Pennsylvania Perspective, Monday, December 15, 2025

December 15, 2025

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Society Dinner Returns to New York as David L. Cohen Is Honored

Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the 127th annual Pennsylvania Society dinner in New York City, marking the group’s return to the Waldorf Astoria and reflecting on his early career and long relationship with honoree David L. Cohen. Cohen received the society’s gold medal for lifetime achievement, with speakers highlighting his decades of leadership in government, business, and civic life. The event brought together Pennsylvania’s political and business leaders and featured calls from both Shapiro and Cohen for unity, cooperation, and renewed commitment to democratic values amid national polarization. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

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Pennsylvania Legislature on Pace for One of Its Least Productive Years

Pennsylvania lawmakers are on track to pass the fewest new laws in at least a decade, with just 65 bills enacted so far amid divided government, heightened partisanship, and power concentrated in legislative leadership. Lawmakers cited a prolonged budget impasse and lack of bipartisan cooperation as major obstacles, even as many introduced dozens of bills that stalled in committee. Legislative leaders from both parties argued that productivity should be measured by the substance of policy outcomes rather than the number of bills passed, setting the stage for high stakes negotiations in 2026. Spotlight PA has more.

Philadelphia

Why Philadelphia Has So Far Avoided Trump’s Federal Enforcement Crackdown

Despite President Donald Trump deploying troops and immigration agents to Democratic led cities across the country, Philadelphia has so far avoided similar federal action, prompting widespread speculation among local officials, advocates, and lawmakers. While Trump has continued to criticize immigration policies broadly and listed Philadelphia as a sanctuary city subject to scrutiny, he has offered no clear explanation for sparing the city, leaving advocates warning that federal action could still come with little notice. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

PA Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Allegheny County Jail Referendum

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from the Allegheny County Jail corrections officers’ union challenging a voter approved 2021 referendum that limited solitary confinement and banned restraint chairs, leg shackles, and chemical agents. The case will examine whether such use of force policies are a managerial decision that can be implemented without union bargaining and what role voter referendums should play in governing public institutions. Observers say the ruling could have far reaching implications for public employee bargaining rights and the power of voters to enact policy through ballot initiatives. WESA has more.

Federal

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Trade Millions as Congress Considers Stock Trading Ban

Pennsylvania’s federal lawmakers disclosed between $19.8 million and $58.8 million in stock and securities trades in 2025 as Congress moves closer to a potential ban on trading by members and their families. Seven lawmakers reported trading activity, with the bulk of transactions driven by U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) and U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), drawing renewed scrutiny from ethics experts and reform advocates who argue the practice undermines public trust. The debate has intensified as bipartisan legislation advances that would restrict stock trading while allowing certain investments such as municipal bonds. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Cozen Corner

In-Conversation: Annie Duke on the Science of Better Decisions

Bestselling author, decision strategist, and former professional poker player Annie Duke joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on how leaders can improve the quality of their decisions to increase the probability of achieving better outcomes against the backdrop of a world on “tilt.” Together, they unpack common cognitive errors, leadership biases, and everyday decision traps—and how reframing our thinking can help us calibrate choices that maximize our range of positive results. To watch click here or to listen click here.

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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