from fellow Democrats, prompting Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) to suggest he would consider a primary challenge against Senator Fetterman for his Senate seat in 2028.
Managing Director
Executive Vice President
Senior Principal
Senior Principal
Principal
Principal
Principal
Principal
Government Relations Associate
Government Relations Associate
Account Executive
Legislative Analyst
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.
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.
September 14, 2026
September 14, 2026
September 10, 2026
