Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, August 14, 2025

August 14, 2025

Pennsylvania

Transit, Education, Social Services in Limbo as Budget Impasse Continues

As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse nears seven weeks, state lawmakers remain deadlocked over a $47.6 billion budget proposal, raising concerns about broader impacts on public transit systems, education funding, and statewide social services. Counties like York, Lancaster, and Cumberland are using local funds to keep essential social services running, though some warn their reserves may only last into the fall.

PA Delays New Elder Abuse Contracts Amid Accountability Overhaul

The Shapiro administration has postponed new contracts for county elder abuse agencies to finalize stricter accountability measures, following years of compliance failures and rising deaths during investigations. Spotlight PA has more.

Acting Education Secretary Advances in Confirmation Process

Acting Education Secretary Carrie Rowe, nominated by Governor Josh Shapiro (D), has cleared the Senate Education Committee and now awaits review by the Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee before a full Senate vote. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Voter ID Bill Unlikely to Prevent Fraud, Gains Bipartisan Traction Regardless

Despite a decade-long review finding only two cases where stricter voter ID laws would have stopped ballot fraud in Pennsylvania, lawmakers continue to debate legislation intended to boost voter confidence in election integrity. Votebeat has more.

PA Lawmaker Proposes Paid Leave for Climate Disaster Victims

State Representative Ben Waxman (D-Philadelphia) has circulated a cosponsorship memo proposing legislation, entitled the Climate Emergency Paid Leave Act, that would guarantee immediate paid leave for Pennsylvania workers affected by climate-related disasters, with employers partially reimbursed through a state- and federally funded program. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

Chinatown Stitch Design Moves Forward Despite Federal Funding Loss

Philadelphia is advancing plans for the $207 million Chinatown Stitch park over the Vine Street Expressway, even after a federal budget bill rescinded $151 million in grant funding, prompting the city to seek new sources to keep the project on track for a 2027 construction start. Billy Penn has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Weighs New Rules for Short-Term Rentals

A proposed bill would limit short-term rental units and require hosts to live within 25 miles of their properties, sparking debate between housing advocates concerned about affordability and hosts worried about business impacts. The City Council will revisit the legislation in mid-September after further community input. Public Source has more.

Federal

Rep. Lee Warns Federal Climate Cuts Threaten PA Communities

U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-PA-12) warns that President Donald Trump’s rollback of climate and disaster programs endangers vulnerable communities in Pennsylvania, urging renewed federal investment to address worsening extreme weather. WESA has more.

Judge Blocks New DOJ Restrictions on Domestic Violence Grants

A federal judge in Rhode Island has temporarily halted enforcement of new federal conditions on Violence Against Women Act grants, siding with a coalition of advocacy organizations—including the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence—that argued the changes were politically motivated and unlawfully imposed. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Avoids Redistricting Battles Seen in Other States

Thanks to its politically divided government and strong court oversight, Pennsylvania has largely sidestepped the partisan redistricting fights unfolding nationwide, though advocates continue pushing for an independent commission to ensure fair congressional maps. LancasterOnline has more.

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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