Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, October 28, 2024

October 28, 2024

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Signs Maternal Health Bills

Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation requiring the state Health Department to provide postpartum depression resources for new mothers, as part of a broader “momnibus” initiative aimed at addressing maternal health disparities, particularly among Black women. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

State House Passes Bill to Boost Mass Transit Funding

State House lawmakers have approved a bill to increase state funding for public transportation by raising the percentage of Sales and Use Tax collections transferred to the Public Transportation Trust Fund, which could provide hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. Supporters argue it is essential to prevent significant cuts to mass transit services. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

PHL, PIT, MDT Receive Boost from Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding

Three of Pennsylvania’s airports will receive additional federal funding from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law to support modernization and infrastructure improvements, with Philadelphia (PHL) receiving $27.5 million, Pittsburgh (PIT) $6 million, and Harrisburg (MDT) $3.1 million. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Gov. Shapiro Announces Historic $800M GSK Investment in Lancaster

Gov. Shapiro and GSK leadership announced an $800 million investment to expand the biopharma company’s Lancaster County facility, doubling its capacity, creating at least 200 jobs, and securing Pennsylvania’s role as a leader in life sciences with the Commonwealth’s support of $21 million — the largest such project in county history. PoliticsPA has more.

AG Candidates Outline Strategies to Combat Opioid Crisis

Pennsylvania’s attorney general candidates have outlined different plans to address the opioid crisis, with Democrat Eugene DePasquale emphasizing policy shifts and funding for rehabilitation, while Republican Dave Sunday prioritizes accountability for drug dealers and expanding local treatment initiatives. PennLive has more.

Philadelphia

DA Krasner Sues to Block Musk’s $1M Voter Giveaway as Illegal Lottery

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has sued to stop Elon Musk’s $1 million daily voter giveaway in Pennsylvania, alleging it constitutes an illegal lottery and violates consumer protection laws. The lawsuit follows a warning from the U.S. Justice Department regarding potential violations of federal laws against voter inducements. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Councilmember Squilla Introduces Sixers Arena Legislation

On Thursday, City Councilmember Mark Squilla (District 1) introduced legislation to authorize the proposed Sixers arena in Center City, as well as a proposed zoning overlay for Chinatown aimed at promoting affordable housing and protecting small businesses. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Zoo Unveils $20M Renovation Plans for Bear Country

The Philadelphia Zoo is set to begin a $20 million renovation and expansion of its bear exhibit, named “Bear Country,” in 2026, which will include new habitats, enrichment features, and a focus on bear conservation while temporarily relocating current bears during construction. The Philadelphia Business Journal has more.

Pittsburgh

Gov. Shapiro Unveils $600M Revitalization Plan for Downtown Pittsburgh

Gov. Shapiro announced a $600 million, decade-long plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh with new housing, enhanced public spaces, and safety improvements, supported by state, city, county, and private funding. WESA has more.

Public Commemoration Honors Victims of Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting

A public commemoration was held to remember the six-year anniversary of the 2018 shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which resulted in the deaths of eleven worshippers and injuries to six others during the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. WESA has more.

Federal

PA Electors Who Supported Trump’s 2020 Bid Are Ready to Act Again This Year

Several Pennsylvania Republicans who served as alternate electors for former President Donald Trump in 2020 are willing to repeat their actions this year if he loses, potentially challenging the 2024 election outcome. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Beltway Briefing: “Is the Cake Already Baked?”

Early voting is underway in many states, raising the question: “Is the cake already baked?” Are there still undecided voters out there, or are we just waiting for the remaining ballots to roll in? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French 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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