Pennsylvania Perspective, Monday, December 8, 2025

December 8, 2025

Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Pushes Back on Federal Hepatitis B Policy Change

Governor Josh Shapiro is urging hospitals and parents to continue giving newborns the hepatitis B vaccine after a federal advisory panel ended the long standing recommendation for universal birth dose vaccination. State health officials warn the change could reverse decades of progress, noting that hepatitis B has been nearly eliminated among young children in Pennsylvania and that infants face a far higher risk of lifelong liver disease if infected. The administration says insurance coverage for the vaccine will continue and that state guidance will remain aligned with medical experts. PennLive has more.

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Governor Shapiro’s Strategy for 2028 White House Run Starts With 2026

Governor Josh Shapiro is positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential bid by focusing heavily on Democratic success in the 2026 midterms. He is working to recruit candidates, clear primary fields, and strengthen the state party in hopes of securing major wins that could elevate his national profile. Gov. Shapiro advisers say a strong showing next year would help build momentum and demonstrate his ability to lead Democrats in key battleground races. Axios has more.

PA Lawmakers Receive Annual Raise as Salaries Rise to $113,000

Pennsylvania legislators have received their yearly cost of living increase, bringing the base salary for rank and file members to $113,000 under a 1995 law that grants automatic raises without requiring a vote. The adjustment keeps Pennsylvania among the highest paying state legislatures in the country and has renewed criticism from lawmakers and advocates who want to reform or eliminate automatic raises. The Pennsylvania Capital Star has more.

Philadelphia

SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Continue Talks, Averting Strike for Now

SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Local 234 agreed late Sunday to resume contract negotiations Monday morning, temporarily avoiding a strike that could have halted service for hundreds of thousands of riders. The two sides made progress on key disagreements, including pension enhancements sought by the union and higher health care contributions proposed by management after meeting with Governor Josh Shapiro’s staff at the governor’s Philadelphia office. The union, which represents 5,000 operators, mechanics, and other transit employees, has been working without a contract since November 7 and previously authorized a strike. While both parties reported movement on major issues, a final agreement has not yet been reached. The Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

City Council Pushes Back on Mayor Gainey’s Budget and Warns of Fiscal Crisis

Members of Pittsburgh City Council are pushing back on outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey’s proposed 2026 budget, calling the spending plan unrealistic amid warnings that the city is already facing a fiscal crisis. Council members argue that the budget underestimates expenses and could force steep cuts or future tax increases. Critics highlight concerns over long-term financial sustainability and want major revisions before any final approval. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Federal

Representative Fitzpatrick Warns Republicans on Health Care Costs Ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) of Pennsylvania is urging his party to act on expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, warning that allowing premiums to spike would be politically damaging and harmful to families. Rep. Fitzpatrick, who represents a swing district, is pushing a Republican proposal to extend the subsidies as a short term fix and says inaction is not an option as millions face higher costs. He also presses Republicans to deliver an affordability agenda ahead of the 2026 elections. CNN has more.

Cozen Corner

Beltway Briefing: Federal Immigration Enforcement Showdown

From Chicago to Portland to Charlotte, President Trump’s deployment of immigration agents to Democratic-led cities has sparked a nationwide debate over the limits of federal authority and local control. Chicago’s showdown with the White House exemplifies the growing tension between Washington and America’s urban centers, and the legal battles that could redefine the balance of power. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ John Dunn, Pat Carey, and Sydney Holman 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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