Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025

Pennsylvania

PA Health Care at Risk: Medicaid Cuts, Hospital Closures, Oversight Battles

While Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Bob Casey warned this week that proposed federal Medicaid cuts could leave hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians uninsured and force rural hospitals to close, state lawmakers have been focused on their push for stricter oversight of hospital mergers, especially those involving private equity. The state House also passed bipartisan legislation on Tuesday to improve transparency around hospital financial aid and reduce medical debt.

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PA House Passes Election Reform Bill Without Voter ID Provision

On Wednesday, the state House passed a Democratic-backed election reform legislation that would expand early voting and mail-in ballot access, but Senate Republicans criticized it for omitting voter ID requirements, highlighting ongoing partisan gridlock over election policy. WHTM has more.

PA Senate Weighing Tax, Regulation Plan for Skill Games

On Tuesday, state Senator Chris Gebhard (R-Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon) introduced legislation to tax and regulate skill games, proposing a 35% tax and new restrictions, sparking concerns from small businesses and community groups that rely on the machines for revenue. YourErie.com has more.

PA Senate Committee Rejects Recreational Cannabis Bill

On Tuesday, the state Senate Law & Justice Committee rejected legislation that would allow for the sale of recreational cannabis at state-owned stores, citing concerns about excluding private businesses and logistical challenges. The vote was 7-3, with one Democrat joining Republicans in opposition. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

SEPTA Uncovers $91.4M in Savings Amid Push for Financial Stability

SEPTA has identified $91.4 million in recurring savings through its Efficiency & Accountability program as it works to reduce a looming $213 million deficit. The agency plans to save an additional $76 million over the next three years while continuing to advocate for sustainable funding solutions. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Supreme Court Weighs Constitutionality of RGGI

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) constitutes an unconstitutional tax, with justices questioning if the carbon credit system is a fee, a tax, or a new kind of market-based regulation. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Penn State Cites Statewide Population Decline in Plan to Close 7 Campuses

Penn State is recommending the closure of seven Commonwealth campuses due to steep enrollment drops tied to Pennsylvania’s projected population decline, especially in rural areas. The University says the shift reflects a move from geographic distribution to a mission-based model focused on sustainability and educational quality. The Board of Trustees will meet next Thursday to vote on the potential campus closures.

DuBois City Council Election Marks Milestone in Rare PA Municipal Merger

As DuBois and Sandy Township prepare to merge into a new city in January 2026, voters will elect an entirely new city council on May 20, marking a rare municipal consolidation in Pennsylvania amid hopes for unity and improved governance. Spotlight PA has more.

Philadelphia

CHOP, Penn Use Custom CRISPR Therapy to Treat Rare Genetic Disorder

Doctors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania developed a personalized CRISPR-based treatment in just six months to save an infant with a rare and deadly metabolic disease, marking a milestone in gene-editing. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Supreme Court Weighs Constitutionality of SEPTA Special Prosecutor Law

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments this week on whether a state law appointing a special prosecutor for SEPTA-related crimes in Philadelphia unconstitutionally undermines District Attorney Larry Krasner’s (D) authority by singling out the city and limiting his prosecutorial powers. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Mayoral Candidates Clarify, Defend Claims Amid Scrutiny

As the Pittsburgh mayoral primary approaches, incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey (D) and challenger and current Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor (D) have each made statements that have drawn attention for lacking full context or clarity, prompting fact-checking and discussion around key campaign issues such as public safety, city finances, and infrastructure. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Economists Question Likelihood of NFL Draft Promised Economic Boost

Economists are skeptical of claims that Pittsburgh’s 2026 NFL Draft will generate more than $120 million in economic impact, arguing such events often shift local spending rather than create significant new revenue. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Federal

Rep. Deluzio Urges Bold Economic Platform as Dems Target House Comeback

In a wide-ranging interview with the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) emphasized the need for his fellow Democrats to confront economic inequality, corporate monopolies, and political corruption, advocating for stronger industrial policy, rail safety, and a bold economic populist agenda to restore public trust and opportunity. Meanwhile, prominent Democrats—including U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) and U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)—are campaigning across Pennsylvania in the hopes of reclaiming the U.S. House in 2026.

PA Lawmakers Join Bipartisan Push for President Trump to Restore FEMA Disaster Grants

More than 80 members of Congress, including U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), are urging the Trump administration to unfreeze FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants, warning that canceling the disaster preparedness funding jeopardizes critical infrastructure and community safety nationwide. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

House SNAP Bill Could Shift Billions in Costs to States Like PA  

A U.S. House GOP-backed bill would require states like Pennsylvania to begin covering a share of SNAP benefits and administrative costs—potentially billions of dollars annually—while also tightening work requirements, prompting concerns over budget strain and reduced food assistance. 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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