WASHINGTON, March 4, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced that Alexandra DeRiso has joined the firm as a principal on its health care team.
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R) appear headed for an expensive 2026 gubernatorial showdown, with early signs pointing to another record-breaking fundraising cycle in Pennsylvania. Gov. Shapiro, who raised nearly $59 million in 2022 and remains popular, is expected to maintain a significant financial edge, though Republicans argue Garrity can still mount a competitive challenge with support from major conservative donors and her history of winning despite being heavily out-raised in her 2020 treasurer race. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.
Following Pennsylvania’s withdrawal from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) during budget negotiations, state lawmakers are now central to shaping future climate and energy policy. The move, backed by Gov. Shapiro, shifts decisions on carbon reduction and renewable energy incentives to the legislature, where partisan divisions and industry lobbying are expected to influence outcomes. Environmental advocates warn the exit could slow emissions progress, while business groups hail it as relief from regulatory costs. PennLive has more.
Despite a 2024 law aimed at curbing pharmacy benefit managers’ practices and supporting independent pharmacies, known as Act 77, Pennsylvania has seen a net loss of hundreds of pharmacies. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about enforcement and low Medicaid reimbursements, while the Shapiro administration defends its phased rollout and promises stronger oversight in 2026. Spotlight PA has more.
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released its monthly revenue update for the month of November, showing that November General Fund collections totaled $3.02 billion, coming in 2.7% over estimate and 3.1% higher than last year. View the report here.
The Philadelphia City Council is debating two bills from Councilmembers Jeffery Young (D-District 5) and Jamie Gauthier (D-District 3) that would require property owners to secure building permits before demolishing structures, aiming to prevent the spread of vacant lots and speculative teardowns. The proposals follow growing frustration over empty sites and a wave of private demolitions that have outpaced city safeguards, prompting pushback from developers who argue the rules would burden a struggling sector. Preservationists say the measures are overdue but want citywide reforms, while the real estate industry is backing competing legislation that could ease demolition of older buildings. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Philadelphia has launched a public survey inviting residents to share their “hopes and dreams” for the city as officials begin updating the comprehensive plan that will guide development for the next quarter-century. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission says responses to nine open-ended questions will help set priorities on issues like housing, climate resilience and transportation, with submissions accepted online or at 25 in-person stations through January 30, 2026. The campaign kicks off a broader process that includes virtual info sessions in December and marks the first major update to the citywide blueprint in nearly a decade. WHYY has more.
Alex Rose, a Democrat-turned-Independent who ran under the Labor Party banner, was sworn in as Allegheny County Council’s newest at-large member, ending 25 years of two-party control. Councilmember Rose won a special election to replace Republican Sam DeMarco and will also serve on the county Board of Elections, leaving Republicans without representation on the three-member panel for the first time since 2000. WESA has more.
President Donald Trump’s (R) plan to accelerate construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers across the U.S. is facing resistance from his own supporters in rural communities, who cite concerns over land use, energy consumption, and strain on local resources. While the administration argues the initiative is critical for economic growth and technological leadership, opponents fear environmental impacts and rising utility costs. The backlash underscores tensions between national tech priorities and local interests as President Trump seeks to position the U.S. as a global AI leader. Reuters has more.
U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) signed a letter with fellow Senate Republicans urging Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food & Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary to revoke approval of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions. The letter calls for suspending distribution, halting new generic approvals, and requiring in-person dispensing, citing safety concerns despite longstanding FDA approval. McCormick’s stance marks a shift from his previous position favoring state-level regulation, drawing criticism from Pennsylvania Democrats who labeled the move “extreme.” The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
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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.
March 9, 2026
March 9, 2026
March 9, 2026
