WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced that Sean Clerget has joined as senior principal in its Washington, D.C., office.
This week, the Republican-led Senate approved a $47.9 billion spending plan along party lines, arguing it funds essential needs, while Democrats argue that it is inadequate to address obligations like education and Medicaid. Now in its fourth month, the impasse has left schools and service providers scrambling for funds, and combined with the federal government shutdown, is jeopardizing food assistance, especially in rural counties. In response, two York County row officers announced they will stop sending fee-based payments to the Commonwealth until a budget is passed, citing fiscal irresponsibility and stalled reimbursements that have cost the county millions. Meanwhile, state Senator Anthony Williams (D-Delaware/Philadelphia) has introduced legislation to halt General Assembly salaries until the stalemate ends.
Lawmakers in the state House are considering legislation that would empower the Public Utility Commission to create rules ensuring data centers do not drive up electricity costs or strain the grid. The bill includes renewable energy requirements, emergency curtailment provisions, and funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP)—which has been postponed until at least December 3 because federal funding is unavailable during the government shutdown—though critics argue some measures may challenge affordability and flexibility.
Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court has issued rulings that have influenced both urban and rural communities, from upholding Philadelphia’s soda tax and Pittsburgh’s paid sick leave law to allowing biosolids as fertilizer and strengthening environmental protections under the state’s constitution. Pending cases on issues including mail voting, felony murder sentencing, and search-and-seizure rights highlight the court’s far-reaching impact on governance, agriculture, and civil liberties across the Commonwealth. If voters reject three justices in November, the court could shrink to four members, creating potential for partisan deadlocks and slowing decisions on major cases.
More than half of Pennsylvania’s counties will use e-pollbooks to speed up voter check-in and improve record accuracy, a shift driven by state funding and pending legislation that could expand early voting and set new standards for the technology. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.
PoliticsPA has compiled sample ballots from counties across Pennsylvania to help voters understand the choices they will face in November.
The Philadelphia City Council is expected to approve a 10-cent paper bag fee aimed at reducing waste and promoting reusable bags, while Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) has expressed concerns about potential impacts on low-income residents and small businesses. WHYY has more.
The City Council advanced bills to shut down unlicensed smoke shops and prevent operators from evading enforcement, while signaling plans to hold landlords accountable for renting to illegal businesses. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Alycia Marshall, who has served as interim president of the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) since April, was unanimously endorsed by CCP’s board for the permanent role, following her tenure as provost and vice president for academic and student success. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Allegheny County officials celebrated surpassing their “500 in 500” pledge by housing 622 people and securing 568 deeply affordable units, with most residents remaining stably housed. The initiative relied on partnerships, technology upgrades, and multimillion-dollar investments to combat homelessness and rising rental costs, with plans to expand efforts further. WESA has more.
Pittsburgh Public Schools will hold a meeting on October 30 to unveil plans for closing and repurposing buildings, realigning grade levels, and staffing changes. The proposal follows months of hearings and community pleas to keep schools open, with phased changes expected over several years. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.
National Geographic included Pittsburgh on its 2026 “best places to travel” list, highlighting the city’s revitalization projects, cultural attractions, and upcoming events like the NFL Draft and Carnegie International. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.
U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) are among 13 House Republicans urging party leadership to extend enhanced health care tax credits after the shutdown, citing the need to protect families while proposing reforms like income caps and eligibility limits. Meanwhile, across the political aisle, U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02) is demanding that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) reopen the House, warning that the prolonged shutdown and health care cuts could double Pennsylvania insurance premiums and strip Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from 143,000 residents.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) said he supports suspending the Senate filibuster to pass a bill reopening the government, citing looming SNAP and health insurance impacts for Pennsylvanians and warning that continued gridlock harms the American people. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Two Pennsylvania hydrogen hub projects, expected to bring in a combined $1.7 billion in federal funds, have drawn backing from Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R) as President Donald Trump (R) considers cuts that could jeopardize jobs and clean energy goals. Axios Pittsburgh has more.
A new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas announced by President Trump may worsen physician shortages in rural Pennsylvania, where hospitals rely on foreign doctors to maintain essential healthcare services. PennLive has more.
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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.
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.
March 2, 2026
March 2, 2026
March 2, 2026
