Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, March 16, 2026

Pennsylvania

PA Budget Hearings Update

The House Appropriations Committee concluded its Budget Hearings to examine the Governor’s proposed budget in detail last week. The House Appropriations Committee heard from the Departments of Health (DOH) and Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), where DOH Secretary Debra Bogen highlighted federal funding challenges and the critical need for maternal health investments and DDAP Secretary Latika Davis-Jones discussed the need to address unregulated substances like kratom and Delta-8 products. The House Appropriations Committee also heard from the Governor’s Office of the Budget/Executive Offices, where Republicans criticized the budget proposal’s $4.6 billion deficit and the proposed use of the Rainy Day Fund, while Democrats challenged Republican lawmakers to identify specific program cuts or propose new revenue sources to balance the $53.2 billion budget proposal. The full list of completed hearings are available through the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee.

Upcoming Special Elections to Fill Vacant State House Seats

The next round of special elections will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in the 193rd District in Adams and Cumberland Counties and the 79th District in Blair County to fill the vacancies left by former Republican Representatives Torren Ecker and Louis Schmitt Jr., both of whom were recently sworn in as county judges. Voters in the 193rd District will choose between Republican Catherine Wallen and Democrat Todd Crawley, while voters in the 79th District will decide between Republican Andrea Verobish and Democrat Caleb McCoy. Democrats currently hold a narrow 102–98 majority with three vacancies in the House.

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Philadelphia

Broad Street Brief Special Edition: FY27 City Budget Address Recap

On Thursday, March 12, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker delivered her third annual budget address to the Philadelphia City Council, unveiling her $7 billion FY27 budget proposal. The proposed FY27-31 Five Year Plan outlines significant investments to advance economic mobility and self-sufficiency for Philadelphians, while continuing the administration’s focus on building a safer, cleaner, and greener city. Mayor Parker’s proposed FY27 budget, “One Philly, One Future,” aims to build on the administration’s progress by focusing on economic mobility and introducing Philadelphia’s Economic “GPS” framework, Growth, Prosperity, and Security. Click here for the Broad Street Brief Special Edition and highlights of the mayor’s budget proposal.

Pittsburgh

Mayor O’Connor to Reopen 2026 Budget to Address Deficit

Mayor Corey O’Connor announced that he will reopen Pittsburgh’s 2026 budget to address an estimated $30 to $40 million deficit, describing the city’s financial reality as “much worse” than previously thought. Despite the shortfall, the Mayor stated he is not currently considering layoffs, tax increases, or service cuts, opting instead to focus on increasing the tax base and seeking “payment-in-lieu-of-taxes” deals with tax-exempt employers. The deficit stems from overspending on overtime, legal settlements, and fuel costs, as well as the diversion of restricted “parks tax” proceeds to other expenses. City Controller Rachael Heisler, who reported a $8.6 million operating deficit for 2025, expressed support for the administration’s decision to proactively address the fiscal gap.

State Invests $3.3 Million to Revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh

A $3.32 million investment from the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program will be deployed over the next six years to support the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s revitalization efforts. This funding is aimed at restoring Downtown to its pre-pandemic vibrancy by filling vacant storefronts, maintaining street cleanliness, and providing pathways to success for vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness. Mayor Corey O’Connor and County Executive Sara Innamorato emphasized that Downtown serves as the “economic engine” for Western Pennsylvania.

Cozen Corner

In-Conversation w/ Howard Schweitzer: Security Expert & Author Michael Gips on Navigating Risk in a Polycrisis Era

Security and risk expert and author Michael Gips joins Howard Schweitzer, CEO of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on risk assessment, decision-making, and leadership when certainty is not an option. While most leaders are focused on the immediate pressures of the moment, security and risk professionals are scanning the horizon, identifying fractures in the foundation of institutions before they become crises. From AI-driven disruption to politically fueled threats, they operate where ambiguity is constant and the stakes are high. Together, they explore how these professionals stay grounded and persuade leaders to prepare for risks they cannot yet see, and why that mindset is increasingly essential across every sector. To watch click here or to listen click here.

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