Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, October 27, 2025

Pennsylvania

Democrats Offer Cyber Charter Tuition Compromise Amid Budget Stalemate  

House Democrats have proposed allowing school districts to deduct more expenses from payments to cyber charter schools, aiming to save $173 million statewide. While short of a flat statewide tuition rate, the measure seeks to address concerns about funding inefficiencies and growing reserves at some online schools, though Senate Republicans have yet to agree. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

DA Races on Ballots in 17 PA Counties This November  

Voters in 17 counties across the Commonwealth will elect district attorneys on November 4, with most races uncontested. These officials play a central role in prosecuting crimes and shaping local justice systems, and their decisions can significantly impact public safety and community engagement. Spotlight PA has more.

7 Charged in PA Voter Registration Case Motivated by Quotas

The Attorney General’s Office announced charges against seven individuals for submitting falsified voter registration forms in multiple counties, citing personal financial motives rather than attempts to sway the 2024 election. Officials emphasized that the election process worked as intended, with irregularities flagged and investigated. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Planning Experts Propose Grid Reforms to Address PA’s Energy Challenges  

With Pennsylvania’s aging grid and rising energy demand, experts are urging legislative action to support integrated energy planning, grid flexibility, and cost-saving technologies. Their proposals aim to streamline utility coordination, reduce unnecessary spending, and accelerate deployment of advanced transmission solutions to improve reliability and affordability. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Construction Industry Sees Slowdown Due to Economic Uncertainty  

Builders across Pennsylvania report delays and reduced demand for major projects, citing high interest rates, inflation, and rising material costs. While some residential construction continues, financing challenges and permit bottlenecks are contributing to a prolonged slowdown, with industry leaders cautiously optimistic about a rebound in 2026. PennLive has more.

Gov. Shapiro Reflects on Firebombing, Urges Action Against Political Violence  

Governor Josh Shapiro (D) spoke with the New York Times about the emotional toll of the April arson attack on his residence, emphasizing its impact on his family and the broader rise in political violence. He called for national unity and greater support for public officials, warning that suppressing trauma only deepens the crisis. The New York Times has more.

Philadelphia

Corporate Investors Purchase 1 in 4 Philly Homes

A quarter of single-family homes sold in Philly from 2017–2022 went to corporate investors, especially in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. While many firms made repairs, others increased evictions and reduced affordability, prompting calls for stronger oversight and protections for local buyers and renters. WHYY has more.

Philly Employers Stick With Remote Work Despite National Decline

While remote work is waning nationally, some Philadelphia business leaders say it boosts productivity, flexibility, and employee satisfaction, with some embracing remote-first models to balance structure with autonomy to retain talent and foster strong performance. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

O’Connor, Moreno Share Visions for Pittsburgh’s Future in Mayoral Debate  

In a televised debate, mayoral candidates Corey O’Connor (D) and Tony Moreno (R) outlined differing approaches to city finances, public safety, and housing. Both candidates emphasized the need for budget transparency and public safety investment, while expressing concerns about the city’s reliance on a recently invalidated athlete tax. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

PRT Delays, Cancels Capital Projects to Cover Budget Deficit  

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) will postpone or cancel over $35 million in capital projects, including bus purchases and tunnel repairs, after shifting $107 million from its capital budget to cover operating costs. While safety-related upgrades will continue, long-term improvements and planning efforts are being deferred due to funding constraints. WESA has more.

Federal

Federal Shutdown Continues, Impacting Workers, Services Nationwide  

The ongoing federal government shutdown has left about 1.4 million civilian employees without pay, including tens of thousands in Pennsylvania who may qualify for state unemployment benefits. Key programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—including the program specifically for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)—face funding shortfalls, while national parks, school meal reimbursements, and federal agency operations are disrupted across the country. NPR has more.

Sen. McCormick Defends President Trump’s Actions, Praises Sen. Fetterman 

In an interview with CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday,” Senator David McCormick (R-PA) expressed support for President Donald Trump’s (R) recent decisions, including requests related to legal expenses and White House renovations, while attributing responsibility for the government shutdown to Democratic leadership. He also acknowledged Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) as a constructive collaborator, describing him as a reliable partner despite differing political views. CNN has more.

Sen. Fetterman’s Bipartisan Appeal Gains Ground as Communities Voice Concerns Under President Trump

Sen. Fetterman’s moderate shift is reportedly resonating with Pennsylvania swing voters, even as a new survey reveals growing alienation among Black and Latino Americans under Trump-era policies. Focus groups praised Fetterman’s cross-party efforts, while civil rights rollbacks and economic setbacks have deepened dissatisfaction in marginalized communities.

Cozen Corner

Heller, Hill Named Among Philadelphia’s 150 Most Influential People

Cozen O’Connor CEO Michael Heller and Public Strategies Managing Director Joe Hill were named among Philadelphia Magazine’s 150 Most Influential People. Heller was recognized for his AI-forward legal strategy and investments in ventures like Future Standard and Federal Donuts, while Hill was noted for his advocacy work and leadership in civic initiatives such as the Philly Download and Black Leadership Pennsylvania. Read more here.

Beltway Briefing: In-Conversation with Kathy Wylde on NYC Business & Government

Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, joins host Howard Schweitzer to reflect on her decades leading one of the nation’s most influential business organizations. Together, they explore how New York’s fabric is defined by its bottom-up composition—diverse voices across sectors united by a shared vision. The city’s resilience and commitment to public-private collaboration offer lessons for how government and business can work together to solve complex challenges. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies CEO Howard Schweitzer and Partnership for New York City CEO Kathy Wylde here.

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