Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, September 16, 2024

September 16, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Supreme Court Restores Mail Ballot Date Requirement

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reinstated the requirement for mail voters to write a date on their ballot envelope for the vote to be counted, potentially causing thousands of ballots to be rejected. The ruling overturned a lower court decision and focused on jurisdiction, leaving open the possibility of future challenges. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

Gov. Shapiro Signs Executive Order to Create PA’s First Comprehensive Housing Action Plan

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to create Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan, aiming to address the state’s housing shortage and homelessness by developing a strategic, data-driven roadmap within a year. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Shapiro Admin Appoints New State Board to Reform Higher Education in PA

On Friday, Governor Shapiro appointed a new State Board of Higher Education to improve access, affordability, and coordination among Pennsylvania’s higher education institutions, focusing on workforce development and financial stability. The board includes leaders from education, business, labor, and government to guide reforms under the 2024-25 budget. PoliticsPA has more.

Lawmakers, Advocates Call for Reversal of 2011 PA Medicaid Policy Change

A 2011 state policy cut adult Medicaid dental benefits to save money, but lawmakers and health advocates argue it increased overall costs and worsened patient outcomes. They are pushing to restore comprehensive dental coverage, citing higher emergency room bills and negative impacts on employment and health. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Allocates $3M to Provide Free Menstrual Products in Schools

Pennsylvania will allocate $3 million to schools to provide free menstrual products, aiming to reduce period poverty and ensure students can attend class without disruption. WESA has more.

Who’s Running for PA Treasurer?

Pennsylvania’s 2024 election for state treasurer sees Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity focusing on transparency and financial management, while Democratic challenger Erin McClelland is advocating for labor and environmental reforms, emphasizing her opposition to pension privatization. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Supreme Court Upholds Rulings, Narrowing Walsh’s Lead in HD-117 GOP Primary

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected Jamie Walsh’s appeals on two provisional ballots, leaving him with a reduced four-vote lead over incumbent Michael Cabell in the 117th Legislative District Republican primary. PoliticsPA has more.

 

Philadelphia

Proper Funding Crucial for SEPTA’s Future, Says Inquirer Editorial Board

The Editorial Board of the Philadelphia Inquirer argues that properly funding SEPTA is crucial for the city’s economic health, as cuts and fare hikes would reduce ridership and exacerbate financial woes. The Board warns that failing to address SEPTA’s budget crisis could lead to widespread regional issues, including increased traffic congestion and hindered economic growth. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Historical Commission Approves Washington Square West Historic District 

The Philadelphia Historical Commission has unanimously approved the creation of the Washington Square West Historic District, encompassing 26 blocks of historically significant properties spanning from the colonial era to the 1980s. WHYY has more.

Gates Foundation Backs $35M Investment in Philadelphia-Area Biotech Company

Radiant Biotherapeutics has secured $35 million in funding, including from the Gates Foundation, to advance its innovative Multabody technology targeting cancer, COVID, and HIV. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Offers $500,000 to Victims of Fern Hollow Bridge Collapse

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration has offered $500,000 to victims of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse, the maximum allowable under state law, pending City Council and judicial approval. The offer, which was unexpected by plaintiffs’ attorneys, aims to simplify liability claims and resolve the case, with further discussions planned in court. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Beltway Briefing: Cats, Dogs & Taylor Swift

Did the minds of any voters change after the Harris-Trump debate? Does the debate matter for down ballot races? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson here.

Presidential Debate Spotlights Key PA Issues

The recent presidential debate highlighted key policy issues for Pennsylvania, including fracking regulations, housing affordability, U.S. support for Ukraine, and immigration, all of which could significantly impact state policy and the local economy. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

FBI Investigates Gunshots Near Former President Trump’s Golf Outing as Possible Assassination Attempt

The FBI is investigating an apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump after shots were fired near him at a Florida golf course, though he remains unharmed. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Gov. Shapiro Stumps for VP Harris in Philadelphia

Governor Shapiro helped launch Vice President Kamala Harris’ “Fighting for Reproductive Freedom” bus tour in Philadelphia, criticizing former President Trump’s stance on abortion while advocating for reproductive rights across Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Sen. Casey Announces Tariff Increase on China to Protect PA Jobs, Manufacturers

U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced a tariff increase on China to safeguard Pennsylvania’s manufacturers and workers from unfair trade practices. This move, endorsed by the Biden Administration, aims to counteract China’s economic aggression and bolster U.S. manufacturing and national security. Lehigh Valley Business 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News