Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Braxton Plummer as principal in its Cherry Hill office.
The Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee voted along party lines to issue subpoenas seeking records related to security improvements at Governor Josh Shapiro’s private residence and his use of a private aircraft, prompting a debate over legislative oversight and authority. Republicans said the subpoenas are needed to ensure transparency around public spending following security upgrades recommended after an attempted arson attack at the Governor’s Residence, while Democrats criticized the move as an inappropriate investigation and a partisan fishing expedition. The requests target the Pennsylvania State Police, Abington Township, and a charter flight company for documents ranging from security assessments to travel records. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) appeared together at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for a moderated discussion on political violence, polarization, and the need for civility in public life. The bipartisan conversation drew on both governors’ experiences responding to high profile acts of political violence in their states and emphasized the importance of moral leadership, respectful disagreement, and recognizing shared humanity. While the two leaders agreed on the urgency of addressing rising political hostility, they differed on the role of national leaders and social media in driving polarization. The event was interrupted multiple times by shouting audience members, some of whom were removed. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
Pennsylvania, along with Washington, D.C. and 20 other states, is demanding clear safeguards before participating in a federal effort to collect detailed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data, including questions about privacy, security, cost sharing, and artificial intelligence use. The group outlined these concerns in a 16-page letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture amid ongoing litigation by states that have refused to share sensitive SNAP recipient information dating back to 2020. They want assurances that the data will not be used for immigration enforcement or accessed by other federal agencies as a condition of further involvement. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has certified the results of Pennsylvania’s November 4 municipal election after all 67 counties completed required pre certification audits confirming the accuracy of the vote. State officials said the process demonstrates continued confidence in the security and integrity of Pennsylvania’s elections. PoliticsPA has more.
Philadelphia City Council advanced its own version of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative after a contentious committee hearing in which Council President Kenyatta Johnson blocked a vote on the administration’s amendment and moved forward without the mayor’s requested changes. The dispute centered on income eligibility thresholds for key home repair and accessibility programs, with Parker seeking higher cutoffs to include more middle income households and Council opting to prioritize lower income residents. The vote marked the first major setback for Parker’s hard line negotiating style and highlighted growing tensions between the mayor and Council as the $800 million bond funded plan moves toward a final vote. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
A Pittsburgh City Council hearing highlighted sharp disagreements between Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration and council members over the proposed 2026 city budget, with Council questioning the realism of the mayor’s spending plan and its handling of costs such as overtime, utilities, and vehicle replacement. Budget Director Jake Pawlak defended the administration’s projections while acknowledging limited room for error, but some councilors said the plan understates likely expenses and could require cuts or revenue increases. Council members are considering changes including potential tax hikes, cuts to programs, or reallocations as they work toward a final budget vote scheduled Sunday, December 21. WESA has more.
Speaking at a White House event in Mount Pocono, President Donald Trump (R) sought to argue that inflation is no longer a problem and dismissed Democratic messaging on affordability, but his remarks repeatedly shifted to criticism of immigrants from countries including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Somalia. President Trump claimed prices are coming down under his administration despite evidence that inflation has risen following new tariffs, while voters interviewed in the area expressed continued concern about high costs for groceries, housing, and utilities. The event, held in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District represented by Representative Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), highlighted ongoing Republican challenges on affordability heading into the 2026 midterms. The Associated Press has more.
A bipartisan group of House moderates filed a discharge petition to compel a floor vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year’s end after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) indicated Republicans would not advance an extension plan. Led by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), the effort seeks a two year extension with reforms such as income caps and comes as moderates warn that allowing the credits to lapse would lead to steep premium hikes for millions of Americans. The petition currently has eight signatures and operates separately from a Democratic petition seeking a longer, three year extension. NOTUS has more.
Managing Director
Senior Principal
Executive Vice President
Senior Principal
Principal
Principal
Account Executive
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.
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
