Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

Pennsylvania

Budget Impasse Stretched Into Third Week Past Deadline

With Pennsylvania’s budget negotiations stalled past the June 30 deadline, public transit agencies are facing imminent service cuts and schools risk starting the year without critical state funding. Lawmakers remain divided over key issues like transit aid and skill game regulation.

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Gov. Shapiro Joins Bipartisan Call for PJM Grid Reform

Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and leaders from nine other states are demanding leadership and transparency reforms at PJM Interconnection, citing mismanagement that has stalled clean energy projects, driven up electricity prices, and cost the region jobs and investment. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Senate Weighs Bill to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients in Custody Cases  

The state Senate is considering legislation introduced by Senator John Kane (D-Chester/Delaware) that would prevent courts from using a parent’s legal medical marijuana use as grounds for custody decisions or drug testing, amid broader bipartisan efforts to legalize adult-use cannabis and reform marijuana policy statewide. Marijuana Moment has more.

PA Senate Weighs Bill to Revitalize Steel Industry

The state Senate is considering legislation introduced by Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) aimed at boosting Pennsylvania’s steel sector through tax breaks and incentives for companies using local steel and adopting modern technologies, aiming to restore jobs and strengthen domestic production amid global competition. The Altoona Mirror has more.

PA Lawmaker Proposes E-Scooter Safety Bill

State Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) announced plans to introduce legislation to regulate e-scooter use in Pennsylvania, including safety standards, helmet requirements, and formal recognition in the state vehicle code. KYW has more.

PA Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Masked ICE Arrests 

State Representative Paul Friel (D-Chester) announced plans to introduce legislation to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing masks during arrests, citing rising detentions, lack of identification, and public safety risks as federal immigration enforcement intensifies under the Trump administration. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Independent Voter Registrations on the Rise in PA

New data from the Pennsylvania Department of State shows a continued increase in independent and third-party voter registrations across Pennsylvania, while both major parties have experienced declines since October 2024, with automatic voter registration contributing to the shift. PoliticsPA has more.

Pharmacy Closures Surge in PA Amid Calls for Reform  

Hundreds of pharmacies have shut down across Pennsylvania due to unsustainable reimbursement rates and pressure from pharmacy benefit managers, prompting lawmakers and pharmacists to push for stronger legislative action to preserve access to local medication services. PennLive has more.

Philadelphia

DC33 Ratifies Contract Following 8-Day Strike 

Following a weeklong strike that disrupted trash collection, over 64% of AFSCME District Council 33 members approved a new three-year contract with Philadelphia that includes annual raises and a signing bonus, while other city unions continue negotiations. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

Philly Defies National Housing Trend with Rise in New Listings

While new home listings across the U.S. fell 3.4% in June compared to last year, the Philadelphia region saw an increase—up 0.4% in the city and Delaware County, and 3.4% in surrounding suburbs—thanks to its relative affordability and steady demand. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Controller Warns of Unsustainable Spending, Shrinking Reserves  

City Controller Rachael Heisler (D) cautioned that Pittsburgh’s rising costs and declining revenues are creating a precarious financial outlook, urging spending cuts and economic growth as reserve funds are projected to drop by 70% over five years. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pittsburgh Only Major U.S. City Where Buying is Cheaper than Renting  

Pittsburgh stands out in a new Realtor.com report as the only large U.S. city where monthly homeownership costs are lower than rent, thanks to relatively stable housing prices and modest rent increases. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

PIT’s New Terminal Nears Completion with Major Upgrades  

Pittsburgh International Airport’s $1.57 billion terminal is over 92% complete and set to open by year’s end, featuring smart scanners, a starry ceiling, and streamlined security. The project aims to improve passenger experience with modern design, efficient baggage systems, and enhanced accessibility. WESA has more.

Federal

House GOP Departs Early as Epstein File Pressure Mounts  

Following a successful bipartisan push—led by U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-PA-12)—to subpoena the Justice Department for full disclosure of investigative documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) announced that he would be sending his members back to their districts for an early August recess to avoid “political games.”

Beltway Briefing: Summer Snapshot: Epstein, AI & Public Trust

What’s top of mind for voters this summer? While the Epstein files dominate airwaves, pocketbook issues remain center stage. How are leaders leveraging infrastructure investments—especially in artificial intelligence—to spur economic growth? And how does voter trust vary across levels of government when it comes to delivering on these promises? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Jim Davis here.

Sen. Fetterman Introduces Payment Choice Act

U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has introduced the Payment Choice Act, which would mandate that all physical retail businesses accept cash for transactions up to $500, aiming to protect unbanked and low-income Americans from being excluded by cashless policies. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Public Media Leaders Vow to Fight Federal Funding Cuts  

In the wake of Congress voting to eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Pennsylvania public media outlets are warning of severe impacts, especially for rural stations. Leaders say they will seek community support to preserve local journalism and cultural programming amid growing threats to media access and democracy. The Pennsylvania Independent has more.

PA Faces $660M Penalty if SNAP Error Rate Isn’t Reduced By 2027  

Under new federal rules, Pennsylvania must lower its food assistance error rate below 6% or pay hundreds of millions in added costs, prompting urgent efforts to improve processing accuracy amid staffing and budget challenges. WESA has more.

PA GOP Candidates Lead Fundraising in Key 2026 U.S. House Races

Republican incumbents in Pennsylvania’s most competitive Congressional districts are outraising their Democratic counterparts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Scott Perry (PA-10), and Bresnahan (PA-08) topping the list. Democrats are targeting these seats in the hopes of flipping control of the House. 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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