Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, January 6, 2025

January 6, 2025

Pennsylvania

State Lawmakers Propose Diverse Bills as New Session Begins

As the 2025-26 legislative session starts, Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing a range of new bills, including changes to income and property taxes, legalization of skill games, a minimum wage increase, and various consumer protection and environmental measures. The success of these proposals will largely depend on budget negotiations and legislative priorities over the next two years. PennLive has more.

Gov. Shapiro Ready to Work with President-Elect Trump

Governor Josh Shapiro must now work with President-elect Donald Trump, whom he has roundly criticized, as Trump enters his second term later this month. Gov. Shapiro has highlighted the need for effective collaboration to ensure the protection of Pennsylvanians’ fundamental freedoms and address issues including job creation, economic development, education, and public safety. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Special Elections Cost PA Over $1M Last Session

Pennsylvania spent more than $1 million on special elections during the last legislative session, which saw 11 elections due to various vacancies, impacting the legislative calendar and resulting in fewer voting days. Spotlight PA has more.

Trump Fundraiser Enters Race for Pennsylvania GOP Chair

Prominent Trump supporter Bill Bachenberg has entered the race for Pennsylvania GOP chairman, challenging state Senator Greg Rothman. PennLive has more.

PA’s Role Uncertain as States Prepare to Battle Trump on Climate

As states gear up to challenge President-elect Trump’s climate policies, Pennsylvania’s response remains unclear, especially as newly elected Attorney General Dave Sunday has not yet specified his stance on environmental issues. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Agriculture Secretary Highlights Key Issues for Farmers at Farm Show

State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding discussed how potential tariffs could impact Pennsylvania farmers and encouraged residents to visit the Farm Show in Harrisburg. This year’s Farm Show features the return of the 1,000-pound butter sculpture with a renewable energy theme, a charcuterie feast for food enthusiasts, and the opportunity for animal lovers to cuddle a fluffy mini Highland cow. The show runs through January 11. WHTM has more.

PA Turnpike Introduces Open Road Tolling

The Pennsylvania Turnpike launched open road tolling over the weekend, allowing drivers to be charged electronically without stopping, with the change expected to reduce congestion and increase safety. CBS News has more.

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Executive Innamorato Reflects on First Year, Plans Ahead

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato reviewed her first year in office, highlighting budget challenges, juvenile justice reforms, and future plans for economic growth and property reassessments. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Hosts First-Ever 5 and Under World Curling Championships

The Pittsburgh Curling Club will host the inaugural 5 and Under World Championships from Thursday to Sunday, featuring 16 teams from the U.S. and abroad, with all players having five or fewer years of experience. WESA has more.

Federal

President Biden Blocks Nippon Steel Takeover

President Joe Biden’s decision to block Nippon Steel’s $15 billion takeover of U.S. Steel, intended to protect American jobs, has created uncertainty for workers as the promised investments and job security commitments are now in jeopardy. Following the president’s decision Gov. Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis called on U.S. Steel to uphold their commitments to Western Pennsylvania workers and emphasized the need for a long-term plan to secure the future of steelmaking in the region. PennLive has more.

U.S. Congress Certifies 2024 Presidential Election Results 

Congress met today to certify the 2024 presidential election results, with the process remaining peaceful and secure. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

U.S. Sens. Fetterman, McCormick Receive 2025-26 Committee Assignments

U.S. Senators from Pennsylvania John Fetterman and Dave McCormick have been assigned their Senate committees for the 2025-26 term. Sen. Fetterman will serve on the Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; Commerce, Science, & Transportation; and Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committees and Sen. McCormick will serve on the Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs; Energy & Natural Resources; Foreign Relations; and Joint Economic Committees. Both senators will serve on the Special Committee on Aging. Sen. Fetterman recently expressed his commitment to working with Sen. McCormick, regardless of political differences. PoliticsPA has more.

New Faces from PA Sworn into Congress

The 119th Congress officially began on Friday, with Pennsylvania’s U.S. House delegation gaining two new Republican members, Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7) and Rob Bresnahan (PA-8), increasing the number of Pennsylvania Republicans in the House to 10. Both representatives aim to focus on economic issues, border security, and other key priorities. The Philadelphia Inquirer 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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