Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Pope Francis

Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has ordered U.S. and Commonwealth flags to be flown at half-staff across Pennsylvania in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning. Pope Francis was widely known for his humble style and progressive views but faced criticism for his handling of the clergy sex abuse scandal, including significant cases in Pennsylvania. His 2015 visit to Philadelphia remains a memorable part of his papacy for many Catholic Pennsylvanians.

Shapiro Admin Clashes with USDA Over Food Bank Funding Cuts

The Shapiro administration is challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) cancellation of a $13 million contract for food banks, arguing the cuts will worsen food insecurity in the state. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Lawmakers Focus on AI Regulations in 2025

Pennsylvania legislators hope to establish guidelines for safe development and usage of artificial intelligence (AI), with policy hearings and recommendations planned throughout the year. The state House’s new Communications & Technology Committee will review AI-related proposals to balance consumer protection and industry growth. LancasterOnline has more.

PA Lawmakers Push for Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers, including Gov. Shapiro, are advocating for the legalization of adult-use cannabis as part of the state budget, aiming to create a regulated market that prioritizes public safety and health while potentially creating thousands of jobs. WHTM has more.

PA Higher Ed Board Focuses on College Affordability, Coordination

Pennsylvania’s new State Board of Higher Education discussed strategies to make college more affordable and improve coordination among institutions, including attracting out-of-state students and partnering with businesses, during a hearing last week. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Libraries, Museums Face Challenges from Trump Cuts

Pennsylvania’s arts and cultural programs may experience significant changes due to the Trump administration’s termination of over $1 million in federal grants for PA Humanities, impacting various community initiatives. PennLive has more.

Federal Cuts Threaten Closure of PA Lab Certifying N95 Masks

Federal budget cuts may force the closure of the Pennsylvania lab that certifies N95 respirators and other protective masks, raising concerns about worker safety and the potential influx of substandard and counterfeit masks. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

2025 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence Announced

Pennsylvania municipalities, counties, and local officials were honored for their dedication to community service and improvement during the 29th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence. PennWatch has more.

Erie City Council Approves Home Rule Charter Study for November Ballot

Erie City Council voted to place a home rule charter study question on the November ballot, allowing voters to decide whether to form a commission to explore adopting home rule governance. GoErie has more.

Philadelphia

$800M HOME Initiative Aims to Address the Housing Crisis

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s (D) $800 million Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative aims to build or preserve 30,000 homes in Philadelphia, focusing on affordable housing, home repairs, and anti-eviction measures to address the city’s housing crisis. The plan includes funding for various programs to support low- and middle-income households, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the housing shortage. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Why Mayor Parker Is Proposing Long-Term Business Tax Cuts

Mayor Parker’s FY26 budget proposal includes a plan to reduce business taxes over 13 years with the goal of providing predictability for businesses and stimulating job growth in Philadelphia. The proposal also schedules future tax cuts to coincide with the City’s pension system reaching full funding, freeing up budget resources. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Reading Terminal Market Plans Expansion, Community Outreach

Reading Terminal Market CEO Annie Allman outlined new goals for the beloved market, including expanding merchant spaces outdoors, enhancing community outreach, and introducing new vendors to maintain its role as a community hub. Billy Penn has more.

Pittsburgh

Gainey Attempts to Nationalize Pittsburgh Mayoral Race Amid Poll Deficit

Trailing in polls, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey (D) seeks to nationalize the mayoral race against challenger Corey O’Connor by focusing on broader political issues and his opposition to Trump administration policies. WESA has more.

Independent Candidate Running to Flip GOP Allegheny County Council Seat

Alex Rose is running as an independent for a traditionally Republican Allegheny County Council seat, aiming to challenge the GOP’s hold and address local issues while opposing national policies. WESA has more.

Sen. Costa Proposes Multi-County Transit Authority for Southwest PA

State Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) is seeking co-sponsors for a bill to create the Southwestern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to improve efficiency and cooperation among regional transit agencies facing financial deficits. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

Federal

President Trump Shattered Inauguration Fundraising Record with $239M

President Donald Trump raised $239 million for his January inauguration, more than doubling his previous record, driven by corporate America’s eagerness to gain favor with his administration. The New York Times has more.

Campaign Cash Flows for PA-7 Congressional District Race

U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-7) and challenger Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure (D) are already raising significant funds for the 2026 midterm election in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, signaling a highly competitive race. LehighValleyNews.com has more.

PA Swing Voters Skeptical of Gov. Shapiro’s Presidential Prospects

Focus groups reveal that Pennsylvania swing voters are critical of Gov. Shapiro, with many holding inaccurate views about his policy stances and positions in state government. Axios Philadelphia has more.

State AG Pulse—“Don’t Mess With Our Health or Our Kids!”

Cozen O’Connor’s State AG Group’s Chris Allen and Emily Yu liken state AGs’ approach to Chinese e-cigarette manufacturers to a game of regulatory Whack-A-Mole and warn companies that make products that impact consumers’ health or minors that they will be subject to close scrutiny by state AGs. Listen to the latest episode here.

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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