Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS), the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Donovan W. Pepper as principal and director of national strategic partnerships.
Pennsylvania’s state budget remains unresolved after 100 days, with House Democrats advancing a $50.25 billion plan focused on education and Medicaid, while Senate Republicans continue to advocate for more restrained spending and have passed a bill to waive interest on emergency loans issued during the stalemate. The ongoing delay has impacted payments to schools, counties, nonprofits, and college students awaiting financial aid. Lawmakers remain divided over spending priorities and the scope of the state treasurer’s authority, with negotiations still underway.
Amid a prolonged budget impasse, Pennsylvania lawmakers are debating a proposal to replace the current cyber charter formula with a flat $8,000 per-student rate and new accountability measures, aiming to curb soaring costs and address disparities. Charter advocates warn the plan could slash budgets and overlook real operational expenses. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
The House Insurance Committee approved a measure requiring insurers to cover the full cost of any U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved vaccine, aiming to preserve access to COVID-19 shots as federal guidance shifts. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration. WHTM has more.
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Democratic groups are making abortion rights the centerpiece of efforts to retain three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices, arguing their rulings could protect access under state law. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Gaming Board Director Kevin O’Toole urged Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to press federal regulators on sports prediction markets, arguing they bypass state rules, lack consumer protections, and risk undermining integrity compared to the state’s tightly regulated sports betting system. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
As the state budget impasse passes the 100-day mark, nearly one in four Pennsylvanians cite government and politicians as the top issue, while approval for Gov. Shapiro remains steady at 51% and economic concerns have dropped sharply from last year. PoliticsPA has more.
The newly renamed Philadelphia Art Museum—or PhAM for short—is embracing pop culture, sports, and local identity to attract visitors and recover from pandemic-era deficits. With new partnerships, events, and a bold visual overhaul, the museum aims to shed its “castle on the hill” image and reconnect with Philly residents. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
During a hearing of the Committee on People with Disabilities, advocates called for stronger accessibility planning for World Cup and semiquincentennial events, urging clearer enforcement and inclusion of disability leaders. Officials highlighted upgrades like new ramps at Lemon Hill, sidewalk improvements, sensory-friendly spaces at Lincoln Financial Field, and a transit accessibility plan. Billy Penn has more.
Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services has spent more than $270,000 since 2021 on one-way bus tickets to help unhoused people relocate, assisting hundreds of participants. Officials say the program aims to end homelessness efficiently. NBC10 has more.
Allegheny County’s 2026 budget avoids a property tax hike by cutting $15 million in administrative costs, despite rising expenses from inflation, tariffs, and a surge in jail population. The $1.2 billion plan includes a modest 1.5% increase and no layoffs, but future uncertainty looms due to state and federal budget impasses. Pittsburgh’s Public Source has more.
City Councilperson Erika Strassburger (D-District 8) introduced surprise amendments to make inclusionary zoning voluntary citywide with incentives, prompting pushback from the mayor’s office and raising transparency concerns. Mayor Ed Gainey (D), who is nearing the end of his term, has signaled that he would veto if the changes advance. WESA has more.
A new agreement with the city, county, and school district will allow Pittsburgh’s Land Bank to acquire tax-delinquent properties more quickly through sheriff’s sales. While the move is expected to accelerate revitalization efforts, long-term funding challenges remain as federal relief dollars run out in 2026. WESA has more.
During a televised debate, Democratic nominee Corey O’Connor and Republican candidate Tony Moreno presented differing approaches on public safety, immigration, and fiscal transparency, while both acknowledged challenges facing the city and emphasized the need for effective leadership. WESA has more.
After months of partisan delay, David Metcalf was confirmed to lead the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, overseeing federal cases across nine counties. The Philadelphia Inquirer 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.
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
