Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Addresses Arson Incident

During a press conference following the opening of the Hershey Corporation’s new manufacturing plant, Governor Josh Shapiro made his first public comments since the arson at the Governor’s Residence, emphasizing the need to end political violence and expressing gratitude for the support received. He also responded sharply to criticism from U.S. Representative Dan Meuser (R-PA-9), stressing the importance of leaders acting with moral clarity. Several former governors and state officials have condemned the attack. A third-party expert will conduct an independent security review of the Governor’s Residence.

Financial Aid Delays Plague PA Students Due to New System Glitches

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s new software system caused significant delays in financial aid for thousands of students, forcing many to take out loans or use savings. The agency plans to revert to the old system for the next academic year to avoid further issues. Spotlight PA has more.

Opinion: High Tax Rates on Skill Games Could Lead to Revenue Shortfall

A Villanova University economics professor and consultant claims that Gov. Shapiro’s proposal to tax skill game revenue at 52% is likely to fall significantly short of the projected $8 billion over five years, similar to the experience with tavern games in Pennsylvania. PennLive has more.

Philadelphia

PHA to Preserve, Build 20K Affordable Units Under New Initiative

The Philadelphia Housing Authority’s (PHA) $6.3 billion “Opening Doors” initiative aims to preserve, redevelop, build, or acquire 20,000 affordable housing units over eight years to address the city’s deepening housing crisis. WHYY has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburghers Rally Against Looming Transit Cuts

Pittsburgh could lose 35% of its public transit service, including dozens of bus routes, if the state doesn’t provide additional funding. Advocates warn that these cuts would disrupt lives, hurt local businesses, and undermine the city’s competitiveness. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Federal Cuts Threaten PPS’s Progress in Sustainable Food Purchasing

Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) is advancing in procuring sustainable and nutritious food for students, but recent federal cuts to USDA grants could limit future funding and complicate efforts to maintain free meal programs and nutrition initiatives. WESA has more.

Federal

Agriculture Secretary Defends Trump Tariffs During PA Visit

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins defended President Donald Trump’s tariffs during her visit to Pennsylvania this week, arguing they will benefit farmers despite market volatility. Pennsylvania legislators supporting the tariffs include U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15)— who chairs the House Agriculture Committee—and Rep. Meuser. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Sen. Fetterman Co-Introduces Clean Cloud Act to Regulate Emissions

U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Clean Cloud Act to set emissions standards for cryptomining facilities and AI data centers, aiming to reduce fossil fuel consumption and incentivize clean energy investment.

SAVE Act Sparks Debate Over Voter Registration Requirements in PA

The controversial SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, passed the House last week. The bill was co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Scott Perry (R-PA-10) and five other Pennsylvania Republicans. PoliticsPA has more.

PA Democratic Leaders Unite Against Trump Admin Policies

U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is pressing the Trump administration to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador, emphasizing the need to comply with a unanimous Supreme Court order. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey (D) and U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-PA-12) called for unity among labor unions and activists to oppose harmful policies, and former Congressman Conor Lamb and state Representative Lindsay Powell (D-Allegheny) urged the state’s U.S. senators to protect public services in the Commonwealth.

Rep. Fitzpatrick Leads PA Congressional Fundraising in Q1

U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) reported the highest fundraising among Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation during the first quarter, with $1.22 million in Q1—placing him among nine House Republicans in battleground races who raised more than $1 million. Sen. McCormick (R-PA) raised $784,662 compared to Sen. Fetterman’s (D-PA) nearly $400,000.

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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