Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

Jim Davis, Joe Hill Named Among City & State’s Who’s Who in GR

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Executive Vice President Jim Davis and Managing Director Joe Hill have been recognized by City & State Pennsylvania on their 2025 list of Who’s Who in Government Relations for their impactful work in advancing clients’ objectives across Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Reflects on Achievements Ahead of Budget Address

Governor Josh Shapiro will deliver his third budget address next week, and his ability to navigate the political landscape will be crucial in addressing upcoming fiscal challenges, including what is anticipated to be a significant budget shortfall. In a recent interview, the governor reflected on his accomplishments during his first two years in office, including his ongoing commitment to bipartisan cooperation. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Gov. Shapiro Secures Settlement to Prevent Electricity Cost Surge

Gov. Shapiro announced a settlement with PJM Interconnection to reduce the maximum price for electricity bids, preventing billions in extra costs for consumers. The agreement aims to address flaws in the auction design and protect against steep power bill increases. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Lawmakers Push to Reauthorize Utility Consumer Protection Law

Pennsylvania lawmakers are working to reauthorize the Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act, which expired in 2024, to manage unpaid utility bills and protect vulnerable customers. Senate Bill 154, sponsored by state Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton), aims to stabilize utility costs and is awaiting a full Senate vote. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA House Committee Advances Bill to Prevent Insurance Discrimination

The Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee unanimously passed House Bill 111, which prohibits life insurers from discriminating against individuals who obtain opioid overdose reversal agents. The bill, sponsored by Representative Gina Curry (D-Delaware), aims to support families and reduce stigma around substance use disorders. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Advocates Push for Independent Redistricting Commission

Lawmakers and advocates are urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to amend the state constitution to create an independent commission for drawing political maps. The proposed amendment aims to remove politicians from the redistricting process and ensure fairer representation. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

PA Turnpike Toll Upgrades to Boost Statewide Broadband Access

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s fiber optic network upgrades aim to enhance toll operations and expand broadband infrastructure, potentially improving internet access across the commonwealth. Technical.ly has more.

PA Homecare Industry Faces Staffing Crisis

Pennsylvania’s homecare industry is struggling to hire enough staff due to low wages and high turnover, with advocates calling for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates to address the crisis. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

City Council to Consider Bills on Affordable Housing, Rental Regulations

Philadelphia City Council will be considering several housing-related bills, including a legislative package to streamline zoning and permitting processes to boost affordable housing development and legislation to establish caps on security deposits and application fees for residential rentals.

North Philadelphia ICE Arrests Trigger Protests

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested seven migrants at a North Philadelphia car wash, leading to protests outside the city’s ICE field office.

Pittsburgh

Mayor Gainey Refuses Cooperation with ICE Amid Immigration Crackdown

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey announced that his administration will not cooperate with ICE, emphasizing the city’s commitment to being welcoming amid heightened concerns over ICE raids. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Moreno Launches Second Bid for Pittsburgh Mayor

Former Pittsburgh Police officer Tony Moreno announced his second run for mayor, focusing on public safety and criticizing current leadership. He previously ran in 2021 as both a Democrat and a Republican. WESA has more.

City Council Tackles Issues with Troubled Affordable Housing

Pittsburgh City Council discussed how to address poor living conditions in NB Affordable-owned properties, focusing on tenant safety and regulatory challenges without displacing low-income residents. WESA has more.

City Council Considers Referendum to Block Private Sale of Water Systems

Pittsburgh City Council is considering a ballot referendum to prevent the sale or lease of the city’s water and sewer systems to private entities. The proposal aims to maintain public ownership and avoid issues seen with past private management. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Federal

Now-Rescinded Federal Funding Freeze Disrupts PA Programs

President Donald Trump’s temporary pause on federal financial assistance caused disruptions in Pennsylvania earlier this week, affecting Medicaid and other state programs. The memo has since been rescinded, and Medicaid payment systems have been restored. Gov. Shapiro criticized the actions as “chaotic” and “reckless.”

Federal DEI Order Cuts Funding for Homeless Aid Programs

Pennsylvania programs supporting the homeless are impacted by a new executive order ending funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, causing confusion and concern among service providers. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Sen. Fetterman Nearly Doubles GOP Approval Rating

U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has nearly doubled his approval rating among Republicans, with 48% of Pennsylvania voters approving his performance. His bipartisan outreach has bolstered his support across the state. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Advocates Warn of ACA Premium Hikes in 2026

Pennsylvania health insurance officials warn that Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums could rise by 82% in 2026 if Congress does not extend enhanced tax credits, potentially leaving many residents with difficult financial choices. WHYY 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News