Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, July 18, 2024

Pennsylvania

PASSHE Board of Governors Votes to Freeze In-State Tuition

The Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors voted to keep in-state tuition frozen for the seventh consecutive year at Pennsylvania’s 10 state universities, which will be supported by a 6% increase in state funding. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

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Democratic State Reps. Bullock, Kinsey Resign

State Representatives Donna Bullock (D-Philadelphia) and Stephen Kinsey (D-Philadelphia) stepped down this week, with just a few days left in the legislative session. Though the vacancies have served Republicans a slim majority in the state House, the seats are expected to remain blue following September 17 special elections. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Recent Political Violence Reignites PA Gun Control Debate 

While Pennsylvania Democrats cite the most recent act of political violence against former President Donald Trump as a reason to oppose the sale of semi-automatic weapons — like those used by the suspected gunman during last week’s Butler rally, as well as several mass shootings across the Commonwealth — Republicans remain steadfast in their support of civilian use of the AR-15. Billy Penn has more.

PA Creates Commission to Address Rural Population Decline

Pennsylvania lawmakers have created a Rural Population Revitalization Commission to combat the faster-than-expected decline in rural populations by developing targeted solutions and recommendations for revitalizing these communities. Spotlight PA has more.

$500M Federal Grant Will Help Replace I-83/South Bridge

A $500 million federal grant will help fund the $1.2 billion replacement of Harrisburg’s I-83/South Bridge, expected to be completed by the end of the decade, enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.

Scammers Impersonating PA Turnpike Commission Plague Residents

More than 700 Pennsylvanians have received texts from scammers claiming to be the “Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services,” alleging that the recipient has an unpaid balance, and requesting personal financial information. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission warns residents to avoid clicking the link if they receive such a text. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Access to Mine Cleanup, Revitalization Funds Limited in PA

Pennsylvania is one of several mining states that lacks access to federal funds for mine cleanup and redevelopment. Though the funding is typically funneled through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grant program, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that only 29% of applicable funds have been used, indicating significant delays in the approval process for projects. WESA has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia School District Needs Teachers

The Philadelphia School District needs to hire hundreds of crucial educational employees, including teachers, climate staff, and special education assistants, before classes start on August 26, with significant vacancies remaining despite ongoing hiring efforts. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Drexel Appoints Interim President

Drexel University appointed Denis O’Brien, a long-time trustee and former president of Exelon Utilities, as interim president. President John Fry will be leaving Drexel to become Temple University’s next president beginning in November. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philly Gardeners Could Reap Fruitful Benefits from New State Law

Under a newly passed state adverse possession law that goes into effect in September, Philadelphia’s urban gardeners can earn land ownership if they have taken care of the parcel for more than ten years. Current Pennsylvania law has set the limit at 21 years. WHYY has more.

Pittsburgh

County Council Considers New Property Assessment Data Standards 

Allegheny County Council is considering legislation that, if passed, will reform the system responsible for property assessments. To mitigate property value inconsistencies, the bill will require the Office of Property Assessments to employ state and international standards in its valuations. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Health Board Approves Rental Housing Regulation Improvements

Allegheny County’s Board of Health has voted to support a housing advisory committee to improve rental housing regulations, pending approval from the County Council, despite opposition from landlord groups. WESA has more.

City Councilor Requests Pittsburgh Permitting Process Reform

Pittsburgh City Councilor Bob Charland (District 3) is imploring Mayor Ed Gainey to streamline the City’s permit acquisition process. The current mechanism to secure a permit exists entirely online, making it more difficult for those with less internet literacy to acquire a permit. Councilor Charland wants to create an in-person registration system, so all constituents have equal access to the necessary application materials for residential construction. WESA has more.

Federal

GOP Hopes Trump’s VP Pick Helps Secure Young PA Voters

U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) has been selected as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, becoming the first millennial to be on a major-party ticket. In a race where many have weaponized President Joe Biden’s age, Sen. Vance may offer Trump and Republicans a unique opportunity to try to connect with younger voters, particularly in rust belt states like Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Senate Candidates Rakes in Big Bucks

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger David McCormick each raised more than $8 million in Q2, with Sen. Casey’s campaign expenditures nearly twice McCormick’s between April and June, according to recent campaign finance records. The Pennsylvania Capital Star has more.

Senate Hopeful McCormick Speaks at RNC

David McCormick spoke at the Republican National Convention (RNC) this week, telling delegates that a vote for Trump over Biden amounts to a vote for strength over weakness. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

DNC Funnels $15M into Swing State Campaigns

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has announced that it plans to invest $15 million in campaign operations in seven swing states, with Pennsylvania to receive $2 million to fund staffing increases and new field offices. WESA has more.

SCOTUS Decides on Landmark EPA Case

The U.S. Supreme Court recently sided with Ohio, Virginia, and Indiana in challenging the “Good Neighbor Plan,” a cross-state initiative aimed at reducing the allotted amount of nitrous oxide a power plant can burn into the atmosphere. The high court voted 5-4, effectively blocking the 2023 EPA rule, which could impact Pennsylvania air quality. StateImpact Pennsylvania has more.

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