Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, September 30, 2024

September 30, 2024

Pennsylvania

Key State House Races to Watch: Control of Chamber at Stake in November

All 203 state House seats are up for reelection this November, with Democrats currently holding a slim one-seat majority thanks to recent special election victories by Keith Harris and Andre Carroll, who were both officially sworn in today. Key races will determine whether they maintain control or if Republicans reclaim the chamber, with both parties investing heavily in competitive districts. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

New PA Law Strengthens Protections for Child Abuse Victims in DHS Hearings

A new Pennsylvania law provides child abuse victims with greater protections in Department of Human Services (DHS) hearings, allowing them to testify remotely or on tape to avoid facing their accused abusers, similar to existing safeguards in criminal and civil court. KYW Newsradio has more.

Funding Crisis Looms as PA Turnpike Continues to Subsidize Public Transit Amid Rising Tolls

The Pennsylvania Turnpike, which has long subsidized state public transit, faces a new funding crisis as it continues to raise tolls through 2051 to pay off past debts related to public transportation and infrastructure projects. With state lawmakers searching for alternative funding solutions, public transit agencies are warning of potential service cuts without additional state support. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PBM Audit Sparks Election-Year Clash Over Health Care Oversight

Last week, Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor released an audit criticizing the DHS for weak oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), claiming they overcharged taxpayers $7 million. Critics, including Democratic candidate for auditor general Malcolm Kenyatta, argue the report is misleading and politically timed. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Farm Show 2025 Theme Unveiled

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Secretary of Community and Economic Development Rick Siger announced the theme for the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show as “Powering Pennsylvania.” PennLive has more.

 

Philadelphia

PA Supreme Court Blocks Senate Impeachment Trial of DA Krasner

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled last week that the state Senate cannot hold a trial on impeachment charges against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, effectively ending impeachment efforts. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Philadelphia Election Workers Gear Up for Mail Vote Tabulation

Counting mail-in votes for the upcoming election will be a challenging process due to state laws that prohibit processing ballots before 7 a.m. on Election Day. Officials expect that final results may take days to confirm, especially if the race remains close, amid concerns of misinformation surrounding mail voting. The Washington Post gives an overview of what the tabulation process will look like in cities like Philadelphia.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Asks Judge to Dismiss PPS Property Assessments Lawsuit

Allegheny County has requested a judge to dismiss a lawsuit from Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) aimed at enforcing a countywide property reassessment, arguing that the district lacks the legal standing to bring the case and that the assessment issues should be addressed by the state legislature rather than the county. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Harris, Trump Campaigns Continue PA Visits

At a rally in Erie over the weekend, former President Donald Trump intensified his personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, alleging her responsibility for immigration issues and suggesting she should be impeached, while also voicing support for Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined television writer and producer Shonda Rhimes in Plymouth Meeting to highlight the importance of reproductive rights at a Harris-Walz rally.

Beltway Briefing: A Local Pulse on the National Election

State-level political commentary often functions as an echo chamber. As red pockets emerge in traditionally blue states like Illinois, New York, and Virginia, it becomes crucial to analyze and compare the local political dynamics, pressing issues, and recent events driving these shifts to build a meaningful national narrative. How will these local challenges shape federal outcomes? What factors are energizing voters at the grassroots level? And what predictions, if any, can be drawn from these local trends for the top of the ticket? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ John Dunn (Illinois), Rose Christ (New York), and Julia Hammond (Virginia) here.

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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