Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

Pennsylvania

Gov Shapiro. Signs 3 Bills Into Law

Governor Josh Shapiro signed three bills into law on Wednesday, establishing the capital budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, updating compensation rules for supervisors in second-class townships by removing a long-standing cap, and allowing tenants to remain in rental properties during repairs if deemed safe by municipal code enforcement. WHTM has more.

PA Senate Passes 5 Bills Ahead of Brief Recess

The state Senate passed five bills this week, including a reauthorization of the One Call System for utility lines, an addition to the state’s sex offender statute addressing sexual assault by sports officials, and more. PennLive has more.

PA House Advances ACA Protections Bills 

This week, the state House advanced bills to embed key protections from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including coverage for pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to stay on family plans, into state law if the federal law is overturned. The Harris campaign recently released a report on potential negative impacts on Pennsylvanians should the ACA be repealed. PennLive has more.

PA House Republicans Unveil Anti-Crime Bill Package

On Monday, state House Republicans introduced a package of anti-crime bills aimed at prevention, policing, prosecution, and punishment, despite recent FBI data indicating a national decline in violent crime. LancasterOnline has more.

PA Lawmakers Clash Over Utility Customer Protections

State lawmakers are under pressure to reauthorize the state’s utility cutoff protection law before it expires at the end of the year. Both chambers of the General Assembly have passed their own versions of the bill but remain divided on key details. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Transit Leaders Urge State Lawmakers to Pass Critical Funding

A bipartisan coalition of Pennsylvania unions, business leaders, and transit officials are calling on state lawmakers to pass a transportation funding bill before the legislature adjourns. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

ACLU Sues Luzerne County Over Decision to Remove Mail Ballot Drop Boxes

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against Luzerne County after its decision not to deploy mail ballot drop boxes for the General Election. Voting is already underway in Pennsylvania, with counties across the commonwealth mailing ballots and opening satellite election offices. WVIA has more.

Where Do AG Candidates Stand on the Issues?

Candidates for attorney general, Democrat Eugene DePasquale and Republican Dave Sunday, have both emphasized their commitment to defending current state election laws, including mail voting and voter privacy, though express differing views on issues like ballot curing and voter ID requirements. Spotlight PA has more.

State Board Proposes Expanding Medical Marijuana Program to Nurse Practitioner, Podiatrist Patients

Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board has proposed allowing nurse practitioners and podiatrists to certify patients for medical marijuana cards, potentially expanding access to the program. This change, which now awaits approval from state Health Secretary Debra Bogen, aims to improve patient options and reduce certification costs. Spotlight PA has more.

Farmers Push for Sunday Hunting to Combat Deer Damage

Support from farmers may lead Pennsylvania lawmakers to reconsider a long-standing state Sunday hunting ban after the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau shifted its stance due to increasing crop damage from deer. Spotlight PA has more.

Fracking in PA Falls Short of Expectations

Fracking in Pennsylvania has fallen short of expectations, with jobs in the industry making up less than 1% of the workforce, ongoing concerns about health impacts, and persistent environmental damage two decades after the first shale gas well was drilled. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia

Rate of Overdose Deaths Decreases, Though Racial Disparities Persist

While Philadelphia has seen a decrease in overdose deaths for the first time in five years, death rates among Black men have risen significantly — a concerning trend in racial health disparities also seen nationally. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Wawa Named Nation’s Best Convenience Store

Philadelphia perennial favorite Wawa has been named the best convenience store in the U.S. according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, recognized for its exceptional food offerings as it expands into new markets. Axios Philadelphia has more.

Pittsburgh

Proposed Pittsburgh Budget Would Cut Parks, Planning, Facilities Spending

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s proposed 2025 budget includes significant cuts to parks, planning, and facilities spending, while maintaining a historically low number of police officers. The budget aims to adapt to a projected $38 million revenue drop due to the end of federal pandemic aid. PublicSource has more.

Allegheny County Leaders Discuss Spike in Child Homelessness

Mayor Gainey, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, and U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-34) highlighted the alarming 12% rise in child homelessness in the County during a rally advocating for enhanced support services and funding. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Controller Warns of Potential $60M Deficit

Allegheny County is projected to face a $60 million deficit by year’s end, driven by a $20 million shortfall in revenue, prompting concerns about the depletion of its rainy-day fund and the need to dip into reserves to cover expenses. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Allegheny County to Solicit Public Input on Opioid Settlement Spending

Allegheny County will hold public meetings to gather community input on spending approximately $90 million in opioid settlement funds aimed at addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and supporting affected individuals and programs. WESA has more.

Federal

How Might PA Voters’ Attitudes on Gender Impact Election Outcome?

For nearly 300 years, Pennsylvania has not elected a woman to lead as governor or in the U.S. Senator, raising questions about the state’s readiness to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Despite recent gains in female political representation, a significant gender gap in voter support persists, with many concerned that VP Harris’ gender may negatively impact her candidacy. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Sen. Casey, McCormick to Face Off in First Debate Tonight

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger David McCormick are set to meet for their first debate in a closely watched race. With over $150 million already spent, the candidates are vying for key voter support, and are likely to highlight issues like labor rights, inflation, and national security. 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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