Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, September 11, 2025

It is with great sadness that Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies shares the passing of our friend and colleague, David Bonsick. Based in our Harrisburg office, Dave was a longtime Pennsylvania lobbyist who dedicated more than 30 years to government and public affairs. He brought positivity, warmth, and generosity to everyone around him both personally and professionally.

Above all, Dave was a devoted father, the role he cherished most. Please keep his wife, family, and all who knew him in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Pennsylvania

State Budget Deal “Close” But Elusive as Talks Drag Into Third Month  

Lawmakers from both parties say a budget agreement is close but are offering few details, leaving state payments to schools and social services frozen since July. While a major dispute over SEPTA funding was resolved, other fiscal and policy issues remain unresolved, and the Senate has no voting session scheduled until late October. WITF has more.

PA Leaders Swiftly Condemn Political Violence Following Kirk Assassination

In the wake of the assassination of Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University, Governor Josh Shapiro (D), U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D) and Dave McCormick (R), and Pennsylvania officials from across the political spectrum swiftly condemned political violence, calling the killing “horrifying” and “unacceptable” and urging unity.

GOP Spending, 2018 Map Ruling Fuel PA Supreme Court Retention Battle  

Republicans are targeting three Democratic Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices facing a retention vote in November over past rulings on issues including gerrymandering, mail ballots, and pandemic measures. The Republican State Leadership Committee—a national organization focused on electing Republicans to state-level offices—has spent at least $85,000 on ads urging voters to reject the justices. The election has the potential to reshape the court’s balance and set the stage for a future flip.

PA Supreme Court Weighs Challenge to Mail-Ballot Date Rule

Justices heard arguments on whether rejecting ballots for missing or incorrect handwritten dates violates the state constitution’s guarantee of free and equal elections. The case could affect thousands of votes in future elections and follows years of legal disputes over the requirement. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

GOP, Independents Gain Most from Automatic Voter Registration  

Since the system launched in 2023, Republicans have added about 92,700 new voters and independents over 100,000, outpacing Democrats’ 87,900. The shift has sparked calls to expand automatic registration beyond PennDOT centers to reach underrepresented communities, while legal questions linger over address changes tied to vehicle registrations. GoErie has more.

PA Schools Stick with Solar Plans Despite Federal Tax Credit Cuts  

Dozens of districts awarded Solar for Schools grants are moving forward with projects even after clean energy tax credits were rolled back, citing cost savings and long-term benefits. Advocates are pushing to expand the program and address challenges like costly roof upgrades to maximize solar adoption statewide. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia

Woods Opens Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek Golf Course  

Golf legend Tiger Woods visited Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philadelphia this week to launch the second location of his TGR Learning Lab, which offers free STEM and career programs for students. The lab is part of a larger $180 million project to restore the historic course and expand community resources. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more. 

City Council Eyes Housing, Bag Fees, 2026 Prep in Fall Session

The Philadelphia City Council returned from summer recess today, and the coming months will likely feature a broad agenda, including finalizing elements of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s (D) Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative, introducing a paper bag fee, and preparing for major 2026 events. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philly No Longer America’s Poorest Big City  

For the first time since at least 1979, Philadelphia’s poverty rate fell below 20%, meaning Philadelphia is no longer the poorest big city in the nation. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Top Pittsburgh Labor Leader to Step Down After 7 Years  

Darrin Kelly, who led the Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council through major political shifts and key union victories, announced he will not seek reelection in January to spend more time with family. His departure marks a significant transition for the region’s labor movement, which he helped unify during a period of national polarization. WESA has more.

City Launches “Immaculate Collection” Cleanup Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft  

City and county officials kicked off a multi-month effort to clear litter from highways, rivers, and neighborhoods to prepare for the draft and promote long-term community beautification. WESA has more.

Federal

President Trump’s Support Slips in Key PA Swing County  

A new poll shows 53% of Bucks County voters view President Donald Trump unfavorably, signaling potential trouble for Republicans in 2026 as Democrats lead in local races and Gov. Shapiro maintains strong approval. Politico has more.

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