Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, January 2, 2025

January 2, 2025

Pennsylvania

Key Issues to Watch in Harrisburg for New Legislative Session

During the impending 2025-26 legislative session, Pennsylvania lawmakers are likely to focus on addressing a budget deficit, regulating technology and AI, and weighing cannabis legalization. Governor Josh Shapiro’s third budget address in February will outline major executive policy priorities. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Gov. Shapiro Challenges PJM’s Power Market Rules Over High Costs

Gov. Shapiro filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, arguing that PJM Interconnection’s market rules could lead to a $20.4 billion increase in electricity costs for ratepayers. Reuters has more.

Court Upholds State’s Authority Over Voting Machine Security in PA

A Pennsylvania court ruled Tuesday that the secretary of state can prevent counties from allowing unauthorized third-party access to voting machines, affirming the decertification of Fulton County’s machines after an unauthorized inspection. The decision supports the state’s efforts to maintain secure and consistent election practices. The Associated Press has more.

Small Group of Donors Dominated High-Profile PA Races in 2024

A recent Spotlight PA analysis revealed that nine groups were responsible for 63% of the $60 million spent on high-profile Pennsylvania elections in 2024, suggesting a trend towards increased influence of big money in state politics. Spotlight PA has more.

Second Trump Admin Could Impact PA’s Clean Energy Projects

President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act could jeopardize funding and environmental standards for Pennsylvania’s clean energy projects. This includes potential impacts on hydrogen hubs, solar panel installations, and electric vehicle incentives. Spotlight PA has more.

Reading Receives CRIZ Designation to Boost Downtown Revitalization

The City of Reading has been approved to participate in the Commonwealth’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) program, aiming to attract new businesses and create jobs. The Shapiro administration restarted the program to support economic development in cities facing challenges. WFMZ has more.

Philadelphia

Is Philadelphia’s New Affordable Housing Pilot a Model for Future Projects?

Philadelphia’s new affordable housing pilot, which opened in October 2024 with a mix of market-rate and affordable units, could serve as a model for future projects as part of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s yet-to-be-released housing plan. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Harm-Reduction Efforts Face New City Restrictions

Harm-reduction programs in Kensington are facing new restrictions, including funding cuts and zoning limitations, which advocates argue will worsen the opioid crisis and harm the community. City officials claim these measures are necessary to address neighborhood concerns and improve public order. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Launches Disparity Study to Boost Minority, Women-Owned Business Contracts

The Gainey administration, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Regional Consortium and consultant MGT, will conduct a disparity study to assess and improve access to local government contracts for minority, women, and LGBTQ-owned businesses by identifying barriers and guiding future policies. WESA has more.

New Allegheny County State House Members Outline 2025 Legislative Goals

Newly elected state representatives Jeremy Shaffer (R) and John Inglis (D) from Allegheny County have pledged to focus on education reform, infrastructure, and economic development, both hoping to leverage their backgrounds to address local and state issues. WESA has more.

Federal

PA Leaders Honor Former President Carter’s Legacy

Several Pennsylvania leaders have paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away last week at 100 and is widely remembered for his lifelong dedication to peace, human rights, and humanitarian efforts. The former President’s visit to Three Mile Island in 1979 following the partial meltdown at the nuclear plant helped reassure central Pennsylvanians and provided a much-needed morale boost.

Oz Nominated to Oversee Medicare, Medicaid Services

Former Pennsylvania U.S. Senate hopeful and celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz has been nominated by President-elect Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 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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