Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Counters Federal Cuts with $50M Innovation Push

As the Trump administration slashes federal research funding, Governor Josh Shapiro (D) is proposing a $50 million state investment to boost Pennsylvania’s life sciences sector, aiming to drive job creation, commercialization, and private investment. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

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PA Republicans Revive Lifeline Scholarship Bill, Urge Gov. Shapiro to Act

Pennsylvania House Republicans have reintroduced the Lifeline Scholarship bill to fund education alternatives for students in low-performing schools, challenging Gov. Shapiro to fulfill his previous support for school choice after vetoing similar funding in 2023. Delaware Valley Journal has more.

Gov. Shapiro Backs Penn State’s Campus Closures

Gov. Shapiro expressed confidence in Penn State University’s leadership following its decision to close seven Commonwealth Campuses due to declining enrollment, and pledged his administration’s support for the affected communities. While some lawmakers criticized the closures as rushed and potentially harmful to local economies, others acknowledged the need to adapt higher education to changing demographics. The university’s plan will need approval from the state Department of Education. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Bill Would Allow Towns to Track, Fine Owners of Blighted Properties

The state Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee is now considering legislation passed by the state House earlier this month that would create a statewide database to help municipalities identify and penalize owners of neglected properties, aiming to hold absentee landlords accountable and encourage community revitalization. The bill has bipartisan support. WESA has more.

PA Lawmakers Propose Ban on AI Rent-Setting Technology

Last week, state Representative Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) introduced legislation that would ban “algorithmic rent-setting technology,” citing concerns about its potential impact on housing affordability. The proposal, which is being reviewed by the House Housing & Community Development Committee, may face challenges amid broader discussions on regulating artificial intelligence. WHTM has more.

Statewide Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags Proposed

On Tuesday, state Senator Judith Schwank (D-Berks) announced plans to introduce legislation banning single-use plastic bags statewide, citing environmental and health concerns, while allowing exceptions and requiring paper bag fees. KDKA has more.

New Marijuana Legalization Bill to Be Introduced in PA Senate

Last week, state Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) announced plans to introduce legislation to legalize marijuana through a regulated private market—aiming to generate tax revenue, support community reinvestment, and prioritize equity—following the Senate’s rejection of a state-run legalization proposal. The bill faces political hurdles but reflects growing bipartisan support and public demand for reform across the state. Marijuana Moment has more.

PA Adds New Election Data Tools to Boost Transparency

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced new downloadable and interactive data on voter registration and mail ballots to improve transparency and voter education in Pennsylvania elections. PoliticsPA has more.

Philadelphia

City Council Moves to Speed Up Affordable Housing, Ease Rental Costs

The Philadelphia City Council advanced legislation this week to fast-track affordable housing approvals and reduce move-in costs by capping rental application fees and allowing security deposit payment plans, aiming to address the city’s housing crisis and support cost-burdened renters. WHYY has more.

Mayor Parker Signs POWER Act Into Law

On Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker signed the POWER Act into law, expanding protections for City workers by increasing penalties for employer retaliation, extending sick leave to tipped workers, and safeguarding undocumented laborers. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Controller Urges More Transparency from Housing Authority

Pittsburgh Controller Rachael Heisler called on the City Housing Authority to provide clearer financial reporting and progress updates on housing goals, citing concerns over transparency and oversight of its federally funded programs and nonprofit arm. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Workers Push for More Paid Sick Days in City Council Hearing

Union members and advocates urged Pittsburgh City Council to expand the City’s paid sick leave ordinance, supporting a bill that would increase the number of sick days for workers at both large and small businesses, citing health, safety, and economic stability. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Launches Mobile Mental Health Clinic to Aid Defendants

Allegheny County has introduced the Commonwealth’s first mobile competency restoration clinic to treat individuals in the criminal justice system deemed mentally unfit to stand trial, aiming to reduce jail time and improve access to care. While advocates welcome the initiative, they caution against potential misuse and stress the need for broader reforms to prevent unnecessary incarceration. Spotlight PA has more.

Armstrong Tunnel Reopens After $13M Upgrade

Allegheny County has reopened the Armstrong Tunnel after a two-year, $13.1 million renovation that added brighter lighting, improved safety features, and pedestrian-friendly upgrades to enhance traffic flow and accessibility. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

Federal

PA Delegation Split Over President Trump’s Budget Bill Featuring Deep Medicaid, SNAP Cuts

Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation is divided over the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” with Democrats like Senator John Fetterman opposing it for slashing Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), while Republicans including Senator David McCormick and Representative Dan Meuser (PA-09) support it for its tax and border provisions. Critics warn the bill could strip health care and food assistance from hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians and devastate rural hospitals, while supporters argue it strengthens the economy and national security. PennLive has more.

President Trump, Sen. McCormick Say U.S. Will Retain Control in U.S. Steel-Nippon Deal

President Donald Trump and Sen. McCormick say a proposed agreement with Nippon Steel includes U.S. control over Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel through an American CEO, majority-American board, and a “golden share” requiring government approval of key decisions. While Nippon has not confirmed the terms, the deal would bring $14 billion in investment, though union leaders remain wary of foreign ownership and its implications for domestic industry. The Associated Press has more.

Federal Court Strikes Down President Trump’s Emergency Tariffs

A federal court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under emergency powers, potentially requiring refunds and prompting an appeal that could reach the Supreme Court. Politico 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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