Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, September 26, 2024

September 26, 2024

Pennsylvania

GOP Lawmakers Question Voter Registration Process Following PA Supreme Court Ruling on Luzerne County Primary Dispute

Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about Pennsylvania’s automatic voter registration practices following a state Supreme Court decision regarding provisional ballots and PennDOT’s authority to update voter registrations during vehicle registration changes. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Voting Rights Groups Urge PA Supreme Court to Resolve Mail Ballot Dating Requirement

Voting rights groups are urging the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to quickly address whether the requirement for voters to date their mail ballot return envelopes violates the state constitution before the November election. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

Walsh Finally Certified Winner of GOP HD-117 Nomination

Jamie Walsh was certified as the Republican nominee for the 117th state House District after narrowly defeating incumbent Mike Cabell by four votes, following months of appeals. CHNI News has more.

Abortion Ranks as Top Concern for Nearly Half PA Voters

Nearly half of Pennsylvania voters consider abortion a key issue for the 2024 presidential election, with sharp divisions by party affiliation, according to a Spotlight PA poll.

PA Minimum Wage Likely to Remain Stagnant for Another Year

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is expected to remain at $7.25 for another year despite bipartisan support for an increase to $15, as political disagreements and lack of action in the Republican-controlled Senate hinder progress. WESA has more.

Could the Next President Help Close PA’s Housing Gap?

Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump aim to address Pennsylvania’s housing shortage by increasing federal support for new housing, which could help close the state’s 100,000-unit gap and make homeownership more affordable. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Unveils Sixers Arena Agreement Details

Yesterday, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the terms of the City’s agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers for the proposed $1.55 billion Center City arena, which includes an economic opportunity plan for a diverse workforce and a $50 million community benefits agreement. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Appeals Opioid Settlement Spending Ruling

Philadelphia is appealing the Pennsylvania Opioid Trust’s decision rejecting its proposal to use $7.5 million in opioid settlement funds for its “Kensington Plan.” The City argues that these efforts will help prevent substance use disorder and overdose deaths. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

City Council Tentatively Approves $1M for 2026 NFL Draft Preparations

Pittsburgh City Council has given preliminary approval to allocate $1 million to support the hosting of the 2026 NFL Draft, contributing to a collective fund aimed at enhancing municipal services and promoting the event throughout the region. WESA has more.

County Executive Innamorato Signs First Executive Order

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signed her first executive order, AGH H.I.R.E.S., focusing on workforce development by improving recruitment, employee retention, training, and offering educational opportunities to county workers, setting a standard for regional businesses. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Parents Rally Against Pittsburgh Public School Closures

Parents and advocates in Pittsburgh are protesting what they consider to be a rushed plan to close 16 schools, arguing that the proposed closures disproportionately affect Black, brown, and disabled students. WESA has more.

Federal

VP Harris, Former President Trump Continue Campaigning in Western PA

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Pittsburgh this week to outline her economic plan, focusing on middle-class tax breaks, affordable childcare and housing, support for small businesses, and investments in manufacturing, innovation, and new technologies to boost domestic industries. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has announced plans to return to Butler County in early October.

Where Do PA’s U.S. Senate Candidates Stand on the Issues?

Spotlight PA has published a guide on where Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick stand on issues including abortion, childcare, and health insurance.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson Pushes to Pass Farm Bill

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15) is among several high-profile Republicans urging Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) to prioritize the passage of the 2024 Farm Bill, which has bipartisan support but faces delays in moving to the House floor. Punchbowl News has more.

Ukraine President Zelenskyy Visits PA Ammunition Plant, Thanks Workers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a Pennsylvania ammunition plant to thank workers for producing critical 155 mm artillery shells for Ukraine’s defense against Russia, while also requesting increased support during his visit to the U.S. The Associated Press 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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