Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, May 5, 2025

Pennsylvania

City & State PA Names Mark Alderman, Joe Hill to Power 100 

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Chairman Mark Alderman and Philadelphia Managing Director Joe Hill were recognized among City & State Pennsylvania’s 2025 Power 100 list for their strategic insight, deep connections, and influence across Pennsylvania’s political and legislative landscape. City & State has more.

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Gov. Shapiro Fights to Restore Funding for PA Farmers, Food Banks

Governor Josh Shapiro (D) is challenging the Trump administration’s cancellation of a program that funds Pennsylvania farmers supplying food banks, arguing that the federal government must honor its contract. The program’s termination impacts nearly 190 farms and 13 regional food banks, leading to significant financial and food supply concerns. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

GOP Leader Criticizes Gov. Shapiro’s Spending Plan as Budget Deadline Nears

An independent review of the security failings that led to the arson attack on the governor’s residence was completed last week, and while recommendations have been made to improve security—and some already implemented—findings have not been released due to their sensitive nature. House Minority Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) urged state police to disclose details of the security failings accountability for transparency and to prevent future incidents.

Review of Security Failings at Gov’s Residence Completed, Findings Withheld

Pennsylvania lawmakers are gaining bipartisan momentum to legalize recreational cannabis, aiming to close a budget gap and reclaim tax revenue, with proposals for both private and state-run dispensaries under consideration. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Renewed Legislative Efforts Aim to Protect Manufactured Homeowners

Members of the state House are considering a bill that seeks to cap lot rent increases and strengthen protections for manufactured homeowners, aiming to address affordability and prevent financial exploitation. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Legislators Introduce Bill to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

A bill has been introduced in the state House to legalize adult-use cannabis, aiming to regulate the market, clear criminal records, and reinvest tax revenue into affected communities. WHTM has more.

Rep. Grove He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

State Representative Seth Grove (R-York) announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 after serving nine terms, highlighting his legislative achievements and expressing gratitude to his constituents. PoliticsPA has more.

Voter ID Debate Continues to Complicate PA Election Law Reforms

Despite some Democratic support for stricter voter ID rules, Pennsylvania’s divided legislature faces challenges in updating election laws due to conflicting party priorities and transactional politics. Achieving a compromise remains difficult as broader election policy issues persist. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

Audit of PA’s Automatic Voter Registration Ongoing

An audit of Pennsylvania’s Motor Voter program, initiated by Auditor General Tim DeFoor (R), is ongoing after nearly eight months with no timeline for completion. The audit was requested by the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus, but no evidence of non-citizens being registered has been found since the program’s 2017 fix. WITF has more.

Crozer Closure Spurs Training for Community Health Navigators in Delco

With the closure of Crozer Health’s hospitals, community health navigators are being trained to help residents, especially those without easy access to healthcare, find new care options. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia

Center City Shows Strong Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic

Center City Philadelphia’s economy is rebounding well with increased foot traffic, job growth, and new housing developments, despite challenges like office vacancies and public perception issues. Billy Penn has more.

Broad Street Run Attracts Over 40,000 Participants

The 46th annual Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run saw over 40,000 runners competing with enthusiastic crowds cheering them on throughout the 10-mile course. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

City Faces Financial Crisis Amid Falling Revenue, Rising Costs

Pittsburgh’s financial health is threatened by declining tax revenue and increasing expenses, with City leaders warning of potential budget shortfalls and service cuts by 2027. PennLive has more.

Dems Struggle to Maintain Elected Offices in Suburban Pittsburgh Counties

Democrats are increasingly absent from elected offices in the six counties surrounding Allegheny County, with significant declines in candidates and officeholders attributed to demographic changes, economic shifts, and effective Republican strategies. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing—An Unprecedented Beginning

Back in office with the energy of a first term and unburdened by the political considerations of a second, President Donald Trump has acted with urgency to do what he said he was going to do on the campaign trail, deploying a high-stakes tariff strategy, shrinking the federal government, and enforcing strict immigration policies. But with bold action comes complexity, and the administration must try to manage a delicate economy and a changing world order. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French here.

Rep. Dean Criticizes President Trump’s Tariff Plan as Harmful to U.S. Economy

U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) argued that President Trump’s tariff plan is causing economic harm by discouraging business with the U.S. and failing to effectively bring manufacturing jobs back. The Hill has more.

Sen. Sanders Rallies Against Wealth Inequality in PA

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) brought his progressive “Fighting Oligarchy” tour to Pennsylvania last week, criticizing the actions of the Trump administration and advocating for labor rights, health care, and education reforms in rallies in Harrisburg and Bethlehem over the weekend. PennLive has more.

Rep. Grove He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

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