Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Martin K. Johnson as principal in its Richmond office.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said the state will continue enforcing its artificial intelligence (AI) laws despite a Trump administration executive order aimed at preempting state level AI regulation. Attorney General Sunday called the order vague and said Pennsylvania would defend its statutes in court, particularly those related to child safety and criminal misuse of AI, including deepfakes and child sexual abuse material. Lawmakers are also advancing legislation to require health care providers and insurers to disclose their use of AI, citing the absence of clear federal standards and concerns about transparency, accountability, and human oversight as Congress lags behind on regulation. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-143-Philadelphia/Delaware) has scheduled special elections for February 24, 2026, to fill two vacant state House seats in House District 22 in Lehigh County and House District 42 in Allegheny County, following the resignation and election of Representative Joshua Siegel (D-22-Lehigh) as Lehigh County executive and Representative Dan Miller (D-42-Allegheny) to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. ABC27 has more.
Hundreds of Pennsylvania political figures gathered in New York City for the annual Pennsylvania Society weekend, mixing bipartisan social events with fundraising and quiet political maneuvering ahead of a pivotal election year. Observers noted Governor Josh Shapiro’s limited engagement beyond his formal remarks honoring David L. Cohen, signaling his growing national stature, while Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s recent housing dispute became a major topic of conversation. Congressional races, especially the open PA 3rd District seat, drew heavy attention, as did lobbying by major interests like skill games operators and health insurers, underscoring how policy, politics, and fundraising continue to intersect during the Society’s high-profile gathering. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released a new report on Tax Credits and Other Incentives, presenting data on Pennsylvania tax credits, spending or grants, job training programs, and loan programs from fiscal years (FY) 2020–21 through 2025–26. The report finds that tax credits claimed or awarded totaled $1.19 billion in FY 2024-25 and are projected to grow to $1.82 billion in FY 2025-26, while state spending and grants for economic development reached nearly $778 million in FY 2024-25 and are projected at $846 million for FY 2025-26. View the full report here.
All 17 Philadelphia City Council members have indicated they intend to seek reelection in 2027, a move that would mark the first time since the adoption of the city’s Home Rule Charter in 1951 that every sitting member simultaneously runs for another term. While the primary is still more than a year away and unexpected developments could alter the field, political insiders report little indication of impending retirements or departures. If all incumbents run and win, it would create the most stable and continuous City Council cohort in modern Philadelphia history, even as several members are expected to face serious primary challenges in competitive or ideologically divided districts. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Pittsburgh City Council President Dan Lavelle said council is considering a mix of spending cuts and a possible tax increase to address roughly $20 million in projected shortfalls in Mayor Ed Gainey’s proposed 2026 budget, including needs tied to overtime, utility costs, and replacing the city’s vehicle fleet. Lavelle said department feedback on potential 5% cuts suggested reductions alone could significantly harm services, potentially affecting hiring, recreation center and pool operations, and winter storm response. Council is also considering reducing or pausing next year’s $10 million transfer to the Stop the Violence trust fund, citing unspent dollars from prior years, as council moves toward budget votes, public hearings, and a final decision before year end. WESA has more.
U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07) joined Democrats and New York Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) to reach the 218 signatures needed for a discharge petition forcing a House vote on extending expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies. The move marks a rare rebuke of House GOP leadership and comes as the subsidies are set to expire, which would raise premiums for many constituents in swing districts. While the Senate is unlikely to advance the measure, the vote underscores mounting pressure on Republicans over healthcare affordability heading into 2026. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Vice President JD Vance visited the Lehigh Valley and blamed former President Joe Biden for the nation’s “affordability crisis,” saying that high costs for everyday goods and services come from the economy inherited from the Biden administration. Vance highlighted job gains and lower fuel prices while arguing that Trump administration policies are driving new investment in the state. Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro responded on social media that Trump and Vance’s economic policies are harming Pennsylvanians by raising prices and cutting healthcare funding. PennLive has more.
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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.
December 18, 2025
December 18, 2025
December 18, 2025
