Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Pennsylvania

Extra Funding for Hundreds of PA School Districts in Question

Top Republican lawmakers are skeptical about Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal to allocate an additional $494 million to underfunded Pennsylvania school districts, questioning the fairness of the adequacy funding formula. Spotlight PA has more.

Gov. Shapiro Unveils Details of Lightning Plan

On Tuesday, Gov. Shapiro outlined the details of his recently announced Lightning Plan at Voith Hydro in York County. The plan would replace the need for Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. WHTM has more.

Sunday Reflects on First Weeks as AG

In a meeting with the PennLive editorial board, Attorney General Dave Sunday explained his decision not to join Gov. Shapiro’s lawsuit against the Trump administration, emphasizing his focus on state law and priorities like human trafficking and identity fraud. He highlighted his commitment to diversity and upholding the law based on facts and specific circumstances. PennLive has more.

Legislators Push for Open Primaries to Include 1.3M Unaffiliated PA Voters

Pennsylvania legislators are advocating for open primaries to allow 1.3 million unaffiliated voters to participate, aiming to enhance democratic engagement and address voter disenfranchisement. The proposed bills have gained bipartisan support and reflect widespread public approval for electoral reform. Pennsylvania is one of 10 states with closed primaries. WITF has more.

Who’s Running for Statewide, County Courts?

Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices—Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—are facing retention votes this year. PoliticsPA has compiled lists of candidates for retention and vacancies on statewide courts, as well as candidates for county Courts of Common Pleas.

Demand for Solar Projects Booming in PA Schools

Pennsylvania schools have requested $88 million in funding for solar projects, far exceeding the available $25 million. The Solar for Schools program, introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, aims to reduce energy costs and promote clean energy, with strong bipartisan and community support. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Delivers FY26 Budget Address

Mayor Cherelle Parker presented her $6.7 billion FY26 budget proposal to the Philadelphia City Council today, highlighting an $800 million housing plan, significant business tax cuts, and the expansion of the extended-year school pilot program. The proposal also includes increased funding for public safety, the newly opened Riverview Wellness Village, infrastructure improvements, and more. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Comcast’s Brian Roberts Makes Historic $125M Donation to CHOP

Brian Roberts and his family have donated $125 million to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the largest gift in the hospital’s history, to support the construction of a new $2.59 billion patient tower. The new facility is expected to open in late 2028. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Planning Commission Approves $31M Arts Landing Project

The Pittsburgh Planning Commission has approved a $31 million project to create Arts Landing, an outdoor recreation and event space in Downtown Pittsburgh. The project, expected to be completed by spring 2026, will feature green spaces, playgrounds, and a band shell for performances. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Federal

Federal Agency Halts Election Security Support

The Trump administration has ended funding for the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC) and paused other election security activities by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), raising concerns among state officials about future election security. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

Sen. Fetterman Supports GOP Spending Bill to Avoid Shutdown

U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has pledged to support a Republican-led spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, urging fellow Democrats to do the same. The decision highlights the internal debate within the Democratic Party on when to oppose or cooperate with the GOP. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA May Join Push for Congressional Term Limits

State Representative Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) has introduced a resolution for Pennsylvania to join other states in seeking a constitutional amendment for Congressional term limits, which has garnered bipartisan support. A second resolution aims to add term limits for Supreme Court Justices. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Teachers’ Union Warns of Job Cuts Amid Federal Funding Uncertainty

The Pennsylvania teachers’ union warns that nearly 7,000 education jobs are at risk if federal funding is cut as proposed, despite assurances from the Trump administration that education dollars will continue to flow. PennLive 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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