Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Balances Bipartisan Priorities

Governor Josh Shapiro’s third budget proposal aims to balance bipartisan priorities, incorporating both Republican and Democratic interests while navigating the challenges of President Donald Trump’s second term and Pennsylvania’s divided legislature. Key elements of the budget include a proposal to close two state prisons and two community corrections centers to save over $100 million, a controversial 52% tax on skill games to generate revenue for senior programs, and a push to legalize recreational marijuana, despite a potential uphill battle in the Senate. Additionally, Gov. Shapiro proposes $525 million to address the state’s $4.5 billion education funding shortfall, with support for special education, teacher stipends, and cyber charter reforms.

AG Sunday Appoints Interim Consumer Advocate

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday appointed Daryl Lawrence as interim Consumer Advocate following the resignation of Patrick Cicero, who cited concerns over AG Sunday’s ties to utility companies. Lawrence will need State Senate confirmation. WHTM has more.

PA House Advances Rural Health Care Grant Program, EMS Tax Bill

The Pennsylvania House advanced bills to create a rural health care grant program and to allow third-class cities to levy a property tax to support emergency services. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Medicaid Abortion Restrictions Return to Court

A lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania’s Medicaid abortion restrictions was back in court this week, with both parties agreeing the ban is unconstitutional but awaiting a court ruling to overturn it. WESA has more.

Green Energy Projects Still Face Delays Despite Recent Settlement

Gov. Shapiro’s settlement with PJM aims to stabilize electricity prices, but structural issues persist as thousands of green energy projects await grid connection. PublicSource has more.

PA ACLU Urges Schools to Resist ICE, CBP

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania is urging school leaders to block U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from entering schools and accessing student information following the Trump administration’s rescission of guidance preventing enforcement near schools. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Stresses Unity, Aid After Northeast Plane Crash

Mayor Cherelle Parker and City officials emphasized community resilience and support during a town hall following a tragic plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia. Donations are being accepted for victims through the “One Philly Fund.” The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Launches $5M Small Business Catalyst Fund

The City of Philadelphia has launched the Small Business Catalyst Fund, a $5 million initiative to support high-potential small businesses and entrepreneurs with grants of up to $50,000.

Pittsburgh

Steelworkers Endorse Incumbent Gainey in Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

Mayor Ed Gainey received a significant endorsement from the United Steelworkers, marking the first major nod in the 2025 Pittsburgh mayoral Democratic primary. This endorsement highlights Gainey’s strong ties with labor unions and sets the stage for a competitive race against Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Rep. Deluzio Advocates for High-Speed Rail from Pittsburgh

Democratic U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (PA-17) supports high-speed rail from Pittsburgh, proposing the All Aboard Act to invest $200 billion in rail infrastructure. Despite past challenges, Rep. Deluzio believes federal investment can make it a reality. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Federal

Sen. Fetterman Breaks Party Lines to Confirm Bondi as AG

U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to vote for Pam Bondi’s confirmation as U.S. attorney general, despite concerns regarding uncorroborated claims she made previously about voter fraud during the 2020 election. Bondi was confirmed by a 54-46 Senate vote. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star 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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