Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, September 12, 2024

September 12, 2024

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Resumes Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention

On Tuesday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to reinstate Pennsylvania’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, allocating $56.5 million for gun violence prevention efforts. Advocates praise this action, highlighting its potential to enhance safety and support communities impacted by gun violence. WHYY has more.

Sen. Casey, Gov. Shapiro Administration Host Small Business Summit

U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Governor Shapiro hosted the second annual Small Business Empowerment Summit in Harrisburg this week, bringing together more than 400 small business owners, leaders, and procurement specialists to discuss resources and opportunities for growth. The event highlighted the Shapiro Administration’s record increase in state contracts awarded to small and diverse businesses, as well as ongoing efforts to streamline procurement processes and foster economic inclusivity. Lehigh Valley Business has more.

Transit Funding, Utility Protections, Hospital Regulations on PA Legislature’s Fall Agenda

As the Pennsylvania legislature returns this fall, key priorities include securing funding for public transit, reauthorizing utility shut-off protections, and establishing new regulations for hospitals. With only a dozen voting days left, legislators face challenges due to partisan divides and election-year politics, with some issues like minimum wage increases and child sexual abuse relief expected to be difficult to advance. Spotlight PA has more.

Secretary Schmidt Details Plan to Counter Election Disinformation

Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt discussed his approach to countering election disinformation, emphasizing the need to provide accurate information and monitor false claims. He also addressed concerns about noncitizen voter registration, stating there is no evidence of such occurrences, and highlighted the importance of maintaining election integrity amidst misinformation and threats. Scripps News has more.

State Rep. Siegel to Run for Lehigh County Executive in 2025

State Representative Josh Siegel (D-Lehigh) announced his candidacy for Lehigh County executive, becoming the first person to enter the 2025 race. LehighValleyNews.com has more.

PA Review Uncovers Outdated Rules

A recent state government review uncovered outdated regulations, including those requiring campaign reports on diskettes, and recommended updates to modernize state agency rules. PennLive has more.

Rising Power Demand Poses Challenge for PJM Amid Clean Energy Shift

As electricity demand rises, PJM faces challenges with grid reliability due to the increasing dominance of intermittent solar power and the retirement of coal plants. Pennsylvania legislators are pushing for state funding to modernize natural gas plants and address the complexities of energy policy and grid stability amid diverse state regulations. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

 

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Holds Town Hall on Proposed Center City Arena

On Wednesday evening, Mayor Cherelle Parker hosted a community meeting regarding the proposed $1.55 billion Center City Sixers arena. She did not indicate her stance on the arena but promised a decision on the matter soon. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Poverty Rate Sees Largest Decline in a Decade

Philadelphia’s poverty rate saw its largest decline in a decade, though the city remains the poorest among major U.S. cities. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

UArts Seeks Court Approval to Distribute $63M Endowment to Partner Schools

The University of the Arts (UArts), which closed unexpectedly in June, is seeking court approval to distribute its $63 million endowment to schools that enrolled its students, with the largest share going to Temple University. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County to Increase Air Program Fees

Allegheny County’s Board of Health has voted to substantially increase air program fees, a move supported by environmental advocates but criticized by U.S. Steel as excessive and harmful to business, pending final approval by the County Council. PublicSource has more.

Allegheny County Council Approves Settlement in Shuman Center Privatization Dispute

Allegheny County Council has approved a settlement resolving a lawsuit over the privatization of the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center, maintaining the contract with nonprofit Adelphoi while ensuring council oversight for any future extensions. PublicSource has more.

Traffic Calming Measures Coming to Pittsburgh’s Garfield Neighborhood

Pittsburgh is installing traffic calming measures, including speed humps and tables, on Schenley Avenue and North Mathilda Street in Garfield to reduce speeding and enhance road safety as part of its Vision Zero initiative. WESA has more.

 

Federal

VP Harris Takes the Offensive, Provokes Former President Trump in Philadelphia Debate

During Tuesday’s debate in Philadelphia, Vice President Kamala Harris aggressively challenged former President Donald Trump, casting him as extreme and out of touch and keeping Trump on the defensive for a majority of the evening. It remains to be seen whether Pennsylvania voters — particularly those in critical suburban swing districts — were swayed as election day rapidly approaches, though the commonwealth’s own Taylor Swift took to Instagram following the debate to voice her support for Vice President Harris. Both candidates visited the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville to pay their respects on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

Internal Poll Shows Rep. Fitzpatrick Leading Ehasz

Internal polling shows incumbent Republican U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick with a significant 14-point lead over Democratic challenger Ashley Ehasz in the race for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District. PoliticsPA 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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