Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, September 18, 2025

September 18, 2025

Pennsylvania

Budget Talks Drag on Despite Temporary Transit Funding Fix  

Despite Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D) authorization of the use of infrastructure dollars to provide transit agencies with short-term operating support, which removed a major point of contention in negotiations, the budget remains stalled as Republicans seek policy concessions and Democrats push for education and social spending priorities. Gov. Shapiro’s proposal to use $1.7 billion from Pennsylvania’s $7 billion Rainy Day Fund still faces pushback from fiscal conservatives who say the fund is reserved for true emergencies, not to cover structural deficits or policy priorities.

PA Bill Seeks to Ban AI as Primary Teachers in Charter Schools  

State Representative Nikki Rivera (D-Lancaster) has circulated a co-sponsorship memo indicating that she plans to introduce legislation to prohibit charter schools from using AI as the main method of instruction, citing concerns over unproven practices and student welfare while leaving room for human-supervised AI tools. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA DOC Report Supports Closing 2 Prisons

A report released by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) recommended closing SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp to reduce costs and adjust to a declining prison population, with plans to reassign inmates and staff to nearby facilities. Local officials and union leaders have raised concerns about economic impacts and operational challenges, while the DOC cites efficiency and long-term savings as key factors. PennLive has more.

Amid CDC shake-up, PA joins Northeast Public Health Alliance

Pennsylvania has joined a multi-state coalition to create regional health guidelines and maintain broad vaccine access as federal agencies under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. face criticism for limiting COVID-19 shots and reshaping advisory committees. WESA has more.

Amazon, SpaceX Secure PA Broadband Funds Amid Reliability Concerns  

Pennsylvania will allocate $793 million in federal funding to expand broadband to 130,000 locations, with most receiving fiber and some served by satellite providers like Amazon and SpaceX, prompting debate over long-term reliability and scalability.. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Leaders Urge Trump Admin to Halt Mine Safety Job Cuts  

State officials and labor leaders are pressing the Trump administration to stop plans to eliminate 120 positions at a Pittsburgh mine safety research facility, warning the cuts could jeopardize protections for thousands of miners. Axios Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

Bills on Trash Incineration, Paper Bag Fees, Voter Info for Renters Introduced

During Thursday’s meeting, Philadelphia City Council members introduced bills that would prohibit the City from incinerating its waste or recyclables, require retailers to charge customers a fee for paper bags, and mandate voter registration information be provided to renters.

Philadelphia Job Growth Outpaces Peers, But Office Vacancies Persist  

A report from the Center City District shows Philadelphia’s job growth has surged in the health care, arts, and hospitality sectors, but office-sector employment has barely increased, leaving vacancy rates above 20%. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

City Council Grants Preliminary Approval to Public Safety Campus Plan

The Pittsburgh City Council approved $1.8 million for a master plan to redevelop a former VA hospital into a public safety training campus, sparking debate over its scope, priorities, and community impact ahead of a final vote next week. WESA has more.

City Council Proposes Vape Shop Restrictions Near Schools  

A new Pittsburgh City Council bill would ban new vape shops within 1,500 feet of schools, parks, and similar sites, require locked product displays, and limit operating hours to curb youth vaping. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Inclusionary Zoning Fight Drags on as Mayor Gainey Set to Exit  

The Pittsburgh City Council remains divided over a policy requiring affordable units in new developments, with supporters pushing for passage before Mayor Ed Gainey (D) leaves office and opponents urging delay until the next administration. A compromise bill may surface soon, but its fate is uncertain amid political shifts and developer concerns. WESA has more.

Federal

President Trump Threatens to Cut $460M in PA Food Aid Over Data Dispute  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned Pennsylvania it will withhold nearly half a billion dollars in SNAP funding unless the state shares recipients’ personal data, a demand the Shapiro administration and advocates say raises privacy and security concerns. WESA has more.

Rep. Fitzpatrick Joins Bipartisan Effort to Extend ACA Tax Credits  

A new bill co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) would extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies for one year to prevent millions of Americans from losing coverage when current credits expire. Supporters say the measure provides a temporary solution while Congress works on long-term health care reforms. PoliticsPA 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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