Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, September 8, 2025

September 8, 2025

Pennsylvania

Lawmakers Return to Harrisburg as Amid Ongoing Budget Stalemate

As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse enters its tenth week, lawmakers return to Harrisburg with limited expectations for progress, while transit agencies and human services providers face growing financial strain. Pennsylvania is one of only two states without enacted budgets for FY 2025–26.

Court Order Prompts Temporary Fix for PA Transit Funding Crisis

Following a court order to reverse service cuts, the Shapiro administration has approved SEPTA’s request to use up to $394 million in capital funds to help SEPTA restore services and avoid further cuts, a move that may set a precedent for transit agencies across the Commonwealth, but raises concerns about long-term sustainability without dedicated funding.

PA Voter Registration Shifts Toward GOP, But Swing State Status Holds

Republicans are steadily closing the voter registration gap in Pennsylvania, driven by Trump-era activism and party-switching trends, raising the possibility of overtaking Democrats for the first time in decades. Despite the shift, experts say the state remains competitive due to national voting patterns, candidate quality, and turnout among independents and college-educated voters. PennLive has more.

PA Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Access

Last week, the State Board of Pharmacy approved new authorities to guide COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, allowing pharmacies to resume immunizations despite conflicting federal guidelines. Lawmakers are proposing legislation to clarify coverage and access, as patients and providers navigate differing recommendations and insurance uncertainties. PennLive has more.

Philadelphia

Philly Launches New System to Combat Deed Fraud

Philadelphia’s Department of Records has introduced an automated verification system to prevent fraudulent property transfers involving deceased owners, aiming to protect homeowners and preserve generational wealth. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

Pittsburgh

Juvenile Court Referrals for Black Girls at PPS Drop Sharply

Juvenile court referrals for Black girls at Pittsburgh Public Schools have declined by 93% since 2019, reflecting coordinated efforts to address racial disparities in school discipline and expand access to diversion programs. WESA has more.

Cozen Corner

Beltway Briefing: Landing the Economic Plane

Eight months into Trump’s presidency, Washington faces shutdown politics, shaky economic signals, and questions about his legacy. As recession fears grow and populism surges, the GOP’s midterm prospects may rest on how Trump lands the economic plane. 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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