Pennsylvania

Legislators to Miss Budget Deadline Again Amid $5.5B Gap, Policy Disputes

For the fourth consecutive year, Pennsylvania lawmakers have missed the June 30 budget deadline as negotiations stall over how to close a projected $5.5 billion shortfall without raising taxes. Disagreements over spending priorities, public transit funding, and the regulation of skill games have delayed progress, and while short-term impacts may be minimal, extended delays could disrupt funding for schools, counties, and essential public services.

Lawmakers Advance Bills on Corporate Taxes, Junk Fees, Health Coverage

Pennsylvania legislators advanced several bills last week, including measures to close the “Delaware Loophole” in corporate taxes, increase transparency around junk fees, and require insurance coverage for breast cancer diagnostics. Other proposals aim to preserve a state-run boot camp and enhance overdose reporting, as budget negotiations continue.

Gov. Shapiro Signs 14 Bills into Law, Advancing Budget, Policy Reforms

Governor Josh Shapiro (D) signed 14 bills into law last week, including nine budget appropriations and measures enhancing local governance, easing regulations for school bus drivers, increasing penalties for corruption of minors, enabling juvenile prosecution on military bases, and regulating virtual currency transmission. WHTM has more.

PA Launches SPEED Program to Fast-Track Environmental Permit Reviews

Pennsylvania’s new Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program allows developers to expedite certain construction permits by using Department of Environmental Protection-approved external reviewers, aiming to reduce delays while raising concerns from environmental advocates about transparency and oversight. WESA has more.

Dems Eye 2026 as Chance to End GOP’s 30-Year Hold on PA Senate

Democrats see the 2026 election as a key opportunity to flip control of the Pennsylvania Senate, where Republicans have held a majority for three decades. With several competitive districts in play and Gov. Shapiro on the ballot, both parties are preparing for a high-stakes battle that could reshape the state’s political landscape. LancasterOnline has more.

Philadelphia

Top PA Employers Urge Lawmakers: Save SEPTA, Save the Economy

Leaders from the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Comcast warn that without urgent state investment in SEPTA and public transit, Pennsylvania risks widespread economic disruption, reduced health care access, and diminished workforce mobility. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

WNBA Philadelphia Expansion Team Set to Debut in 2030

Philadelphia has been awarded a WNBA expansion franchise, set to begin play in 2030, marking a major milestone for the city’s sports landscape and women’s professional athletics. Philadelphia has been firmly cementing its place in the women’s sports movement recently, with the impending opening of two women’s sports bars capitalizing on the demand for inclusive fan spaces.

City Expands Extended-Year School Program with 15 New Sites

Philadelphia is adding 15 more extended-day, extended-year schools—offering free before- and after-care, summer camps, and enrichment programs—to support working families and boost student attendance, with a $26.1 million investment reaching over 12,000 students citywide. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Finances Deemed Unsustainable, Report Finds

Allegheny County’s expenses have outpaced revenues for the second consecutive year, prompting officials to warn that the current financial path is unsustainable. While local economic trends remain stable, declining tax revenues and expiring federal aid highlight the need for long-term fiscal solutions. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Housing Authority Turns to AI to Ease Application Backlog

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh approved a $160,000 contract for a one-year pilot program using AI to assist with housing voucher recertifications, aiming to reduce delays while addressing concerns about transparency and potential bias. PublicSource has more.

Pittsburgh Home Prices Surge, Yet Remain Among Nation’s Most Affordable

Pittsburgh saw an 8.7% rise in home prices over the past year—one of the highest increases among major U.S. metros—yet its median price of $250,000 remains the third lowest, attracting buyers from more expensive cities. Axios Pittsburgh has more.

Federal

Rep. Evans to Retire from Congress After Decades of Public Service

U.S. Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA-03) announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, concluding a distinguished career in public office. Widely respected for his dedication to revitalizing communities and championing economic opportunity, his departure sets the stage for a competitive 2026 race to fill his Philadelphia seat. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Sen. McCormick Discusses Ukraine, NIH Funding, AI Regulation, Budget Bill

During a telephone town hall last week, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) expressed opposition to Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, supported renewed sanctions on Russia, advocated for sustained National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in Pennsylvania, and weighed the pros and cons of limiting state-level AI regulation under President Donald Trump’s proposed budget bill. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Gov. Shapiro Warns That Cuts to Clean Energy Credits Could Cost Thousands of PA Jobs

In a letter to Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, Gov. Shapiro warned that proposed federal budget cuts could threaten over $3 billion in clean energy projects and more than 26,000 jobs, including school-based solar initiatives and electric vehicle incentives in addition to stripping health care and food assistance from hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians. Pro-solar group Defend Solar Manufacturing USA Alliance cautioned that the Commonwealth could lose over 4,000 jobs if solar tax credits are rolled back, arguing the incentives are vital for maintaining domestic manufacturing and competing globally. The Senate is currently voting on amendments to the massive tax and spending bill.

PA Among 28 States in Legal Limbo After SCOTUS Birthright Ruling

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has left Pennsylvania and 27 other states in legal limbo over birthright citizenship, following a ruling that limits federal judges’ ability to block President Trump’s executive order. While the order is paused for 30 days, legal challenges are underway, and advocates warn of confusion, fear, and potential harm to immigrant families if the policy takes effect. Sen. John Fetterman criticized the ruling, stating he believes efforts to end birthright citizenship will ultimately fail.

Beltway Briefing: Political Upheaval in the Capital of Capitalism

New York Democrats nominated a Democratic socialist in the Democratic primary for mayor, sparking national debate over the future of the Democratic Party, its ideological direction, and the role of moderates. What does this mean for New York City, New York State, and national politics? Meanwhile, have events in the Middle East bolstered President Trump’s political standing and foreign policy chops? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Rose Christ here.

State AG Pulse: State AGs Weigh in on GLP-1s

Pricey weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro have exploded in popularity, creating opportunities for counterfeit drug manufacturers and challenges for regulators and enforcers. Keturah Taylor talks with Cozen O’Connor colleagues Danielle Sapega and Rick Van Buren about the state of federal and state regulation and enforcement and they outline a road map to help legitimate market participants avoid pitfalls. Listen to the latest episode here.