Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

Pennsylvania

Hundreds of Former Federal Workers Apply for PA State Jobs

Pennsylvania has received around 1,100 applications from former federal employees for state jobs following an executive order by Governor Josh Shapiro (D) giving them hiring preference amid widespread federal layoffs. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

AG Sunday Nominates Darryl Lawrence as PA Consumer Advocate

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday (R) has nominated Darryl Lawrence to be the Commonwealth’s next utility watchdog. If confirmed by the state Senate, Lawrence will use his20 years of experience to advocate for consumer interests before the state Public Utility Commission. WITF has more.

PA House Committee Advances Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Bill

The state House Labor & Industry Committee has advanced the Family Care Act, which would provide eligible residents with 12 to 20 weeks of paid leave, despite concerns about the Department of Labor & Industry’s ability to manage the program. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

PA House Committee Advances Online Data Privacy, Cryptocurrency Bills

The state House Commerce Committee approved bills on consumer data privacy and cryptocurrency transfers, both of which are expected to face amendments before a final House vote. WITF has more.

PA House Democrats Push for Juvenile Justice Reform

Pennsylvania House Democrats have introduced a package of 10 bills to reform the juvenile justice system, focusing on issues such as Miranda warnings, solitary confinement, and eliminating fines for children. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA House Members Seek Compromise on Voter ID Bill 

A bill introduced by state Representative Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) aims to tighten voter identification requirements without disenfranchising voters as part of broader election reforms potentially including early voting and mail-in ballot processing. According to a recent report, Pennsylvania’s lack of in-person early voting led to long lines and comparatively lower early voter turnout.

PA House Bill Would Require State Oversight of Medical Marijuana Products

A bill introduced by state Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) aims to establish strict reporting requirements and state oversight for medical marijuana products in Pennsylvania to ensure safety and prevent “lab shopping.” WVIA has more.

Delaware County Poised to Ban Ghost Guns, Rapid-Fire Devices

Delaware County Council members showed strong support for an ordinance to ban ghost guns and rapid-fire devices, aiming to reduce gun violence without infringing on Second Amendment rights. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Court Rulings Could Threaten Ballot Secrecy 

Recent Pennsylvania court rulings may jeopardize the secrecy of some mail ballots by classifying them as public records, raising concerns among officials about potential voter privacy breaches. The state is appealing the decisions to protect ballot secrecy and prevent voter intimidation. Spotlight PA has more.

Sports Wagering Revenue Plummeted 75% in February

In February 2025, Pennsylvania’s sports wagering taxable revenue dropped by 75.26% compared to February 2024, despite a 14.38% increase in the total amount wagered. WHTM has more.

Philadelphia

City Council May Consider Proactive Rental Home Inspections

The Philadelphia City Council may consider implementing proactive inspections of rental homes for safety and health, rather than relying solely on tenant complaints. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PICA Recommends Abolition of Sheriff’s Office, Register of Wills

The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA), Philadelphia’s financial watchdog, has recommended that the City Council and mayor absorb the Sheriff’s Office and Register of Wills into other departments. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

City Council Considers Tax Relief for Longtime Homeowners

Pittsburgh City Council is exploring a bill to protect longtime homeowners from rising property taxes due to reassessments, aiming to ease the tax burden in gentrifying neighborhoods. WESA has more.

PPS to Begin Public Hearings on Proposed School Closures

Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) board members will vote next week on whether to start the public hearing process for closing 10 schools, with hearings potentially beginning next month and final decisions expected by summer. WESA has more.

Federal

PA’s Economy at Risk from Potential EU Tariffs

Pennsylvania’s economy could be significantly impacted by potential EU tariffs on U.S. exports, including a 50% tax on American whiskey, amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Europe. WHTM has more.

Trump Admin Freezes $175M Funding to UPenn Over Athletics Policy

The Trump administration has frozen $175 million in federal funds to the University of Pennsylvania, alleging that the institution’s policies allow men to compete in women’s sports. Center Square Pennsylvania 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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