Recent Publication:
Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt called the 2025 primary elections “relatively calm and successful,” with only minor issues reported statewide.
Jim is the primary Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies lobbyist in Harrisburg and leads our efforts on behalf of clients in the state capital. With both nonprofit and private sector clients, Jim has previously or currently represents interests in health care, education, energy, retail, banking, insurance, entertainment, telecommunications, gaming, public utilities, transportation, environmental, and various associations. Throughout his career, he has built and continues to maintain strong ties with various leading members of the Pennsylvania Delegation and is well-versed in their priorities and approaches to enacting legislative change.
He joined Cozen O'Connor after a five-year tenure at Wojdak & Associates. Prior to joining Wojdak & Associates, Jim served as senior manager of public affairs for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. where he represented the world's largest retailer in discussions with the governor's office, cabinet officials and state legislators. Jim was also responsible for managing new store growth and identifying partnership and charitable giving opportunities for the company. Before joining Wal-Mart, Jim spent several years lobbying on behalf of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and working as a research analyst in the Senate of Pennsylvania.
Jim serves on the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board and the Board of the Greater Scranton YMCA.
A native of Lackawanna County, Jim graduated from Duquesne University in 1998. Jim also studied in the Health Care Administration Master's Program at King's College.
News
September 26, 2022
City & State Pennsylvania recognized Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies as one of the Top 50 firms based on 2021 revenues in the state, coming in at number two.
March 20, 2020
On January 29, UPS, a leading multinational package delivery and supply chain management company, announced plans to construct a “super hub” in Lower Swatara Township and open three new facilities in Carlisle, Northampton County, and the Philadelphia area. The project, which is part of a $1.4 billion investment by UPS into Pennsylvania, will create an estimated 1,721 new jobs in the commonwealth.
January 29, 2020
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced on January 29 that United Parcel Service (UPS), a leading multinational package delivery and supply chain management company, plans to construct a “super hub” in Lower Swatara Township and open three new facilities in Carlisle, Northampton County, and the Philadelphia area.
September 25, 2019
Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies hosted client, The Reform Alliance at the State Capitol, meeting with Pennsylvania Senate, House Leadership and Lt. Governor to advocate for probation reform.
January 01, 2018
Jim Davis, a Cozen O'Connor Government Relations Principal, was quoted in Law360's article, "Pennsylvania Legislation And Regulation To Watch In 2018."
Publications
May 22, 2025
Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt called the 2025 primary elections “relatively calm and successful,” with only minor issues reported statewide.
May 19, 2025
Upcoming judicial races for Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth and Superior Courts could significantly impact caregiving policies, as recent rulings have shaped school funding, abortion access, LGBTQ+ parental rights, and juvenile sentencing standards across the state. Spotlight PA has more.
May 15, 2025
While Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Bob Casey warned this week that proposed federal Medicaid cuts could leave hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians uninsured and force rural hospitals to close, state lawmakers have been focused on their push for stricter oversight of hospital mergers, especially those involving private equity.
May 12, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) warns of severe cuts to bus and rail services across Pennsylvania due to financial challenges, with debates over funding solutions continuing in Harrisburg.
May 08, 2025
News and intelligence for professionals on the front lines of policy in Pennsylvania.
May 05, 2025
News and intelligence for professionals on the front lines of policy in Pennsylvania.
May 01, 2025
Democratic state lawmakers have introduced the “Transit For All PA” Funding Package to provide dedicated funding for public transit systems in order to prevent service cuts and ensure stability amid financial challenges faced by SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
April 28, 2025
The closure of Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, resulting in over 2,600 job losses, has prompted Pennsylvania legislators to push for bills prohibiting for-profit entities from owning hospitals.
April 24, 2025
News and intelligence for professionals on the front lines of policy in Pennsylvania.
April 21, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has ordered U.S. and Commonwealth flags to be flown at half-staff across Pennsylvania in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning.
April 17, 2025
During a press conference following the opening of the Hershey Corporation’s new manufacturing plant, Governor Josh Shapiro made his first public comments since the arson at the Governor’s Residence, emphasizing the need to end political violence and expressing gratitude for the support received.
April 14, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated after a suspected arson attack on their residence early Sunday morning, prompting state and local leaders to condemn the violence and express relief for their safety.
April 10, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro warned that new tariffs could harm Pennsylvania farmers and pledged to protect them, highlighting his administration’s investments in agriculture as part of a statewide economic development plan to members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau on Tuesday. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
April 07, 2025
The state Senate approved a bill imposing a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers whose fentanyl sales result in fatal overdoses.
April 03, 2025
Pennsylvania Representative Robert Matzie (D-Beaver) proposed a bill to subject all political advertising to state sales tax, aiming to generate revenue for public services and inform residents about the financial contributions of political ads. WHTM has more.
March 31, 2025
The Pennsylvania House advanced a bill earlier this month to address concerns about doctor practices and patient care by increasing oversight of the state’s medical marijuana program.
March 27, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro is challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to cancel $13 million in funding for Pennsylvania farmers who supply food banks, arguing the move is unlawful and pledging further legal action if necessary to protect farmers and ensure food access for those in need. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
March 24, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania’s Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pilot Program—in partnership with OpenAI and Carnegie Mellon—saved employees an average of 95 minutes per day and improved efficiency across various roles.
March 20, 2025
Pennsylvania has received around 1,100 applications from former federal employees for state jobs following an executive order by Governor Josh Shapiro (D) giving them hiring preference amid widespread federal layoffs. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
March 17, 2025
During an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, Governor Josh Shapiro criticized U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for not leveraging more concessions from Republicans in the recent government funding bill.
March 13, 2025
Top Republican lawmakers are skeptical about Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal to allocate an additional $494 million to underfunded Pennsylvania school districts, questioning the fairness of the adequacy funding formula. Spotlight PA has more.
March 10, 2025
During a visit to Temple University Hospital last week, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $5 million investment to strengthen Pennsylvania’s nursing pipeline through the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program, addressing a projected shortage of 20,000 nurses. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.
March 06, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order giving hiring preference to federal employees laid off by the Trump administration, aiming to fill 5,600 Commonwealth job openings.
March 03, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro condemned President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their treatment of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, asserting it undermines U.S. national security, emphasizing Pennsylvania’s strong ties to its Ukrainian community and the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
February 27, 2025
Pennsylvania’s House Finance committee is exploring the introduction of an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to support financially constrained working families, though concerns about the program's cost remain. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
February 24, 2025
Pennsylvania’s emergency management and fire response agencies are grappling with potential federal funding cuts and recruitment issues, which could impact their ability to manage crises effectively. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
February 20, 2025
Pennsylvania officials are awaiting further guidance on federal funding cuts — impacting infrastructure, energy, transit, and more — with Governor Josh Shapiro’s office suing five federal agencies over $1.2 billion in inaccessible grant funding.
February 13, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly withholding over $2 billion in federal funds from Pennsylvania, despite court orders to restore the funding.
February 10, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro's proposal to close two Pennsylvania prisons and two community corrections centers aims to save $110 million annually, citing lower incarceration rates.
February 06, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro's third budget proposal aims to balance bipartisan priorities, incorporating both Republican and Democratic interests while navigating the challenges of President Donald Trump’s second term and Pennsylvania’s divided legislature.
February 04, 2025
On Tuesday, February 4, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his third annual Budget Address to a joint session of the General Assembly, where he unveiled his $51.47 billion FY26 Executive Budget — marking an approximately 7.5% increase from the previous fiscal year.
February 03, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro's upcoming budget proposal is expected to prioritize increased funding for the state’s poorest public schools, support for public transit, and the legalization of marijuana.
January 30, 2025
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Executive Vice President Jim Davis and Managing Director Joe Hill have been recognized by City & State Pennsylvania on their 2025 list of Who’s Who in Government Relations for their impactful work in advancing clients’ objectives across Pennsylvania.
January 27, 2025
Democrats and Republicans are quickly selecting nominees for the special election on March 25 to resolve the even split in the Pennsylvania House.
January 27, 2025
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Jim Davis, Executive Vice President and Pennsylvania State Director based in Harrisburg, and Joseph Hill, Managing Director based in Philadelphia, have been recognized as part of City & State Pennsylvania's 2025 Who’s Who in Government Relations list.
January 23, 2025
State Rep. Matt Gergely (D-Allegheny) passed away last weekend, leaving the state House once again tied 101-101. A special election will be held March 25 to fill the District 35 seat, which is expected to remain in Democratic control. Rep. Gergely is remembered for his dedication to fighting for children and working families and his deep commitment to his community and family.
January 16, 2025
A council of lawmakers, university administrators, and the head of the Department of Education is exploring the benefits and challenges of tying public funding for Pennsylvania's state-related universities to their performance and students' academic outcomes. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
January 13, 2025
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has appointed new chairs for its 52 standing committees, which play a crucial role in discussing, amending, and approving legislation, impacting the state’s policy making process.
January 09, 2025
Pennsylvania lawmakers began the 2025-26 legislative session this week, with Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) reelected as House Speaker, securing the position with bipartisan support despite the chamber being evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans.
April 08, 2024
In Episode 3 of State AG Pulse, Meghan Stoppel and Siran Faulders dive into the AG and other Pennsylvania races with Jim Davis and Joe Hill of Cozen Public Strategies and consider how voter demographics in PA and other swing states will play into the outcomes in November.
May 18, 2022
Prepared by the Pennsylvania Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Team
August 25, 2020
James Davis and Heidi Schwartz discuss Governor Wolf's COVID-19-related relief programs that includes legalizing recreational marijuana to fund portions of the programs.
April 14, 2016
Jim Davis and Joe Bedwick discuss Senate Bill 3, legalizing medical marijuana in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which the Pennsylvania Senate had approved the bill earlier in the week and the state House of Representatives passed on April 13, 2016. The governor announced he will sign the legislation on Sunday, April 17.
Events & Seminars
Past Events
April 25, 2018
- Conference Call/Podcast
January 28, 2017
- Harrisburg, PA