Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, October 17, 2024

October 17, 2024

Pennsylvania

DePasquale, Sunday Clash in AG Debate

In their first statewide debate, state attorney general candidates Dave Sunday (R) and Eugene DePasquale (D) discussed issues ranging from gun violence and drug prevention to artificial intelligence. DePasquale emphasized his experience as auditor general and Sunday highlighted his prosecutorial background. PoliticsPA has more.

Funding Gaps, Staffing Issues Lead to Nursing Home Closures Across PA

Nursing home closures in Pennsylvania — driven by funding shortages, Medicaid reimbursement issues, staffing mandates, and private ownership models — are reducing access to quality care and causing distress for residents, families, and workers. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Distributes 50,000 Xylazine Wound Care Kits in Response to Overdose Crisis

Nearly $500,000 has been spent on distributing 50,000 xylazine wound care kits to 240 organizations across the commonwealth as part of a harm-reduction effort to combat the increasing health risks associated with xylazine, which has significantly contributed to overdose deaths. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Lehigh Valley Semiconductor Firm Eyes $93M in CHIPS Funding

Infinera, a semiconductor manufacturer in the Lehigh Valley, is in talks to secure up to $93 million in federal funding through the CHIPS and Science Act, potentially leading to over $200 million in total incentives and the creation of around 1,700 jobs. Lehigh Valley Business has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council Moves to Ban Landlord Rent Price-Fixing

Philadelphia City Council has advanced legislation aimed at preventing landlords from coordinating rental prices, which would allow the city to sue violators on behalf of tenants and impose fines. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia to Enhance Mail Ballot Processing Speed with New Equipment

Philadelphia plans to expedite mail ballot processing for the upcoming election by utilizing faster equipment, after an analysis highlighted significant delays compared to Allegheny County due largely to outdated tools and staffing issues. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

Pittsburgh

Gov. Shapiro Launches New AI Tech Hub in Pittsburgh

Governor Josh Shapiro headlined the inaugural Pittsburgh AI Summit on Monday, officially launching the city as an “NVIDIA AI Tech Community” with new AI research centers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. The initiative aims to foster innovation across robotics, health sciences, and technology, while addressing concerns about equitable access to the AI economy. WESA has more.

PA Aims to Legalize E-Scooters on Streets, Reviving Pittsburgh’s Shared Program

Pending legislation in the state House aims to legalize e-scooter usage on public streets and renew Pittsburgh’s shared-scooter program, enhancing mobility and safety for residents while establishing regulations for riders similar to those for cyclists. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Pittsburgh Mayor Gainey Outlines Vision for Revitalized Downtown

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey envisions transforming Downtown into a vibrant residential and entertainment hub, emphasizing increased housing and cultural initiatives while addressing ongoing concerns about crime and vacant offices. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pittsburgh City Council Considers Conflicting Community Home Zoning Bills

The Pittsburgh City Council is set to debate two conflicting bills regarding community home zoning, one aimed at streamlining the approval process for smaller group homes and the other proposing additional oversight and public hearings for such facilities. WESA has more.

Federal

Harris, Trump Campaigns Visit Southeastern PA

During a Wednesday campaign stop in Bucks County, Vice President Kamala Harris described former President Donald Trump as a threat to the U.S. Constitution and emphasized her commitment to unify the country. This visit followed a bizarre Monday night Trump campaign town hall in nearby Montgomery County, which included an “impromptu concert.”

Sen. Casey, McCormick Meet in Final Debate Ahead of Election

In their final debate before the 2024 election, incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick clashed over key issues including clean energy policy, gun laws, and abortion rights. The Senate race is one of the most expensive of the year. PennLive has more.

Liz Cheney Backs Democratic Rep. Susan Wild in PA-7 Race

Former Congressmember and high-profile Republican Liz Cheney has endorsed incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative Susan Wild in the pivotal race for Pennsylvania’s 7th congressional district, highlighting the need for leaders who respect democracy amid threats to election integrity. The race is one of several in Pennsylvania that are considered competitive and could determine control of the House.

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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