Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce the promotion of six members to shareholder: Benjamin Bomrind, Patrick Carey, Sarah Krissoff, Jeffrey Monhait, Michael O’Donnell, and Tamar Wise. The election of these six new shareholders was voted on during the firm’s recent All Attorney Summit in Orlando, Florida.
Last week, Pennsylvania’s $50.1 billion budget passed after months of negotiation, avoiding new taxes while funding tax credits for low-income workers and students. Governor Josh Shapiro (D) praised the deal’s alignment with Democratic priorities but acknowledged unresolved issues like public transit and skill games regulation. WHTM has more.
Pennsylvania lawmakers allocated $565 million in the 2025-26 budget to help school districts close adequacy gaps and ease tax burdens, guaranteeing each district at least $50,000. The funding supplements, introduced after a court ruling deemed the state’s education system unconstitutional, mark the second year of a plan aimed at reducing inequities, though advocates say progress remains slow. Spotlight PA has more.
Pennsylvania is building on a yearlong pilot that introduced ChatGPT Enterprise to 175 employees across 14 agencies, aiming to broaden responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption for tasks like writing and research while maintaining strict policies on data privacy and oversight. Pittsburgh’s Public Source has more.
Premiums for marketplace health plans in central Pennsylvania are rising sharply, with some counties facing increases of up to 485% as enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expire. Higher regional healthcare costs, an older population, and growing demand for expensive weight-loss drugs are contributing to the spike, prompting concerns about coverage loss and affordability. PennLive has more.
To address $237 million in unpaid tolls, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is filing civil suits against in-state drivers through the attorney general’s office, targeting the most serious cases of toll avoidance. The agency has seen increased collections and payment rates since implementing the measure, while continuing efforts to reduce billing issues and encourage E-ZPass use. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.
Democrats are optimistic about the 2026 gubernatorial election following strong local wins and declining approval for President Donald Trump (R), while Republicans argue the results reflect typical off-year cycles and remain confident in Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s (R) candidacy. Analysts say economic concerns and voter dissatisfaction may shape the race, but President Trump’s role remains a volatile factor. Spotlight PA has more.
Philadelphia shoppers will soon pay a 10-cent fee for single-use paper bags at checkout, following the City Council’s approval of a law aimed at reducing litter and encouraging reusable bag use. Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) declined to sign or veto the bill, allowing it to go into law. WHYY has more.
Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor (D) will nominate former Zone 5 commander and current Frederick, Maryland police chief Jason Lando to lead Pittsburgh’s Bureau of Police, aiming to provide stable leadership after a year without a permanent chief. Pittsburgh’s Public Source has more.
Steve Kornacki, chief data analyst of NBC News, joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation about how data shapes America’s understanding of politics—and even sports. From the Democratic sweep in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York to long-term voter realignment, Kornacki breaks down what the numbers reveal about turnout, trust, and the future of American democracy. Listen to the episode here.
Virginia Public Strategies Principal Heidi Hertz has been appointed to Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s (D) “United for Virginia’s Future” transition committee. Heidi brings extensive public policy and government relations experience to a team of leaders with the “experience, integrity, and know-how” to help shape Virginia’s day-one priorities. Read more 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 5, 2025
December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025
