Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro, Amazon Unveil Historic $20B AI Investment in PA

On Monday, Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Amazon announced a $20 billion investment to build AI infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including two major data centers and statewide workforce development initiatives. The project, the largest private-sector investment in state history, is expected to create thousands of jobs and position Pennsylvania as a national leader in artificial intelligence. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Subscribe

PA House Passes Minimum Wage Increase

The state House passed a bill along party lines to raise the minimum wage to $15 in most counties and $12 in smaller ones by 2028, with Philadelphia reaching $15 by 2026 and annual cost-of-living adjustments beginning in 2029. While the bill faces opposition from Senate Republicans over its tiered structure, some GOP lawmakers have expressed willingness to negotiate a statewide increase. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA House Passes Bill Expanding AG Oversight of Health System Sales

The state House passed a bill in a bipartisan vote to grant the attorney general authority to block for-profit health system transactions deemed against the public interest. The bill’s future in the Senate, where an identical bill has been introduced, is uncertain. WHTM has more.

PA Senate Passes Bill to Criminalize Malicious AI Deepfakes

The state Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill that would classify maliciously created or distributed AI-generated deepfakes as digital fraud, with protections for satire and free speech. The bill now heads to the state House for consideration. KYW Newsradio has more.

New Bipartisan Home Repair Bill Aims to Preserve PA Housing

State Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) is championing a bipartisan bill to launch the PA Home Preservation Program, which would help around 2,500 low- and middle-income homeowners annually with critical repairs. Building on the success of the Whole-Home Repairs program, this initiative seeks to prevent displacement, preserve historic homes, and improve housing stability across Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Citizen has more.

PA Senators Push Bill to Boost Federal Grants for Small Businesses

A bill led by Senators Frank Farry (R-Bucks) and Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks/Montgomery) would provide $50,000 state matching grants to Pennsylvania small businesses receiving federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer awards, aiming to spur innovation, job creation, and economic growth across the state. The Delaware Valley Journal has more.

U.S. Open Returns to PA

The U.S. Open has returned to Pennsylvania, with Oakmont Country Club hosting the prestigious golf tournament for a record 10th time. WESA has more.

Philadelphia

City Council Passes FY26 Budget, HOME Bills

The Philadelphia City Council has passed the FY26 Capital and Operating Budgets, business and wage tax cuts, and several bills critical to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $2 billion Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Residents Optimistic About City; Crime, Costs Still Top Concerns

A recent Pew survey shows Philadelphians feel more positive about the city’s direction and Mayor Parker’s leadership, with growing confidence in public safety and civic life, though concerns about crime, poverty, housing affordability, and financial insecurity persist. Axios Philadelphia has more.

One Year Out: City Gears Up for 2026 FIFA World Cup

With exactly one year to go until Philadelphia hosts six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, City officials unveiled a countdown clock at Dilworth Park and launched community celebrations to build excitement and boost local engagement. While excitement is building, some key issues remain, including SEPTA funding uncertainties and evolving federal immigration policies that could influence planning and attendance.

Pittsburgh

City Council Expands Paid Sick Leave Requirements for All Employers

The Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed a bill increasing paid sick leave for workers, requiring large employers to offer up to 72 hours and smaller ones at least 48 hours annually starting January 2026, while also allowing employees to accrue leave more quickly. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Councilmember Kail-Smith Proposes Overhaul of City Planning, Permitting

City Councilmember Theresa Kail-Smith (D-District 2) has introduced a series of bills aimed at restructuring City planning and permitting processes to speed up development, including creating a new Department of City Development and a streamlined commission, as well as reassigning building inspections and introducing faster application timelines. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh to Double Residential Parking Permit Fees Starting July

Beginning July 1, Pittsburgh will double annual residential parking permit rates from $20 to $40 and increase visitor pass fees from $1 to $10, marking the most significant change in the City’s 2025 fee schedule. WESA has more.

Federal

PA Lawmakers Split on President Trump’s Military Response to LA Protests

Pennsylvania lawmakers are divided over President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles amid ongoing unrest. U.S. Representative Dan Meuser (R-PA-09) and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) endorsed the move as necessary to restore order and criticized local Democratic leadership for failing to act, while U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) condemned the violence but refrained from supporting federal intervention. Gov. Shapiro joined other Democratic governors in labeling President Trump’s action an abuse of power—and further warned that any attempt to send troops to Pennsylvania would be met with firm resistance.

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