Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 4, 2024

April 4, 2024

Pennsylvania

Democrats Aim to Flip PA Senate for Trifecta

This November, Pennsylvania Democrats are hoping to flip the state Senate to gain a state government trifecta — control of the governor’s office and both chambers of the General Assembly. This would require them to win four Senate seats. On the state House side, only 28 of Pennsylvania’s 104 legislative districts have contested primary elections for either party — PoliticsPA has a preview of primary races in the Northwest. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

DoorDash Piloting Dasher Benefits in PA

DoorDash has launched a pilot program in Pennsylvania, supported by Governor Josh Shapiro, to provide eligible Dashers with funds for portable benefits such as retirement savings, health insurance, and paid time off. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Marijuana Legalization Could Bring in $1B+ in Tax Revenue Over Five Years

If legalized in Pennsylvania, marijuana sales could generate more than $1 billion in tax revenue over the next five years, according to a report by the Independent Fiscal Office. WHTM has more.

Influx of Federal Dollars to Address PA’s Abandoned Mines

Pennsylvania is set to receive $244 million from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address environmental issues caused by abandoned mines. The Commonwealth has more abandoned coal mines than any other state. WESA has more.

One Year Post Medicaid “Unwinding,” DHS Continues Work to Redetermine Status of More Than 3M Pennsylvanians 

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid “unwinding” process — which requires redetermining the eligibility of more than three million enrollees — has resulted in about 1.8 million renewals and 738,600 individuals losing coverage. The state Department of Human Services (DHS) is endeavoring to contact individuals before termination and advocate for those impacted by the changes. WESA has more.

Gov. Shapiro Makes Case for Major Whole Home Repairs Program Investment

Governor Josh Shapiro visited Philadelphia last week to make the case for his proposed $50 million investment in the state’s Whole Home Repairs Program. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Philadelphia

City Council Wants to Make Eviction Diversion Program Permanent

City Council introduced a trio of housing-related bills during this week’s meeting, including legislation that seeks to make the City’s pandemic-era eviction diversion program — which mandates that landlords and tenants pursue mediation and rental aid before court proceedings — permanent. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Mayor Parker Signs Public Safety, Quality-of-Life Bills into Law

Mayor Cherelle Parker signed a curfew for select Kensington businesses, a license plate flipping device ban, and new casino-style skill games regulations into law this week. WHYY has more.

CDR Committee Reviews Revised 76 Place Master Plan

The Civic Design Review (CDR) Committee held a day-long public meeting Tuesday to review the 76 Place master plan, which has been revised incorporating feedback from the Committee’s last meeting in December. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Mayor Gainey, County Executive Innamorato Talk Public Safety, Property Assessments

In a recent interview with WESA, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato reaffirmed their commitment to public safety and juvenile justice reform and advocated for mandatory regular property assessments.

Pittsburgh Schools Closure Proposal Months Away

Pittsburgh Public Schools is considering school consolidations to address challenges in enrollment and finances while emphasizing equitable outcomes, pledging extensive engagement with students, families, and community members before any decisions are made. PublicSource has more.

 

Federal

McCormick Raises $6M in First Quarter, Including $1M of Own Money

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick raised over $6 million in the first quarter of 2024, including $1 million of his own money. The latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll indicates that McCormick has made gains against incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey, who still leads. PennLive 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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