Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Fights USDA Funding Cuts for PA Farmers, Food Banks

Governor Josh Shapiro is challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to cancel $13 million in funding for Pennsylvania farmers who supply food banks, arguing the move is unlawful and pledging further legal action if necessary to protect farmers and ensure food access for those in need. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Dems Flip SD-36, Retain House Majority with HD-35 Win

Democrats flipped a traditionally reliably Republican state Senate seat by fewer than 500 votes in a special election on Tuesday, with East Petersburg Mayor James Malone defeating Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons. Meanwhile in the Mon Valley, Democrat Dan Goughnour also won his special election, besting Republican Chuck Davis and helping maintain a one-seat Democratic majority in the state House.

PA Housing Caucus Launched to Address Affordability, Zoning Reform

State Representative Lindsay Powell (D-Allegheny) and colleagues launched the bipartisan Pennsylvania Housing Caucus Monday to lower home costs by increasing residential units and reforming zoning laws. The caucus aims to produce more housing, preserve existing units, and protect access to housing. WITF has more.

PA House Passes Bills to Protect ACA Provisions

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a series of bills Wednesday to enshrine key elements of the Affordable Care Act into state law, aiming to safeguard health care protections for residents amid potential federal changes. WESA has more.

Philadelphia

City Council Kicks Off FY26 Budget Hearings

This week, the Philadelphia City Council began hearing testimony about Mayor Parker’s $6.7 billion budget, with particular focus on housing, tax reform, and staffing. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

PPS Delays School Closure Vote Amid Calls for More Data

Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) postponed a vote on closing 10 schools after parents, teachers, and city council members raised concerns about insufficient data on the closures’ impacts, prompting the district to gather more information and update its feasibility report. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Hosts Inaugural Cannabis Convention Focused on Medical, Recreational Markets

The inaugural Pennsylvania Cannabis Convention in Pittsburgh will focus on medical cannabis patients, providers, and businesses preparing for potential recreational legalization, offering a business-to-business environment at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Federal

Former Sen. Casey Urges Dems to Fight Against Cuts to SNAP, Medicaid

Former U.S. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania emphasized the urgency of protecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid from proposed federal cuts, urging Democrats to focus on these core issues to support vulnerable populations and the middle class. He also expressed optimism that effective advocacy could change public opinion and counter the Trump administration’s policies. 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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