Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

Pennsylvania

Budget Talks Intensify as Lawmakers Debate Tax Reform, Transit Funding, Marijuana Legalization

As Pennsylvania’s June 30 budget deadline approaches, the future of several of Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D) proposals—including combined corporate tax reporting, increased transit funding, and recreational marijuana legalization, all of which have recently advanced in the Democratic-controlled House—remains uncertain. Senate Republicans oppose the corporate tax reform and marijuana legislation, citing concerns about business competitiveness and fiscal priorities, while Democrats argue these measures would generate needed revenue. Meanwhile, Gov. Shapiro has rejected the notion of advancing a short-term budget and continues to advocate for housing investments and a full-year spending plan.

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Experts Warn of Severe Dental Access Gaps in Rural PA

Pennsylvania dental experts told state lawmakers that rural communities face a severe dental care crisis driven by workforce shortages, low Medicaid reimbursement rates, and limited access, urging systemic reforms and local workforce development to address the growing public health threat. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Top PA Republicans Urge Treasurer Garrity to Enter 2026 Governor’s Race

Several prominent Pennsylvania Republicans are encouraging State Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R) to run for governor in 2026, citing her statewide experience and recent electoral success, though she has not yet made a final decision. The GOP field remains unsettled, with Treasurer Garrity, U.S. Representative Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), and state Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Adams/Franklin) among potential contenders to challenge incumbent Gov. Shapiro. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Election Officials Urge Lawmakers for Reforms Ahead of 2026, 2028 Elections

At a Duquesne University forum, Pennsylvania county election officials called for legislative changes including earlier mail ballot deadlines, more time for pre-canvassing, and better support for poll workers, while expressing concerns about voter ID requirements and rural resource constraints. They emphasized the need for collaboration with state leaders to ensure secure and efficient elections amid evolving challenges. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Former Officials Sentenced in Millbourne Election Fraud Case

A federal judge sentenced two former Millbourne, Pennsylvania, officials to prison for their roles in a 2021 mayoral election fraud scheme, calling their actions a serious threat to democracy and imposing harsher penalties than prosecutors requested. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

$20B Data Center Project Welcomed with Optimism, Community Dialogue

Amazon’s historic $20 billion investment in Pennsylvania data centers is expected to boost infrastructure and create jobs, while also prompting thoughtful discussions around long-term employment, energy demands, and local community impacts. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Erie’s Immigrant-Fueled Revival Faces Uncertainty Amid Federal Policy Shifts

Erie, Pennsylvania’s economic and population rebound—driven in part by welcoming immigrants and refugees—is under threat as federal funding cuts and stricter immigration policies raise concerns about the city’s ability to sustain its progress. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Philadelphia

DA Krasner Awards $600K in Seized Drug Funds to Support Gun Violence Prevention

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner (D) awarded $600,000 in grants to 26 local nonprofits for gun violence prevention, using funds seized from drug-related cases to support community-based programs and honor victims. The initiative highlights declining homicide rates and aims to invest in healing and opportunity in affected neighborhoods. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

Pew Center for Arts & Heritage Joins Barnes Foundation in New Partnership

The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage has partnered with the Barnes Foundation for administrative support following the closure of the University of the Arts, with both organizations aiming to expand their cultural and educational impact while maintaining independent grantmaking processes. WHYY has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Opens Long-Awaited Pedestrian Bridge Linking Brighton Heights to Riverview Park

Pittsburgh residents and officials celebrated the opening of the new Davis Avenue pedestrian bridge, which restores a vital walking and biking connection between Brighton Heights and Riverview Park after a 15-year gap. The bridge, praised as a “game-changer,” also features a forthcoming interactive art installation that highlights local history and community identity. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

Federal

PA Lawmakers Divided on President Trump’s Iran Strike

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Pennsylvania lawmakers responded sharply, with U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D) and David McCormick (R) supporting the action as necessary, while U.S. Representatives Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05) condemned it as unconstitutional and dangerous. Gov. Shapiro emphasized there is no threat to Pennsylvanians but urged caution to prevent a broader war, calling for diplomacy and a full accounting of the strike’s impact.

Senate GOP Faces Divisions Over “Big Beautiful Bill” as July 4 Deadline Nears

Senate Republicans are facing internal disagreements and procedural hurdles as they push to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping tax and spending package aligned with President Trump’s agenda. Key points of contention include proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts, renewable energy tax breaks, and the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. While some conservatives demand deeper spending cuts, moderates are concerned about impacts on rural healthcare and low-income Americans. Meanwhile, Democrats have successfully challenged several provisions, and House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02) warns the bill could significantly reduce health care and education support for millions.

PA Joins 16-State Lawsuit Challenging Federal Grant Limits for Domestic Violence Services

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and groups from 16 other states are suing the federal government to block new restrictions on grants for domestic violence victims, arguing the rules—linked to President Trump’s executive order targeting DEI programs—illegally limit access to critical support services. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Sen. McCormick Navigates First 6 Months with Bipartisan Outreach, Strategic Support for Trump Agenda

In his first six months as Pennsylvania’s junior senator, Republican Sen. McCormick has built bipartisan relationships, notably with his Democratic colleague Sen. Fetterman, while strategically supporting key Trump policies and focusing on constituent services, economic development, and legislative priorities tailored to his state. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Beltway Briefing: In-Conversation with the WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman 

Award-winning Wall Street Journal writer Gregory Zuckerman joins host Howard Schweitzer to explore how today’s political landscape is shaping global markets. Drawing on nearly 30 years of reporting, Zuckerman offers sharp insights into the intersection of markets, politics, policy, and culture. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ CEO Howard Schweitzer and WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman 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.

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