Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

Pennsylvania

CPS Welcomes Veteran Political Strategist Ryan Boop

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies has appointed Ryan Boop, a seasoned attorney and former chief of staff in the Pennsylvania Senate, as principal in its Harrisburg office. He brings more than a decade of legislative and legal experience to our government relations and public policy practice. See more on our website.

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Medicaid Costs Dominate Budget Talks as Deadline Looms

Pennsylvania lawmakers are locked in tense budget negotiations as Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D) proposed $2.5 billion increase in Medicaid funding faces pushback from Republicans, who warn it could crowd out other priorities like transit and education. With a $5.5 billion projected shortfall and uncertainty over potential federal Medicaid cuts, leaders are considering cost-saving measures and even a temporary stopgap budget to avoid deeper fiscal strain. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Teacher Shortage, Funding Gaps Straining PA’s Education System

Pennsylvania is facing a worsening teacher shortage, particularly in high-poverty and rural districts, due to declining certification rates, low pay, and difficult working conditions—issues that are undermining student outcomes and prompting calls for increased state investment. Gov. Shapiro’s proposed budget includes $526 million in adequacy-based education funding and expanded teacher stipends, but political divisions and looming federal cuts threaten to stall progress on addressing the state’s educational inequities.

PA House Passes Tax Reform Bill Without GOP Backing

The Pennsylvania House passed a Democratic-backed tax reform bill on Wednesday that would lower corporate tax rates and eliminate taxes on tips and overtime. The bill drew Republican opposition over a provision requiring multi-state businesses to report income earned in the Commonwealth. WITF has more.

PA House Passes $55M Plan to Boost Child Care Workforce

The Pennsylvania House passed a bill on Wednesday supporting Gov. Shapiro’s proposal to invest $55 million in recruitment and retention bonuses for child care workers, aiming to address staffing shortages and improve access to affordable child care across the state. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Lawmakers Push Bipartisan Bill to Cut Taxes on Overtime Pay

A bipartisan bill led by state Representative Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) would allow Pennsylvania workers to deduct overtime pay from their state income taxes, aiming to ease financial burdens and attract workers to in-demand jobs. While the proposal has broad support, concerns remain about its cost to the state and its future as part of a larger tax reform package. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Three Mile Island to Reopen as Crane Clean Energy Center by 2027

State and business leaders celebrated plans to restart the Three Mile Island Unit 1 reactor—now the Crane Clean Energy Center—by 2027, a $1.6 billion project expected to power Microsoft data centers, support AI infrastructure, and generate thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact for Pennsylvania. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Gov. Shapiro’s Political Momentum Building Toward 2028?

Gov. Shapiro is gaining national recognition for his pragmatic leadership and bipartisan appeal, potentially positioning himself as a potential 2028 presidential contender while navigating increased public scrutiny and complex challenges with measured responses. Philadelphia Magazine has more.

Philadelphia

Minority Developer Program Powers Mayor Parker’s Affordable Housing Push

Philadelphia’s Minority Developer Program is equipping Black and brown developers with the skills and support needed to build affordable housing on city-owned land, directly advancing Mayor Cherelle Parker’s (D) ambitious plan to create 30,000 new housing units through initiatives like Turn the Key. WHYY has more.

Club World Cup Energizes Philadelphia Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Philadelphia’s hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup has offered a vibrant preview of the international fanfare, logistical challenges, and community excitement expected during next year’s World Cup, helping the City prepare for an even larger global spotlight. Billy Penn has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Weighs $1.8M Planning Contract for Long-Delayed Public Safety Training Center

The Pittsburgh City Council is considering a $1.8 million master plan for a long-discussed public safety training facility, though some officials question the investment amid financial constraints and uncertainty over the project’s feasibility and estimated $200 million cost. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Begins Process for Potential School Closures

Pittsburgh Public Schools has initiated public hearings for the possible closure of nine schools as part of its Future-Ready Facilities Plan to address declining enrollment and aging infrastructure. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pittsburgh Zoo Receives $10M Gift for Major Upgrades

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has received a $10 million anonymous donation to fund a new giraffe barn, launch a breeding program, and begin designs for a multi-species “Exhibition Indonesia” habitat. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Federal

House GOP Divided as Senate Alters President Trump’s Tax Bill

House Republicans are pushing back against the Senate’s revised version of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” citing concerns over increased spending, Medicaid cuts, and changes to tax provisions that deviate from the House’s original framework. The internal GOP rift threatens to derail the legislation as lawmakers face pressure to reconcile differences before the July 4 deadline. The Washington Post has more.

President Trump’s Push to Defund Public Media Faces GOP Resistance in Senate

The Trump administration’s $9.4 billion rescissions proposal to cut funding for public media and foreign aid is facing strong opposition from Senate Republicans—especially those from rural states—who warn the cuts would harm local communities and weaken U.S. global influence. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

President Trump Granted Special Control in U.S. Steel Buyout Deal

President Trump has been given unique authority under a national security agreement tied to Nippon Steel’s acquisition of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel, allowing him to appoint a board member and veto key decisions during his presidency—a power that will transfer to federal agencies under future presidents. The Associated Press 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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