Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Bentley Graves as principal in its Minneapolis office.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a rally in the Pennsylvania Capitol Rotunda Wednesday to champion the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Addressing a crowd of supporters and Republican legislators, Secretary Kennedy outlined a massive “reset” of federal health policy, including an inverted food pyramid that prioritizes “real food” and protein, a commitment to lowering prescription drug prices, and a science-based overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule to “end coercion.” Governor Josh Shapiro and Representative Arvind Venkat (D-30-Allegheny) denounced the visit, claiming the administration’s ideology undermines public health. PennLive has more.
Pennsylvania’s divided legislature is bracing for a potential standoff over the 2026–2027 state budget just months after resolving a historic 135 day impasse. With 25 state Senate seats, all 203 House seats, and Governor Josh Shapiro on the ballot this November, leaders from both parties are staking out opposing fiscal priorities to leverage during the campaign season. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41-Indiana) has signaled a focus on spending cuts and “limiting utilization” of social services like Medicaid and SNAP, while House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-70-Montgomery) is prioritizing increased funding for public education and mass transit. Some political analysts predict that the political pressures from the 2026 midterms may incentivize both parties to finalize a budget sooner than later. WITF has more.
Consumer advocates and utility regulators are urging the General Assembly to tax data centers to prevent residential energy spikes. During a House hearing Tuesday, officials testified that massive energy demands from these facilities are driving infrastructure costs currently being passed on to homeowners. While House Democrats are advancing legislation to protect ratepayers from these “directly attributable” costs, some Republican lawmakers caution that new taxes could drive investment to other states, advocating for increased energy production. Governor Josh Shapiro recently met with the White House to endorse a separate plan extending a regional electricity price cap, which could save Pennsylvanians an estimated $5 billion over two years. WITF has more.
Philadelphia City Council enters 2026 with a full agenda that includes reauthorizing $800 million in bonds for Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative, debating a proposed ban on trash incineration, and reviving efforts to loosen the city’s long-standing “resign to run” law ahead of a potential ballot question. Lawmakers are also bracing for clashes over immigration policy as progressive members push to limit ICE activity in Philadelphia, even as Mayor Parker continues a cautious approach toward the Trump administration. Expected school closings, preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary and major global sporting events, and early discussions around a new South Philadelphia arena are likely to draw Council scrutiny throughout the year. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Following Mayor Corey O’Connor’s transition to the Pittsburgh mayor’s office, the position of Allegheny County Controller remains held by interim appointee Amy Weise Clements while state leaders weigh a formal replacement. Under state law, Governor Josh Shapiro has the authority to nominate a successor to serve through 2027, though any nominee requires a two-thirds confirmation vote from the Republican led state Senate. Political observers suggest that the upcoming gubernatorial election and the typical legislative focus on judicial rather than row office appointments may stall the process until the June budget cycle. While County Council member Bethany Hallam and financial advisor Warner Macklin III have expressed interest in seeking the office in the 2027 election, the Governor’s office has stated that no decisions on a temporary vacancy appointment have been made at this time. WESA has more.
Hundreds of millions of dollars intended to expand high speed internet across Pennsylvania remain on hold as federal officials missed a self-imposed December deadline to approve the commonwealth’s spending plan. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has yet to sign off on the proposal submitted in September, preventing the state from finalizing agreements with providers and beginning construction. Under new federal rules issued last year, Pennsylvania’s plan shifted toward a mix of fiber optic, satellite, and wireless technologies, reducing the projected cost to $790.7 million. While Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously pledged to expedite the rollout, Pennsylvania remains one of only ten states still awaiting federal approval to deploy the infrastructure funds. Spotlight PA has more.
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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.
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.
February 10, 2026
February 9, 2026
February 9, 2026
