Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, March 21, 2024

March 21, 2024

Pennsylvania

What Are the Potential Implications of Proposed Performance-Based Funding Model for PA’s State-Related Universities?

Though specific metrics for Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed new performance-based funding model have yet to be determined, Spotlight PA State College takes a look at what this could mean for Pennsylvania’s four state-related universities — Lincoln University, Penn State University, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh.

WSJ Praises Gov. Shapiro’s PAyback Program

A recent opinion piece by the Editorial Board of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) praised Governor Shapiro’s PAyback program — a refund policy for delayed applications as a means of expediting permit processing — which has successfully reduced backlogs and resulted in quicker issuance of permits for businesses and individuals.

State Rep. Prokopiak’s Swearing in Extends Democrats’ Narrow Majority

State Representative Jim Prokopiak (D-Bucks) was sworn in this week as the newest member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, bolstering the Democratic Party’s narrow majority in the chamber. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

State House Speaker McClinton Proposes Same-Day Voter Registration, Early Voting

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) has proposed allowing same-day voter registration and opening early voting centers two weeks before elections, with the goal of addressing election accessibility issues. In other voting-related news, the Senate State Government Committee approved a bill banning drop boxes and satellite election offices for mail-in ballots, and a coalition of Republican groups is investing heavily in a mail-in voting campaign in Pennsylvania.

Proposal to Increase Transit Funding Approved by House, Faces Uphill Battle in Senate

The state House approved Governor Shapiro’s plan to increase funding for public transportation systems facing a drop in funding post-pandemic. The bill’s future in the Senate is uncertain. The Associated Press has more.

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Introduces Momnibus Package

Pennsylvania’s Black Maternal Health Caucus introduced a “Momnibus” bill package on Monday modeled after federal legislation aimed at improving maternal health care access, eliminating health care deserts, addressing social determinants of health, and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. PoliticsPA has more.

State Lawmakers to Tackle Restrictive Zoning Laws, Building Codes

State Senator John DiSanto (R-Dauphin) is planning to introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at alleviating soaring housing costs by addressing restrictive zoning laws and building codes in order to boost housing construction in high-demand areas. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Appoints More Cabinet Members

Earlier this week, Mayor Cherelle Parker unveiled a series of cabinet appointments, among them William Garcia, who will serve as Philadelphia’s inaugural director of Latino engagement. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City May Repurpose Former Hahnemann Hospital Into Shelter Facility

Mayor Parker has proposed repurposing a vacant office building at the former Hahnemann University Hospital into an emergency shelter, particularly for families displaced by fires or disasters. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Phillies Intend to Partner with Comcast Spectacor on Stadium District Redevelopment

The Philadelphia Phillies intend to collaborate with Comcast Spectacor on a proposed $2.5 billion development project to convert South Philadelphia’s existing stadium district into a multifaceted sports and entertainment hub. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Executive Innamorato Delivers First Quarterly Address

During her first quarterly address on Tuesday, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato discussed public safety, Downtown revitalization, and property reassessments. KDKA has more.

Pittsburgh Public Schools to Continue Efforts to Enforce Countywide Property Reassessment

Pittsburgh Public Schools unanimously voted to authorize legal action if Allegheny County does not conduct a countywide property reassessment promptly due to concerns over lowered assessments potentially costing the district millions in revenue. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Board of Elections Unanimously Approves Ballot Drop-Off Box Locations

The Allegheny County Board of Elections unanimously approved six ballot drop-off locations across the county, resolving controversy over a previous plan and including an additional location in McKeesport to enhance accessibility for voters in the Mon Valley. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Black Educators Gather to Address Exodus of Black Teachers in Allegheny County

Western Pennsylvania educators emphasized the urgent need for state and district-level action to recruit and retain Black teachers, who are leaving the profession at disproportionately high rates citing heavier workloads, isolation, racial microaggressions, and inadequate support and pay as contributing factors. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Biden-Harris Campaign Celebrates ACA Anniversary in PA

The Biden-Harris campaign is launching events across eight swing states, including Pennsylvania, to commemorate the anniversary of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) and rally support for the law amid renewed efforts by former President Donald Trump to overturn it. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

U.S. Sen. Casey Wants to Put “Greedflation,” “Shrinkflation” on the Ballot

U.S. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is actively opposing “greedflation” and “shrinkflation” in order to reshape the economic narrative in the crucial swing state ahead of the November general election. The Associated Press has more.

Democratic Candidates for PA-12 Take to the Airwaves 

Incumbent U.S. Representative Summer Lee and her challenger for the Democratic nomination Bhavini Patel have each released their first campaign ads, with the former emphasizing her record and perfect attendance and the latter contrasting her political views with Rep. Lee’s. PoliticsPA has more.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

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.

About Cozen O’Connor

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.

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