Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, September 9, 2024

September 9, 2024

Pennsylvania

Relief for Abuse Victims, Other Constitutional Amendments Likely Stalled

Six proposed constitutional amendments, including one that would extend the statute of limitations for childhood abuse survivors, are unlikely to pass before the legislative session ends on November 30. The split control of the House and Senate has stalled progress on these measures, with any that do not advance needing to restart the lengthy amendment process. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Court Rules County Erroneously Rejected Provisional Ballots for Dating Errors

A Pennsylvania court ruled that Butler County was incorrect in rejecting provisional ballots from voters whose mail ballots were voided due to errors. This decision could set a statewide precedent as a broader case on mail ballot dating requirements advances to the state Supreme Court. Spotlight PA has more.

Applications for PA Schools to Get Solar Energy Grants to Open Soon

A new program will soon help schools install solar panels, potentially saving them significant energy costs and creating local jobs. Funded by $25 million in state and federal money, applications for the Solar for Schools grant are expected to open in mid-October. WESA has more.

Gov. Shapiro Endorses 20 as Dems Push to Expand PA House Majority

Governor Josh Shapiro has endorsed 20 state House candidates as Democrats aim to expand their narrow majority. Shapiro’s endorsements focus on key races where Democrats hope to unseat Republican incumbents and strengthen their legislative presence. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Who’s Running for PA Attorney General, Auditor General?

Democrat Eugene DePasquale and Republican Dave Sunday are competing to become Pennsylvania’s next attorney general, a pivotal role that shapes the Commonwealth’s law enforcement priorities and addresses key issues like public safety, abortion rights, and the opioid crisis. Meanwhile, The race for state auditor general features incumbent Republican Tim DeFoor and Democratic challenger and current state Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), both competing to lead an office that monitors public spending to prevent waste and fraud.

DelCo Launches Pilot to Divert Certain Offenders to Mental Health Treatment

Delaware County is launching a pilot program allowing police to refer individuals with mental health issues to treatment instead of arrest, aiming to divert low-level offenders from the criminal justice system. WHYY has more.

Text-to-911 Service Launches Statewide in PA

Text-to-911 is now available across all Pennsylvania counties, allowing residents to send text messages to emergency services for help. WGAL has more.

 

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker to Hold Town Hall on Proposed Center City Sixers Arena

Mayor Cherelle Parker will host a town hall at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Wednesday to discuss the proposed Sixers arena, a project she has not yet taken a firm stance on. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Parker Admin Settles Contract with Union Disputing Return-to-Office Policy

The Parker Administration has successfully reached a contract extension with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 47 — which represents about 3,700 City employees like social workers and building inspectors — including raises and additional benefits. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Efforts to Revitalize Kensington, Deter Open-Air Drug Market Ongoing

Recent police sweeps in Kensington have reduced visible drug use but have yet to fully address the ongoing open-air drug market. Critics argue that ongoing efforts lack sufficient support services. Billy Penn has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Mayor Gainey Announces Reelection Bid

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey launched his reelection bid Saturday, highlighting his administration’s successes while acknowledging ongoing challenges her hopes to continue working on during a second term. WESA has more.

 

Federal

What to Expect From Tomorrow’s Presidential Debate

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will participate tomorrow in their only planned debate ahead of the November election. The debate, which will be hosted at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, will follow strict rules set by ABC News, including muted microphones and no live audience. Both candidates have campaigned heavily in Pennsylvania, recognizing that a loss there would significantly hinder their paths to the presidency. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

How Changing Demographics in PA Suburbs Could Impact Election Outcomes

Suburban areas around Harrisburg, traditionally Republican strongholds, are increasingly leaning Democratic, which could be crucial for Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania’s upcoming election. The shifting political landscape reflects broader changes as suburban voters, like those in Lower Allen, move away from the GOP and toward Democratic candidates. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Beltway Briefing: < 60 Days Out: An Unprecedented Election

The media’s narrative has Democrats viewing the presidential race through rose-colored glasses, but this election will be decided by razor-thin margins. While the Harris-Walz campaign positions itself as the “changemakers,” many Americans are still unsure what their vision of “change” truly means. Tuesday’s first Harris-Trump debate gives former President Donald Trump a critical chance to redirect the conversation from personality politics back to policy. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Mark Alderman here.

Rep. Wild, Mackenzie Engage in Heated PA-7 Debate

In a contentious debate for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Susan Wild and Republican challenger Ryan Mackenzie clashed over issues like Social Security, the economy, and military intervention, reflecting the high stakes in this closely watched race. LehighValleyNews.com 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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