Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Urges Moral Clarity After Minnesota Lawmaker’s Assassination

Following the politically motivated killing of Minnesota House Leader Melissa Hortman and the shooting of state Senator John Hoffman, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) called on national leaders to denounce political violence and act with moral clarity, emphasizing unity and support for Minnesota. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Subscribe

Sen. Ward Open to Short-Term Budget Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) signaled support for a short-term budget to fund essential services, citing unprecedented financial uncertainty and federal funding cuts. She warned against relying on Pennsylvania’s rainy day fund, arguing it could lead to unsustainable spending and future tax hikes. WHTM has more.

Skill Games Take Center Stage in PA Budget, Legal Debate

Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing competing proposals to tax and regulate skill games, which resemble slot machines but claim to rely on player ability, as Gov. Shapiro’s budget projects nearly $369 million in revenue from them. While supporters argue the games support local businesses and communities, critics raise concerns about public safety, addiction, and the lack of clear legal oversight. PennLive has more.

Proposed Energy Board Sparks Debate Over Local Control, Fossil Fuel Expansion

A Pennsylvania bill proposing the creation of a state board to oversee energy project siting aims to streamline development and meet rising electricity demand. Supporters cite efficiency and economic benefits, while critics warn it undermines local authority and could accelerate fossil fuel use. Inside Climate News has more.

PA’s Wrongful Conviction Bill Faces Criticism for Excluding Most Exonerees

While Pennsylvania’s proposed wrongful conviction compensation bill marks progress, advocates warn its strict “actual innocence” requirement and lack of systemic support could leave many exonerees without restitution or services. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Immigrant Detentions Rise at PA Facility Amid Abuse Allegations, Federal Crackdown

As federal immigration enforcement intensifies, detentions at Pennsylvania’s Moshannon Valley Processing Center have surged, raising concerns among advocates about overcrowding and ongoing civil rights violations. Despite documented allegations of abuse and limited state response, the facility continues to operate near capacity under private management. SpotlightPA has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Board Reviews Charter School Renewals

The Philadelphia Board of Education approved 12 of 18 charter school renewals and requested additional information on six schools with lower academic ratings, reflecting a careful and ongoing evaluation of charter performance and accountability within the district. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia IRS Employees Reinstated After February Layoffs 

Hundreds of probationary IRS employees in Philadelphia who were laid off in February have returned to work following a court-ordered reinstatement, though many still face uncertainty about long-term job security amid federal reorganization efforts. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

President Trump to Join AI, Energy Leaders at Pittsburgh Innovation Summit

President Donald Trump will headline U.S. Senator Dave McCormick’s (R-PA) inaugural Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, bringing together top figures from tech, energy, and labor to discuss AI-driven economic growth. The event highlights Pennsylvania’s emerging role as a hub for integrating artificial intelligence with energy infrastructure and job creation. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Federal

President Trump’s U.S. Steel Deal Raises Union Concerns Over Control, Transparency

The Trump administration outlined its “golden share” arrangement granting the president sweeping control over Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel’s operations under Nippon Steel’s planned acquisition, prompting union concerns about transparency, labor negotiations, and a reversal of Trump’s earlier opposition to the deal. The Associated Press has more.

GOP Seeks Strong Challenger to Gov. Shapiro to Bolster U.S. House Prospects in 2026

Republicans in Pennsylvania are searching for a viable gubernatorial candidate to challenge Gov. Shapiro, aiming to avoid a down-ballot impact that could threaten their narrow U.S. House majority. With Gov. Shapiro’s popularity and fundraising strength, GOP strategists acknowledge the uphill battle but stress the importance of a competitive race to energize their base and protect vulnerable congressional seats. The Associated Press has more.

State AG Pulse: The VA Primary—Bellwether for the Country?

In the most recent episode of the State AG Pulse, former Virginia Chief Deputy Attorney General Chuck Slemp runs down the Democratic candidates in the upcoming VA Primary with Grace Garver and gives his prediction for who will win the race in November. Listen 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News