Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, August 15, 2024

August 15, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Budget Surplus on Track to Run Dry, Says IFO

Pennsylvania’s budget surplus is projected to be halved according to the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state’s budget watchdog, due to an existing structural deficit and a growing list of obligations. Unless lawmakers find new revenue or cut spending, the state will have to dip into reserves to balance the budget. Spotlight PA has more.

Rep. Sturla Announces Retirement; Local School Board President Tapped to Replace Him on the Ballot

State Representative Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster), the second longest-serving House member, announced his retirement Monday after 34 years of service. Local Democratic officials have selected Manheim Township School Board President Nikki Rivera to replace Rep. Sturla on the ballot ahead of the looming deadline. PoliticsPA has more.

50 PA School Districts to Receive Additional Funding to Alleviate Tax Burden

Pennsylvania will distribute $32 million in tax equity supplements to 50 school districts with high local property taxes, aiming to alleviate tax burdens and address disparities in school funding, as part of a broader $1 billion increase in K-12 education funding. Spotlight PA has more.

Small, Diverse Businesses Receive Record Number of State Contracts

The Shapiro Administration set a record with nearly $700 million awarded to small and diverse businesses through state contracts in 2023-24, following initiatives to improve their access to state procurement opportunities. PennLive has more.

STC Adopts Updated 12-Year Improvement Plan

On Wednesday, the State Transportation Commission (STC) adopted the 2025 12-Year Transportation Program, allocating $88 billion for statewide transportation improvements over the next 12 years, marking a 5% increase from the previous iteration of the plan. PennLive has more.

PA Auditor General’s Office Unveils Updated Website

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor announced a website update that aims to make audit reports and public information easier to access and understand. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Gov. Shapiro Remains Popular in PA Following Time in National Spotlight

Governor Josh Shapiro remains the most popular elected official in Pennsylvania, maintaining strong bipartisan support despite not having been selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Democrats Maintain Voter Registration Advantage in PA

As the November general election approaches, Democrats hold a voter registration advantage in Pennsylvania, with 3.9 million registered voters compared to Republicans’ 3.55 million. More than one million voters are unaffiliated. PoliticsPA has more.

 

Philadelphia

Parker Admin Adds 700 City Jobs Amid Ongoing Staffing Shortage

Mayor Cherelle Parker has increased Philadelphia’s workforce by nearly 700 jobs amid an ongoing City staffing crisis, focusing on filling key roles in the Mayor’s Office, Managing Director’s Office, the Police Department’s civilian staff, and the Streets Department. Axios Philadelphia has more.

Several Local Political Figures Considering Challenging DA Krasner Next Year

At least six people — including a former municipal court judge and former members of City Council — are said to be considering challenging District Attorney Larry Krasner in the Democratic primary next year. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Mental Health “Urgent Care” to Open on North Broad Street

A walk-in mental health clinic offering same-day services for non-crisis patients will open on North Broad Street next month, aiming to reduce unnecessary visits to emergency rooms and crisis centers. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Controller Asks Court to Change Pension Payments Calculation Method

Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor is seeking a court ruling to stop including bonus payments in pension calculations for high-level employees, with the goal of reducing costs and addressing the county’s struggling pension system. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Executive Innamorato Nominates New County Manager

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato has nominated John Fournier, who served as deputy chief of staff for former Mayor Bill Peduto, to be the new county manager, pending approval by the County Council. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

PPS Proposes Closures, Grade Reconfigurations, Magnet Phase-Outs

Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) may face closures, consolidations, and reconfigurations under a new facilities plan aimed at streamlining the district’s buildings and grade structures, with full implementation potentially taking three to five years. PublicSource has more.

 

Federal

Presidential Campaigns Still Focused on Winning Over PA Voters

The Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance tickets are both continuing to campaign extensively throughout Pennsylvania, with U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) making an appearance in Westmoreland County today, former President Donald Trump visiting Wilkes-Barre for a rally Saturday, and Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) kicking off a statewide bus tour in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Recent Cook Political Report, Franklin & Marshall College, and Quinnipiac University polls show the vice president leading the former president among likely Pennsylvania voters, and Pennsylvania Democrats have seen a marked uptick in voter registrations since her official foray into the presidential race.

GOP Senate Hopeful McCormick Criticizes VP Harris on Policy Reversals

Pennsylvania’s closely watched contest between Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick is one of several competitive races that will decide control of the Senate. During a press availability on Tuesday, McCormick took aim at Vice President Harris for her policy reversals on fracking and healthcare, arguing that these changes in position undermine her credibility and reflect poorly on Sen. Casey.

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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