Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 25, 2024

April 25, 2024

Pennsylvania

CPS’s Mark Alderman, Joe Hill Named to Power 100

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Founder & Chairman Mark Alderman and Managing Director Joseph Hill have been named among City & State Pennsylvania’s 2024 Power 100. Widely known for their influence and access in the Keystone State, Mark and Joe have a finger on the pulse of the government and political landscape.

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Quarter of Registered PA Voters Turned Out for Primary

Only one in four registered Republican and Democratic voters in Pennsylvania participated in the 2024 presidential primary, with turnout exceeding 30% in only 12 of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. Wyoming County led in turnout with 34.6%, while approximately 18% of Philadelphia voters and 20% of Pittsburgh voters turned out. PoliticsPA has more. Read CPS’s primaries recap here.

Some PA Voters Still Encountered Issues With Mail-In Ballot Envelopes, Despite Redesign

Despite a redesign prompted by ongoing litigation, some voters still failed to correctly complete Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary mail-in ballot envelopes, leading to potential disqualification of some votes. The new envelopes required voters to complete the year by adding “24.” Spotlight PA has more.

Looming End of ACP Could Put Affordable Internet Connection Out of Reach for Low-Income Pennsylvanians

A looming federal funding shortage for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) could result in higher internet bills for many Pennsylvanians, potentially impacting state efforts to expand broadband access despite recent investments of more than $200 million. Spotlight PA has more.

Advocates Push for Limits on Polluting Industries Seeking to Locate, Expand in Vulnerable Communities

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Donna Bullock (D-Philadelphia) would require companies to assess their potential environmental impact on areas with high poverty or minority populations and allow state regulators to deny permits. WESA has more.

Bipartisan Group of State Lawmakers Propose Tougher Oversight of PBMs

A bipartisan effort led by state legislators from Allegheny County aims to tighten regulations on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to support local pharmacies and ensure fair practices in the drug pricing market. WESA has more.

 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Voters Approve RCO Ballot Question

During Tuesday’s primary election, Philadelphia voters approved a ballot question requiring the City to indemnify Registered Community Organizations (RCOs), allowing legal protections for neighborhood groups involved in zoning matters. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

SEPTA Adds Metro Info to Website, Launches Multi-Rider Feature 

SEPTA unveiled new Metro colors and nomenclature on its website, marking the beginning of a two-year transition plan to communicate name changes for subway, elevated train, and trolley lines, aiming to simplify wayfinding and improve rider experience. SEPTA also announced that, starting Monday, Key cards will allow up to five riders to share the same card across all modes of transportation.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County IPRB Has Yet to Probe a Case

Three years after its establishment, the Allegheny County Independent Police Review Board (IPRB) faces challenges with vacancies and limited jurisdiction, raising questions about its effectiveness in overseeing public complaints against more than 100 police departments, particularly as it has yet to take action on any of the complaints received. PublicSource has more.

Energy Secretary Visits Western PA Steel Plant to Promote New Federal Energy Efficiency Regulation, Jobs

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visited the Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works in Lyndora to highlight the Biden administration’s support for American-made steel, including a $75 million investment to reduce carbon emissions. The Allegheny Front has more.

 

Federal

Biden, Trump Campaigns Each Face Challenges in PA

As Pennsylvania gears up for the November general election, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have focused much of their time and campaign resources in the critical battleground state. Each campaign faces its own hurdles in the Commonwealth, with protest votes occurring on both Democratic and Republican ballots in the form of write-in votes and votes for Nikki Haley, respectively.

How Might High-Stakes Presidential Race Influence High-Stakes Senate Race?

The U.S. Senate race’s outcome will likely depend to some extent on how candidates navigate the high-profile presidential race and other political influences. According to recent focus groups, neither incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey nor his Republican challenger David McCormick has much name recognition among swing voters.

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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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