Legislative Updates: A Roundup of State and Local Actions – November 7

Your Chamber advocacy team is working to share legislative updates and continue to advocate for your business in Washington, D.C., Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. We’ve created a round-up of recent activity, including Key Takeaways for Your Business and a Detailed Legislative Update. This represents our best knowledge of the situation as of 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025.

• A package of bills to establish the City's Auto-IRA program, PhillySaves, was introduced, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025. While employers would not make financial contributions, all non-exempt businesses would take on new administrative requirements once regulations are finalized. 

• City Council held a hearing on the widespread impacts of the ongoing SNAP disruption, highlighting unprecedented strain on food banks, vulnerable households, and grocery retailers that rely heavily on SNAP-driven sales. 

• Councilmembers signaled that declining beverage tax revenue is unsustainable for PHLpreK, prompting renewed discussion about long-term funding strategies that don't disadvantage workers or neighborhood supermarkets. 

• The City of Philadelphia released its first-year spending plan for the $800M housing initiative, directing nearly $200M toward home repairs, preservation, affordable housing production, mortgage assistance, rental aid, and strategic property acquisition. 

• Pennsylvania's budget stalemate has entered its fifth month, with closed-door talks showing signs of progress but no public updates; legislative sessions may resume earlier than November 17, 2025, if a deal is reached. 

• General Fund revenue remains slightly below projections, complicating budget negotiations, though year-over-year collections show modest growth. 

• SB 1079 proposes a $500 monthly fee per skill game machine, potentially generating $300 million annually from 52,000–82,000 machines statewide. 

• SB 125 seeks a constitutional amendment to end venue shopping in malpractice cases, following the 2022 Supreme Court rule rescission. 

• HB 1942 aims to prohibit dynamic pricing based on personal demographics or geography, with a hearing expected in the House Consumer Protection Committee. 

• Four House members won local judicial and executive elections, triggering upcoming special elections and temporarily shifting the House balance to 100-99. 

• Governor Shapiro mobilized $7 million in state and private funds to support SNAP recipients during the federal shutdown, while food banks struggle amid the state budget impasse. 

PhillySaves Auto-IRA Program 

The Chamber’s Policy Committee received a joint briefing from Pew Charitable Trusts and the Council President’s Office on the proposed PhillySaves program, a City of Philadelphia -facilitated Auto-IRA program for workers without access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. 

For context, the original enabling legislation (Bill #250651) was introduced back in June. This bill establishes the framework for the PhillySaves program itself, including: 

• automatic enrollment for employees who do not have access to an employer-sponsored plan 

• a default Roth IRA option with the ability to opt out or change contribution levels 

• limited employer responsibilities focused on identifying eligible workers and processing payroll deductions 

• the creation of a Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board to oversee program administration, investments, and vendor selection. 

Since its introduction, the Law Department advised City Council that the Board cannot be created solely through legislation and must instead be established through a voter-approved Charter change. As a result, a package of companion bills and resolutions was introduced on Thursday, October 30, 2025. These include Resolution #250950, which places the Board-creation question on the ballot, and Resolution #250970, which outlines the proposed Charter language. The ballot question would appear on the May 2026 primary ballot, meaning the Board cannot legally be created before voter approval. A hearing on the full legislative package is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025 (time TBD). 

 Key Takeaways 

• No financial contributions are required, but all non-exempt employers will have new administrative obligations related to employee identification and payroll processing. 

• Small employers without robust HR systems may experience the greatest operational impact; however, Council staff emphasized the intent to minimize employer burden by centralizing communications and enrollment functions. 

• The program is not a federally qualified retirement plan, reducing ERISA exposure but increasing reliance on City-defined regulations still to be developed. 

You learn more about Pew’s research and further detail on the legislative package here. We will continue evaluating employer impacts and implementation details. If members have feedback, concerns, or specific questions they would like us to raise with Council or Pew or are interested in testifying at the Wednesday, November 19, 2025 hearing, please contact Ashley Miscevich no later than Friday, November 14 , 2025 so we can coordinate preparation and ensure your participation. 

SNAP Access 

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, The Committee on Public Health and Human Services held a hearing to examine the significant impacts of the ongoing disruption to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the elimination of SNAP-Ed resources. Council President Johnson and Chair Ahmad opened the hearing by emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the crisis, noting that Washington’s budget impasse has left hundreds of thousands of Philadelphia residents suddenly without essential food benefits. Councilmembers stressed that while federal dysfunction created this crisis, the City and its partners must move swiftly to support families who rely on SNAP to meet their most basic needs. 

Testimony from the charitable food sector underscored the severity of the crisis. Lori Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance, called the situation “uncharted territory,” noting that SNAP has never experienced a disruption of this scale in its 60-year history. More than 475,000 Philadelphia residents rely on SNAP, and the loss of benefits has already driven unprecedented demand at food banks and community pantries. Philabundance and its partners reported record increases in households seeking support, with some pantries reducing allotments due to dwindling inventory and months of reduced funding. Witnesses also stressed that food insecurity was already rising before this crisis, and the shutdown of SNAP-Ed and continued state budget gridlock have further strained nonprofit capacity. 

Legal advocates echoed the magnitude of the challenge. Community Legal Services testified that thousands of residents lose SNAP each year due to administrative hurdles such as missing paperwork or delayed renewals. They warned that upcoming federal work requirements could cause up to 30% of Philadelphia SNAP recipients to permanently lose benefits, even if the federal budget impasse ends, disproportionately affecting vulnerable adults with barriers to employment and deepening hunger in already stressed communities. 

Grocery and retail industry testimony, including comments from Jeff Brown and PFMA representatives in related portions of the transcript, reinforced the economic consequences of SNAP disruptions. Approximately 20% of grocery sales in Philadelphia depend on SNAP, and witnesses warned that stores, especially those serving low-income communities, will face significant revenue losses if benefits are not restored. Retailers also cautioned Council that long-term federal cuts to SNAP will compound existing pressures, potentially jeopardizing store operations, staffing levels, and food access in underserved neighborhoods. 

Throughout the hearing, Councilmembers reiterated the urgent need for coordinated response efforts across government, nonprofits, and the business community. Council President Johnson highlighted the City’s recent $4 million investment into food banks as a critical, but insufficient, step to stabilize the charitable food network. 

Key Takeaways & Next Steps
The hearing established that the disruption to SNAP benefits is already causing significant hardship across Philadelphia, placing unprecedented strain on the food insecurity system, and posing economic risks to food retailers. Testimony underscored the compounded challenges created by the loss of SNAP-Ed, reduced state funding, and looming federal work requirement changes. Councilmembers committed to continued coordination with the Administration, food system partners, and regional stakeholders to support residents until federal benefits are restored and longer-term stability is achieved. 

As this issue continues to evolve, we will continue monitoring its impact on families, employers, and the broader regional economy. The Chamber recognizes the immediate and far-reaching consequences that disruptions in SNAP benefits have on our most vulnerable neighbors, and we echo the urgency reflected in our recent communication to members. We understand that our region cannot move forward unless residents’ most basic needs are met, and we remain committed to supporting efforts that address food insecurity, uplift affected households, and connect partners across sectors to ensure resources reach those who need them most. We will continue to track this issue closely, engage with policymakers and community leaders, and keep our members informed as additional developments arise. 

Take Action 

We urge you to also support local nonprofits and food shelters that are stepping up to fill the gap. Your company’s response can make a meaningful difference. 

If your organization already supports food insecurity, or is willing to take additional action, please let us know. The Chamber is committed to amplifying your efforts and connecting you with partners across our 11-county region to ensure help reaches those who need it most. 

Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Hearing Summary 

On Monday, October 27, 2025, The Committee on Labor & Civil Service held a hearing to examine the impact of Philadelphia’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax on businesses, workers, consumers, and the long-term sustainability of funding for PHLpreK, Community Schools, and Rebuild. 

Councilmember Harrity opened the hearing by explaining that he introduced the resolution after repeatedly hearing from residents, labor, and local businesses that the beverage tax has created more harm than benefit, especially in vulnerable communities. He cited reports of job losses, reduced hours, and store closures among unionized grocery workers, along with shrinking sales for both major retailers and small neighborhood stores as customers cut back or shop outside the city. These impacts, he noted, compound existing challenges in areas already facing food insecurity, limited access to affordable groceries, and reduced SNAP benefits. With beverage tax revenue declining annually, he said the City must explore more stable and equitable alternatives used in other states. He framed the hearing as an opportunity to confront fiscal realities and identify long-term solutions that preserve, and ideally expand, PHLpreK without placing additional burdens on vulnerable families. 

Finance Director Rob Dubow testified that beverage tax revenue has declined in line with projections, generating about $68 million in FY25 and expected to continue decreasing modestly. He noted that the combined cost of PHLpreK, Community Schools, and Rebuild now exceeds the tax’s annual revenue, requiring increasing General Fund support. Even so, Dubow stressed that these programs would not exist without the beverage tax and remain fully funded within the City’s five-year plan. Councilmembers requested a more comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that includes not only fiscal data but also health impacts, violence-prevention outcomes, workforce participation benefits, and broader neighborhood-level effects. 

Industry testimony from labor and grocery retailers detailed ongoing challenges for workers, employers, and neighborhood stores. Leonard Pernell of UFCW Local 1776, representing more than 5,000 union grocery workers, said the tax disproportionately affects unionized supermarkets, such as Acme, ShopRite, and Fresh Grocer, which face higher labor costs and have experienced reduced hiring, fewer full-time roles, cut hours, and in some cases store closures. He urged Council to consider funding models that protect early childhood programs without penalizing responsible employers. 

Grocery operators echoed these concerns. Jeff Brown of Brown’s Super Stores described significant shifts in consumer behavior, particularly in border neighborhoods where many customers now shop in surrounding counties. Because grocery trips are consolidated, stores lose full shopping baskets, not just beverage sales, straining locations in low-income communities and challenging already thin margins. Brown reiterated his support for PHLpreK but called for a more balanced, sustainable funding approach that does not undermine neighborhood supermarkets or union jobs. 

Key Takeaways & Next Steps 

Councilmembers and the administration acknowledged that beverage tax revenue is declining, prompting several members to call for exploring more stable long-term funding sources for PHLpreK. Despite differing views on the tax itself, there was broad agreement on the need to sustain and expand Pre-K, community schools, and neighborhood infrastructure investments. Members requested a holistic fiscal analysis capturing program benefits – such as parental workforce participation, avoided public costs, and youth outcomes – to better assess long-term return on investment. They also urged renewed collaboration among City officials, industry, and labor to identify solutions that protect early childhood programs while preserving local jobs. 

We will continue to closely track this issue as discussions progress. As the City examines broader tax reform and ongoing quality-of-life priorities, particularly access to affordable, high-quality childcare, the Chamber recognizes the importance of identifying a solution that works for everyone, supports families, sustains critical programming, and preserves Philadelphia’s economic mobility. 

HOME Program Annual Program Statement and Budget 

Mayor Parker’s signature housing plan, H.O.M.E. Initiative, targets the creation and preservation of 30,000 housing units in Philadelphia through a combination of bond funding, City-owned land, and public-private leverage. 

Resolution #250955, introduced on October 30, 2025, approves the 2025–2026 H.O.M.E. Annual Program Statement and Budget, outlining how the City will allocate $200M in first-year bond proceeds. These funds represent the initial tranche of the City’s four-year, $800M investment. The 2025-2026 H.O.M.E. Budget is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:00 am, being heard by the Committee of the Whole. The budget includes the following program allocations: 

Affordable Housing Production & Preservation ($53.9M) 

• Affordable Housing Preservation (HPres): $29,627,500 

• Affordable Housing Production (HPro): $24,343,333 

 Home Repair, Stability & Energy Efficiency ($52.5M) 

• Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP): $34,775,000 

• Built to Last: $8,250,000 

• Adaptive Modifications Program: $8,500,000 

 Homeownership & Mortgage Assistance ($37.7M) 

• One Philly Mortgage Program: $25,000,000 

• Philly First Home: $10,666,667 

• Employer-Assisted Housing: $500,000 

• Wills Program: $1,250,000 

• Tangled Title Prevention & Resolution: $2,200,000 

 Homelessness Prevention & Rental Assistance ($26.0M) 

• Eviction Diversion/Targeted Financial Assistance: $15,000,000 

• Homeless Prevention: $3,800,000 

• Housing Counseling & Foreclosure/Eviction Prevention: $2,850,000 

• Housing Plus Rental Assistance (PHLHousing+): $1,800,000 

• Rent & Moving Assistance (FreshStartPHL): $1,000,000 

• Shallow Rent Assistance: $434,783 

• Shallow Rent Program: $2,000,000 

Acquisition, Blight Reduction & Development ($16.1M) 

• Comprehensive Land & Property Acquisition: $4,000,000 

• Philadelphia Accelerator Fund – Multifamily: $5,000,000 

• Philadelphia Accelerator Fund – Turn the Key: $1,500,000 

• Remove Vacant or Blighted Housing through Demolition: $3,000,000 

• Purchase Bank Liens: $600,000 

• Rental Improvement Fund (RIF): $4,500,000 

Neighborhood & Small Business Improvements ($5.0M) 

• Curbside Appeal Program: $1,000,000 

• Façade Improvement Program: $1,000,000 

• Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvement Program (NIIP): $2,000,000 

• Rent and Moving Assistance Programs: $1,000,000

The Administration estimates that once built out, the H.O.M.E. Initiative will generate approximately $25 million annually in new real-estate tax revenue for the City after abatements expire. 

As the H.O.M.E. Initiative moves into implementation, the Chamber will continue to closely monitor program rollouts, bond expenditures, and any amendments or administrative changes brought forward by the Administration or Council. 

City Council Stated Meeting 

City Council was in recess on Thursday, November 6, 2025. For an update on prior activity, you can read our October 24 Legislative Update here. You can watch Philadelphia City Council public hearings and Stated Meetings here or access City Council’s Legislative Information Center here. Council’s next Stated Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025. 

Upcoming City Council Committee Hearings 

There are several committee hearings scheduled in the coming weeks. This calendar does not capture every hearing before City Council, it highlights those most relevant to the business community and the Chamber’s advocacy priorities. You can access City Council’s Calendar here. 

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:00 am, the Committee of the Whole will hold a hearing approving the 2025-2026 Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Program Annual Program Statement and Budget, which addresses expenditures by various agencies in the first year of the H.O.M.E. Program. 

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 10:00 am the Committee of the Whole will hold a hearing, authorized by Resolution #250895, to examine the condition of Philadelphia’s public school facilities, how the School District evaluates those buildings, and the District’s short- and long-term infrastructure needs. 

Budget Impasse Enters Fifth Month 

Pennsylvania’s state budget impasse continues, though recent reported meetings between the Governor and legislative leadership offer an encouraging sign of progress after what had been stalled and unproductive talks. Negotiators have provided no updates on the status of discussions, which remain behind closed doors as leaders stay tight-lipped about the ongoing back-and-forth. Both House and Senate are currently scheduled to resume session on November 17, 2025, but are subject to the call of legislative leaders to return to Harrisburg if a budget deal can be reached before then. 

Revenue 

Pennsylvania’s modest revenue projections continue to make budget negotiations challenging and remain a central point of contention between the parties and their proposed spending levels. 

The Independent Fiscal Office estimated that Pennsylvania collected $3.46 billion in General Fund revenue, $44 million (-1.3%) below the IFO’s official estimate. Fiscal-year-to-date General Fund collections of $13.52 billion are $49 million (-0.4%) below IFO projections. Compared to the prior year, October collections were $81 million (+2.4%) higher and Fiscal-year-to-date collections are $54 million (+0.4%) higher.  

The Department of Revenue reported that Pennsylvania collected $3.5 billion in General Fund revenue in October. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $13.5 billion. October collection data does not include a comparison against anticipated amounts because the official estimate for the 2025-26 fiscal year has not been certified. The certification of the official estimate occurs as part of the process to finalize the budget for the fiscal year. After that occurs, the Department of Revenue generates monthly estimates that are compared against actual revenue collections. 

Skills Games 

Senators Williams and Yaw recently introduced SB 1079, bipartisan legislation regulating and sourcing revenue from games of skill machines. A range of Republican and Democrat proposals have been put forward taxing a percentage of revenues from skills games, including Governor Shapiro’s 52% proposal. SB 1079 would instead impose a $500 monthly fee per machine on gaming terminals found in bars, convenience stores, and other locations that currently fall outside state gaming laws. With an estimated 52,000 to 82,000 machines in Pennsylvania, sponsors project the legislation could generate roughly $300 million annually.  

Senate Bill Seeks to Eliminate “Venue Shopping” Rule 

The Senate State Government Committee held a hearing on SB 125, legislation creating a constitutional amendment to prevent “venue shopping” in malpractice cases in counties that traditionally award larger monetary jury verdicts.  In 2022, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rescinded the medical liability venue rule and called for the reexamination of the rule in 2025.  The Chairman of the State Government Committee, Senator Chris Dush,  wrote to the state Supreme Court demanding answers on the outcome of the Court Committee’s review of the impact of the rescission of the medical liability venue rule.  

 Survelience Pricing 

House Democrats introduced HB 1942, legislation banning the practice of using consumer demographic characteristics such as age, race, or gender, or geographic characteristics to set dynamic pricing for the individual. The bill has been referred to the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee and is expected to have a hearing. Please contact Anselm Sauter at asauter@chamberphl.com with your feedback. 

Election Results 

Elections for Governor in New Jersey and Virigina and for Mayor in New York City consumed most of the national media attention, however, on the ballot in Pennsylvania were judicial elections at several different layers of the state judicial system.  Most notably, three state Supreme Court justices won their retention elections after an unusually contentious and expensive election. 

In addition, four current members of the state House won their elections. 

• Rep. Torren Ecker (R) was elected to Adams County Court of Common Pleas 

• Rep. Dan Miller (D) was elected to Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas 

• Rep. Lou Schmitt (R) was elected to Blair County Court of Common Pleas 

• Rep. Josh Siegel (D) was elected Lehigh County Executive 

The Democrat House majority will therefore defend its one-seat advantage in the four special elections to fill those vacancies. In the interim, the state House balance of power will reduce to 100-99 when the four members resign their seats to assume their newly elected positions, presumably sometime between late December and early January.  

Pennsylvania Food Assistance Crisis 

Governor Shapiro announced efforts to support two million Pennsylvanians seeking food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the federal government shutdown. The Governor directed $5 million in state funding to Feeding Pennsylvania while leading a fundraising effort that has raised over $2 million for the SNAP Emergency Relief Fund. Governor Shapiro has joined 24 other states in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP payments.  Two federal judges ruled that the Administration must continue funding the SNAP – albeit partially – using contingency funds during the shutdown. Meanwhile, food banks in Pennsylvania are without state aid during the state budget impasse. 

The Chamber invites you to Fair Chance Hiring: Leading with Policy, a conversation about the implementation of Philadelphia’s Fair Chance Hiring legislation, on Friday, November 21, 2025. The legislation enhances employment protections for individuals with criminal histories and updates employer requirements when considering conviction records during hiring. Register now. 

Forge new relationships, strengthen existing ties, and engage with Philadelphia’s City Council president and members of City Council at our City Council Reception on January 22, 2026. Register now.

Join us as at our annual Mayoral Luncheon as Mayor Cherelle Parker embarks on her third year in office. From economic mobility and inclusive growth to business attraction and quality of life, hear how her administration is working to make Philadelphia the “safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation,” providing access to economic opportunity for all. Don’t miss this important occasion as Mayor Parker addresses our regional business community and lays out her vision to make One Philly, a United City! Register now.

Market your business: Sponsor one of the Chamber’s advocacy events. Gain exposure and build promising relationships with top-level business professionals, civic leaders, and elected officials. Learn more about our upcoming local, state, and federal advocacy sponsorship opportunities here or contact Laura Williams, Manager, Member and Investor Relations, at lwilliams@chamberphl.com to learn more.

ChamberPHL Political Action Committee
Help us advance the business community’s agenda by contributing to support state and local candidates in key elections who share our commitment to a healthier business climate.

We invite you to reach out to our advocacy team directly with your questions:

• Shannon Williams, Senior Vice President, Advocacy – swilliams@chamberphl.com
• Renee Androckitis, Federal and State Affairs – randrockitis@chamberphl.com
• Anselm Sauter, State Affairs – asauter@chamberphl.com
• Ashley Miscevich, Local Affairs – amiscevich@chamberphl.com

Chamber members are invited to join weekly legislative update calls hosted by our advocacy team to hear the latest legislative matters concerning our community.