Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, January 27, 2025

January 27, 2025

Pennsylvania

Parties Rush to Nominate Candidates for HD-35 Special Election

Democrats and Republicans are quickly selecting nominees for the special election on March 25 to resolve the even split in the Pennsylvania House. Democrats will use a public process with ranked-choice voting, while Republicans will select their nominee privately. WESA has more.

State Supreme Court Elections Could Shift Balance of Power

The outcome of Pennsylvania’s upcoming Supreme Court elections will determine if the current Democratic majority remains or flips to conservative control, potentially impacting key issues like abortion and voting laws. Significant spending and strategic campaigning are expected as both parties vie for control. The Associated Press has more.

PA Sees 57% Drop in Rejected Mail Ballots from 2024 Spring Primary

Pennsylvania saw a 57% decrease in rejected mail-in ballots in the November general election compared to the April primary, thanks to voter education initiatives and process improvements. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly to 3.6%

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate increased to 3.6% in December 2024, while total nonfarm jobs reached a record high, driven by gains in education and health services. PoliticsPA has more.

Rising Demand, Diminished Supply Threaten PA’s Electric Grid

The Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) is concerned about the state’s ability to meet future electricity demand due to increasing usage from data centers, bitcoin operations, and electric vehicles, coupled with extreme weather and retiring power plants. Environmental groups are advocating for renewable energy solutions to address these challenges and ensure grid reliability. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA to Receive $212M in OxyContin Settlement

Pennsylvania is set to receive $212 million over 15 years from a multi-state settlement with the Sackler family, who controlled Purdue Pharma, for their role in the opioid epidemic. The settlement, totaling $7.4 billion, aims to support treatment and recovery programs and will end the family’s control of Purdue Pharma. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Philadelphia

Eagles’ Super Bowl Return Spurs Major Business Opportunities

The Philadelphia Eagles’ return to the Super Bowl is expected to boost various industries, including hospitality, travel, retail, and sports betting. Local businesses and fans are gearing up for increased activity and revenue as the team prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs. The Philadelphia Business Journal has more.

$750M Revitalization Transforms North Philadelphia Neighborhood

The Philadelphia Housing Authority’s $750 million investment over a decade — which has included new housing, commercial developments, and other amenities — has transformed Sharswood into a thriving, mixed-income community with reduced crime and poverty. WHYY has more.

Federal

How President Trump’s Executive Orders Could Impact PA

President Donald Trump issued a flurry of executive orders during his first days in office, many of which have the potential to impact Pennsylvania’s economy, immigration, energy, and education sectors. Key measures include imposing tariffs, increasing deportations, expanding oil and gas drilling, pardoning January 6 defendants, and altering public education funding and policies. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Sen. Fetterman Touts New Rule Boosting Wages for PA Federal Workers

More than 2,100 hourly federal workers in Pennsylvania will receive pay raises starting October 2025 due to a new rule ending pay disparities with salaried employees. U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania championed the change, emphasizing its importance for worker dignity and retention. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star 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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