Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, August 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

Pennsylvania

Sen. Ward Floats Temporary Budget Amid Ongoing Stalemate  

Senate President Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) has proposed a six-month budget to keep Pennsylvania operating as the legislative stalemate over school choice and mass transit funding continues. The state’s aging road system and declining gas tax revenue has also been a point of contention, prompting calls for new infrastructure funding strategies and long-term solutions.

House Bill Proposes Workers’ Comp Reimbursement for Medical Marijuana

State Representative David Delloso (D-Delaware) has introduced legislation that would require employers to reimburse up to $3,000 annually for medical cannabis used by injured workers under the state’s medical marijuana program. Marijuana Moment has more.

Home Care Agencies Warn of Crisis, Seek $370M Boost  

Pennsylvania home health care providers are urging lawmakers to include $370 million in the state budget to address chronic underfunding, staffing shortages, and rising demand from the state’s aging population. WHYY has more.

Nursing Homes Push Back on Oversight Bill Targeting Private Equity Deals

Pennsylvania’s nursing home industry is lobbying to be excluded from a proposed bill that would expand state oversight of private equity acquisitions in health care, arguing existing regulations suffice despite concerns over closures and financial exploitation. Spotlight PA has more.

Health Insurance Rates in PA Could Rise Sharply in 2026

Pennsylvania regulators report proposed 2026 health insurance rate hikes averaging 19% for individual plans and 13% for small business plans, driven by rising health care costs, increased benefit usage, and the expected expiration of federal premium tax credits. LancasterOnline has more.

State Senate Panel Probes PA’s Mental Health Care Crisis

Pennsylvania Senate Republicans held a roundtable on the state’s worsening mental health crisis, where experts cited systemic gaps, inadequate funding, and logistical barriers like poor public transit and insurance confusion as key obstacles to care. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Bill Would Mandate Anti-Trafficking Training for Hospitality Workers  

A proposed law would require hotels and short-term rentals in Pennsylvania to train staff to identify and report human trafficking, with penalties for noncompliance and support from bipartisan lawmakers. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Voting Machine Glitches Rarely Disrupt PA Elections

According to recent analysis, voting machine issues in Pennsylvania have been rare and quickly resolved thanks to traveling technicians, with only 0.014% of voters affected across three recent elections. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

Teacher Shortage Deepens Across PA

Nearly 9,000 teachers left the teaching profession in 2024 due to low pay, poor conditions, and limited support, while emergency certifications and proposed funding increases aim to address the growing gap. KDKA has more.

Philadelphia

City Offers Support for Small Businesses as Tax Exemption is Phased Out

The City of Philadelphia is offering payment plans, free tax help, and grants to support small businesses as it phases out a tax exemption to comply with legal standards. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh Revamp Gains Momentum

Downtown Pittsburgh leaders are pursuing revitalization through office-to-residential conversions, business retention, and enhanced public safety amid broader urban challenges. KDKA has more. 

Strip District Growth Surges with Housing, Tech  

Pittsburgh’s Strip District has seen a 319% population increase since 2015, driven by tech jobs and new developments, with over 2,500 housing units set to double its population again. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Allegheny County Turns Blight into Community Assets  

A land recovery program helps residents and municipalities transform vacant, tax-delinquent properties into side yards, gardens, and public spaces, offering a slow but impactful path to revitalization. WESA has more.

Federal

Medicaid Cuts Could Impact 300K Pennsylvanians

As federal Medicaid reductions loom, experts warn that over 300,000 Pennsylvanians may lose coverage—many unknowingly—due to the state’s complex managed care system and lack of clear communication. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

States Rush to Save Clean Energy Projects Before Tax Credits End  

With federal tax credits for wind and solar abruptly cut, Pennsylvania and other states are fast-tracking permits and grid access to salvage projects before looming deadlines. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Former GOP Attorney Joins Democratic Race for PA-01

Tracy Hunt, a former Republican, switched parties to run in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District, joining two others in a bid to challenge incumbent U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick in 2026. The Philadelphia Inquirer 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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