Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Braxton Plummer as principal in its Cherry Hill office.
Editor’s note: The Pennsylvania Perspective will be taking a break for the Holidays and New Year. Regular updates will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Several new Pennsylvania state laws will take effect in early 2026 following passage of the FY 2025–26 budget, bringing changes to tax policy, health care coverage, civil rights protections, school safety requirements, and traffic enforcement. The measures include a new refundable tax credit for low and middle income workers, adjustments to Medicaid and insurance coverage rules, expanded protections against discrimination based on hair texture and style, increased transparency requirements for schools following weapons incidents, and the start of enforcement under the state’s distracted driving law. USA Today Network has more.
Mayor Cherelle Parker has delivered notable progress on public safety, city finances, and efforts to address the Kensington drug crisis, even as her administration faced internal turnover, a high profile municipal workers strike, and growing political friction at City Hall. Supporters point to declining homicides, improved fiscal stability, and stronger executive control, while critics highlight strained labor relations, disputes with City Council over housing policy, and signs of internal discord within the administration. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Philadelphia City Council approved a slate of housing measures in 2025 centered on Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative, while also advancing separate legislation to support low income renters and streamline affordable housing development. Lawmakers authorized borrowing and initial funding for the city’s long term housing plan, expanded move in and displacement assistance for tenants, limited certain rental application fees, allowed installment payments for large security deposits, and fast tracked zoning and permitting for affordable housing projects. WHYY has more.
Pittsburgh City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget with a 20% property tax increase after weeks of debate over the city’s financial outlook, citing rising costs, shrinking revenues, and warnings that Pittsburgh is in a “very precarious financial position.” Supporters said the increase is necessary to avoid deeper service cuts and potential state oversight, while opponents argued council should first pursue spending reductions and alternative revenue sources. The tax hike, the city’s first in a decade, is expected to generate about $28 million and will fund fleet repairs, utilities, and public safety costs as Mayor Ed Gainey weighs whether to sign or veto the budget. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.
Residents in Allentown, a working class city critical to control of Congress, expressed frustration with rising costs even as President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance touted strong economic performance during recent Pennsylvania visits. Interviews with retirees, business leaders, and local officials revealed broad agreement that prices for housing, food, health care, and utilities remain too high, undercutting White House claims of an “A+++++” economy and creating political vulnerability for Republicans in competitive districts ahead of the 2026 midterms. The Associated Press has more.
Pennsylvania’s role in the fight over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies has elevated health care affordability as a central issue in the 2026 midterms, particularly in the state’s most competitive congressional districts. Several U.S. Representatives from Pennsylvania joined Democrats to force a vote on extending the subsidies, reflecting pressure from constituents facing sharp premium increases and growing concern among political observers that health care costs could significantly shape voter behavior in key swing races. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.
In this holiday special, our hosts look back on the 2025 federal landscape the only way that feels appropriate, through seasonal song parodies paired with real-world anecdotes spanning the White House and Capitol Hill. From unpacking the first year of Trump 2.0 to navigating the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, our politicos blend humor, harmony, and political and policy truths as we look ahead to 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Patrick Martin. Click here to listen.
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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.
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
