Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, September 15, 2025

September 15, 2025

Pennsylvania

Democratic Group Backs PA Supreme Court Justices in Retention Fight  

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, a national organization focused on electing Democrats to all levels of office, is investing six figures to help retain three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices as Republicans aim to shift the court’s balance. The races have drawn national attention due to their potential impact on redistricting and election law. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Rural Hospital Payment Experiment Yields Mixed Results  

A five-year test of global budgets for rural hospitals in Pennsylvania improved operating margins but failed to boost liquidity, according to a University of Pennsylvania study. As federal support wanes, officials warn rural hospitals may face renewed financial strain. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pharmacists Warn Closures Will Continue Without Stronger PBM Reforms  

Hundreds of Pennsylvania pharmacies have shut down amid low reimbursement rates from pharmacy benefit managers, prompting calls for Medicaid reforms and a minimum dispensing fee. Lawmakers are exploring a single PBM model and other policy changes to stabilize community pharmacies statewide. Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Hemp Entrepreneurs Push for Clear Rules Amid Cannabis Policy Confusion  

A Lancaster business owner formed a statewide guild to advocate for clearer hemp regulations, warning that current legal ambiguity favors large cannabis companies. The group urges Pennsylvania officials to adopt basic safety and labeling standards while lawmakers debate broader cannabis legislation. LancasterOnline has more.

Philadelphia

Calder Gardens a Radical New Art Space on the Parkway  

The new Calder Gardens, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, will open September 21 as an underground sanctuary focused on the work of Philadelphia sculptor Alexander Calder. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Ranks High in AI Talent But Is Slow in Adoption

A Brookings Institution report places Pittsburgh 7th nationally for AI economy readiness, driven by strong research from CMU and Pitt. However, local businesses lag in adopting AI technologies, highlighting a gap between innovation and enterprise implementation. The Pittsburgh Business Times has more.

PRT Secures Emergency Funding to Avoid Service Cuts, Layoffs  

Governor Josh Shapiro (D) approved Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s request to shift $106.7 million in capital funds to cover operating costs, preventing major service reductions and layoffs for two years. The move comes amid stalled state budget negotiations and the depletion of pandemic-era federal aid. Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

Federal

Farmers in Deep-Red Rural PA Plead for Urgent Labor Reform  

Facing worker shortages and economic strain, Pennsylvania farmers are pressuring lawmakers to fix the broken farm labor system as President Donald Trump’s immigration policies make migrant labor harder to access. Many say the H-2A visa program is too costly and restrictive, and fear political gridlock will stall needed reforms. Politico has more.

PA Loses Nearly $40M in NIH Grants Amid Federal Cuts  

More than 100 NIH-funded research projects across Pennsylvania have been frozen or terminated, costing the state an estimated $40 million and threatening jobs, clinical trials, and future scientific progress. Researchers warn the cuts will shrink the pipeline of future scientists and hurt local economies. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Sen. Fetterman Urges Dems to Rethink Strategy After 2024 Losses  

U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) warned his party against extreme positions and reactive politics, saying Democrats must reconnect with voters to regain power. He defended democratic outcomes, criticized immigration raids, and reaffirmed his support for Israel while maintaining his Democratic affiliation. CNN has more.

Cozen Corner

Beltway Briefing: Two Realities, One Nation

America faces unprecedented division. With citizens operating from two incompatible sets of facts and losing any sense of common ground, the dehumanization of both parties is pushing the nation toward a dangerous tipping point in political violence. How can today’s leaders rise to meet this moment? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French 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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