Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, January 23, 2025

January 23, 2025

Pennsylvania

Special Election Set for SD-35 Following Passing of Rep. Gergely

State Rep. Matt Gergely (D-Allegheny) passed away last weekend, leaving the state House once again tied 101-101. A special election will be held March 25 to fill the District 35 seat, which is expected to remain in Democratic control. Rep. Gergely is remembered for his dedication to fighting for children and working families and his deep commitment to his community and family. The Associated Press has more.

Gov. Shapiro Expresses Willingness to Collaborate with President Trump on Shared Priorities

Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed his readiness to work with President Donald Trump on aligned priorities, emphasizing a commitment to seeking bipartisan solutions while defending fundamental freedoms. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Republicans Take Charge of PA’s Row Offices

David Sunday was sworn in as Pennsylvania’s attorney general, emphasizing accountability and redemption, while Stacy Garrity and Tim DeFoor began their second terms as treasurer and auditor general, respectively. This marks the first time all three row offices are held by Republicans. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Treasurer Garrity Warns of Looming Budget Deficit

Treasurer Garrity cautions that Pennsylvania faces a structural deficit and may need to dip into its rainy day fund. Gov. Shapiro will be delivering his budget address next month. WHTM has more.

PA Supreme Court to Review Mail Ballot Dating Requirement

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear a case challenging the constitutionality of requiring voters to date mailed ballot envelopes, arguing it may violate the state’s “free and equal” election clause. PoliticsPA has more.

PA Lawmakers Debate Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

Pennsylvania lawmakers are working to craft a cannabis legalization bill that balances public health, social equity, and economic goals, with proposals ranging from state-owned stores to private retail markets. Gov. Shapiro and other advocates have emphasized the need to keep tax revenue within the state and address the impacts of past criminalization, while new AG Sunday has raised concerns about “potential harms” of legalization. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Democrats Urge GOP Senate to Raise Minimum Wage

Democrats are calling on Republican state Senate leaders to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25, emphasizing the need for higher wages. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA GOP Leaders Revive Debate on Taxing Skill Games

Pennsylvania Senate Republican leaders are renewing efforts to regulate and tax skill games, aiming to generate revenue and address financial needs, despite previous failed negotiations and complex stakeholder interests. BCTV has more.

More Governors Support Gov. Shapiro’s Energy Complaint

Governors J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Wes Moore of Maryland, Phil Murphy of New Jersey, and former Delaware Governor Bethany Hall-Long have joined Gov. Shapiro in criticizing PJM’s management of the power grid, citing concerns over rising utility prices and the need for regulatory adjustments. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Former Rep. Cartwright Appointed to Railroad Authority as Scranton-to-NYC Train Project Advances

Former U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority board to continue advocating for the restoration of passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City. The Scranton Times-Tribune has more.

Philadelphia

City Launches “Wellness Court” to Combat Substance Use Disorder

Philadelphia’s new “Wellness Court” offers reduced charges and potential expungement for drug offenders who agree to treatment. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address substance abuse issues in Kensington and improve public safety and quality of life. WHYY has more.

DA Krasner Refuses to Comply with President Trump’s Immigration Orders

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stated that his office will not comply with any immigration orders from President Doanld Trump’s administration that would require breaking the law, emphasizing his commitment to uphold the Constitution. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Unveils Golden Triangle Revitalization Plan

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has announced a three-year plan to revitalize the Golden Triangle by making it cleaner, safer, and more vibrant, with goals to increase retail occupancy, double the downtown population, and host numerous events and public art projects. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

PennDOT Announces Major Preservation, Ramp Replacement Project for Highland Park Bridge

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is planning a $50-$60 million project starting in mid-2027 to preserve the Highland Park Bridge and replace deteriorated ramps, causing significant traffic disruptions for about two years. The Pittsburgh Union-Progress has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing: Trump 2.0: Rebranding America

President Trump’s second inauguration and the signing of over 40 executive actions signal the administration’s ambitious vision to rebrand America as a “winning” nation. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French here.

Sen. Fetterman Advocates for National Expansion of PA’s Whole-Home Repairs Program

U.S. Senator John Fetterman has introduced a bipartisan bill to create a national pilot of Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs program, offering grants and forgivable loans to homeowners and small landlords for home repairs and weatherization. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Sen. McCormick Announces PA Energy, Innovation Summit

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick announced the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, which will take place in Pittsburgh in the first half of this year. The summit aims to align energy and AI leaders with President Donald Trump’s agenda for American energy dominance and technological innovation. PoliticsPA has more.

Sen. McCormick to Chair Senate Subcommittee on Middle East Affairs

Sen. McCormick will chair the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, focusing on U.S. relations, counterterrorism, and regional security issues. PoliticsPA 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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