Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, October 2, 2025

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Issues EO to Safeguard Vaccine Access  

Governor Josh Shapiro issued an executive order directing state agencies to create vaccine information hubs, expand safety-net programs, and require insurance coverage for all FDA-approved vaccines, while developing a state-based program to ensure access for uninsured children. WHYY has more.

PA Enters 4th Month of Budget Impasse as Federal Shutdown Begins

With the state budget stalemate entering its fourth month and a federal shutdown beginning this week, Pennsylvania is now confronting overlapping fiscal crises that could disrupt schools, social services, and federal paychecks, while lawmakers debate whether to tap $300 million in legislative reserves as Governor Shapiro calls for transparency and reforms.

Gun Bill Debate Sparks Heated Exchange in PA House  

A proposal to ban devices that convert semi-automatic firearms to mimic machine guns failed by one vote after a tense debate that escalated into a verbal confrontation, prompting the House Speaker to call for civility and remind members that threats could constitute crimes. PennLive has more.

IFO Releases Report on Monthly Revenue Estimates

The Independent Fiscal Office, the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, reported September General Fund collections at $4.06 billion, slightly below estimates and 2.5% lower than last year, while year-to-date revenues of $10.06 billion remain on target. Corporate tax receipts fell sharply due to federal changes, but higher personal income and sales tax revenues helped offset declines. View the report here.

Gov. Shapiro Holds 60% Approval in New Quinnipiac Poll  

A Quinnipiac survey shows 60% of Pennsylvanians approve of Gov. Shapiro’s job performance, his highest rating to date, while hypothetical matchups suggest he leads potential challengers in the 2026 governor’s race and 2028 presidential race. PoliticsPA has more.

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Reaffirms Use of Project Labor Agreements on City Projects  

Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) signed an executive order requiring City agencies to consider project labor agreements for publicly funded work, reinforcing union-backed standards on pay and hiring while sparking debate over potential impacts on nonunion contractors and project costs. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Mayor Parker Outlines $195M Housing Plan for First Year of HOME Initiative

Mayor Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative will allocate funds for home repairs, affordable housing, and mortgage assistance to address housing needs across income levels, according to a budget resolution recently obtained by The Inquirer. The City Council will review the proposal as part of a broader effort to build and preserve 30,000 housing units over the next few years. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Driving Equality Policy Upheld by PA Appeals Court  

A divided Commonwealth Court ruled that Philadelphia can limit enforcement of eight minor traffic violations under its “driving equality” policy. The majority said the mayor has discretion over police resources, while dissenting judges argued the policy conflicts with state law. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Mayor Gainey Unveils Lean 2026 Pittsburgh Budget Amid Revenue Strains  

Mayor Ed Gainey’s (D) draft budget avoids tax hikes but includes cuts to vacant positions, limited overtime funding, and reduced capital spending, drawing criticism over service levels and long-term financial sustainability. WESA has more.

SWPA Residents Seek Caps on Mobile Home Lot Rent Increases  

Residents of manufactured housing communities are urging lawmakers to pass a bill that would limit annual lot rent hikes to inflation or 4%, citing steep increases after corporate park acquisitions, while park owners argue the measure amounts to rent control. WESA has more.

Federal

PA Lawmakers Decline Pay During Federal Shutdown  

Several Pennsylvania lawmakers—including Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01), Dwight Evans (D-03), Chrissy Houlahan (D-06), Rob Bresnahan (R-08), Dan Meuser (R-09), Lloyd Smucker (R-11), John Joyce (R-13), and Chris Deluzio (D-17)—announced they will forgo their salaries during the government shutdown. PoliticsPA has more.

Dr. Stanford Enters Race for PA-03 with Support from Rep. Evans  

Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, has entered the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district, with an endorsement from retiring U.S. Representative Dwight Evans. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Cozen Corner

Beltway Briefing: From Washington Gridlock to New York’s Mayoral Shake-Up

With the 24 hours of the government shutdown underway, Washington is on edge—but is the rest of the country paying attention? In New York, Mayor Adams’s sudden exit from November’s race has upended the political landscape, setting the stage for a potential showdown between Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani and moderate Andrew Cuomo. How will the shutdown and shifting federal-local dynamics play into the mayoral contest? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Jamie Ansorge here.

Beltway Briefing: On the Frontlines of Shutdown Politics

How will shutdown politics shape Virginia’s elections? Will the state serve as a litmus test for the 2026 midterms? Can Democratic messaging around threatened health care subsidies break through to voters? And how much will candidates themselves matter—versus the weight of national politics? Listen to the episode here.

CPS PA Leaders Honored for Policy Impact

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS) Executive Vice President and State Director Jim Davis and Managing Director Joseph Hill have been recognized for their impact in the government relations and policy space, earning spots on City & State Pennsylvania’s 40 In Their 40s and the Congressional Black Caucus Power 100, respectively.

Share

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin