Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, November 17, 2025

November 17, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Highlights Progress Made with Newly Passed Budget 

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.

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PA Schools to Share $565M to Address Funding Gaps

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.

PA Expands AI Use in Government Work

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.

Health Insurance Premiums Surge in Central PA Amid Expiring Subsidies

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.

PA Turnpike Pursues Civil Lawsuits to Recover Unpaid Tolls  

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.

President Trump’s Influence Uncertain Ahead of PA Governor’s Race

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

Paper Bag Fee Coming to Philly Stores in January

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.

Pittsburgh

Mayor-Elect O’Connor Picks New Pittsburgh Police Chief

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.

Cozen Corner

Beltway Briefing: In-Conversation: Steve Kornacki on Data, Democracy, and Decoding America’s Election

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.

Public Strategies’ Heidi Hertz Named to Governor-Elect Spanberger’s Transition Committee

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.

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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