Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Patrick Lespinasse as principal.
Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania are urging party leaders not to trade away the state’s entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as part of budget negotiations. With the impasse now in its fifth month, concerns are growing that a compromise on climate policy could undermine environmental goals and fracture legislative support. Senate Republicans have pushed to repeal the program, citing economic concerns.
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) announced last week the release of $100 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to Pennsylvanians following a favorable court ruling, while criticizing Vice President JD Vance and the Trump administration for attempting to block the remaining funds. The Supreme Court issued an emergency order late Friday halting full distribution, leaving uncertainty for families and businesses relying on the aid. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Major cases pending before Pennsylvania’s highest courts include challenges to the state’s participation in RGGI, Medicaid-funded abortion restrictions, and mail ballot rules. Decisions could shape environmental policy, reproductive rights, and voting procedures, with several rulings expected to return to the Supreme Court after lower court review. Spotlight PA has more.
Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices won retention with broad support across party lines during last week’s elections, despite a GOP-led campaign to reshape the court’s balance. The unusually partisan and expensive race has raised concerns that future judicial retention elections may become more politically charged. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) unveiled a planning initiative to revitalize Market East, pledging it will avoid past failures by incorporating public feedback and expert guidance. The advisory group aims to deliver short- and long-term recommendations, with support from state and federal partners likely needed to fund redevelopment. Billy Penn has more.
Pittsburgh Mayor-Elect Corey O’Connor (D) named longtime city official Dan Gilman as chief of staff and public safety expert Sheldon Williams as director of public safety. The early selections signal O’Connor’s intent to start strong in January, with the City Council preparing to vet nominees amid ongoing public safety challenges. WESA has more.
At final community sessions before a vote on Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) closures, residents raised concerns about equitable resource distribution, staffing cuts, and socioeconomic divides under the district’s proposed restructuring plan. WESA has more.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and seven other Democrats voted with Republicans to advance a stopgap bill to reopen the government, despite criticism from party members over the bill’s omission of Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions. Sen. Fetterman emphasized the need to end the shutdown and expressed regret for its impact on federal workers and vulnerable communities. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
From Virginia and New Jersey to New York City and beyond, the 2025 off-year elections offered a glimpse into the political landscape heading toward 2026. What voter dynamics stood out most, and what trends could define the next midterms? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Michael Acevedo, Julia Hammond, and Katie Schwab here.
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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.
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.
December 11, 2025
December 11, 2025
December 10, 2025
