Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Signs Several Bills Into Law

Governor Josh Shapiro signed several new bills into law this week, addressing issues ranging from healthcare, and prison reform to artificial intelligence and tax relief for medical marijuana dispensaries. ABC27 has more.

State Seeks Unprecedented Control of Struggling Health System

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has filed a petition to place Crozer Health under state control. This action comes as Crozer’s owner, Prospect Medical Holdings, plans to close key service lines, which could lead to the system’s collapse and threaten healthcare access in an underserved area. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

State Court Rules Undated Mail-in Ballots Must Be Counted

A Pennsylvania court ruled Wednesday that mail-in ballots without accurate hand-dated envelopes must still be counted, arguing that the requirement infringes on voters’ rights. However, the decision will likely face appeal from Republicans who argue the rule is essential to preserve election integrity. The Associated Press has more.

PA Auditor General Launches Motor Voter Audit

Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor has launched an audit of the state’s motor voter registration program citing concerns raised by Republicans that noncitizens are being registered. Election officials assert there has been no evidence that this has occurred, and voting rights advocates warn the investigation could fuel election distrust. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

How PA Processes Mail-in Ballots

How does Pennsylvania process the more than 2 million mail-in ballots that have been requested by voters? The Philadelphia Inquirer has detailed the process, which may delay final results past election night.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council Advances Arena Legislation

During Thursday’s meeting, City Council voted 11-5 to advance two largely procedural resolutions key to the development and construction of the Sixers’ proposed Center City arena. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Dedicates Additional $2.3M to Aid Students Facing Homelessness

On Tuesday, City and School District officials announced that Philadelphia will allocate $2.3 million to three organizations — Eddie’s House, Valley Youth House, and HopePHL — that offer support for students experiencing homelessness. NBC10 has more.

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Council Challenges Proposed Tax Hike Amid Budget Disputes

Allegheny County Council members are pushing back against County Executive Sara Innamorato’s proposed $2.2 million property tax increase to address an $81 million deficit, urging budget cuts instead, as the December 6 budget approval deadline approaches. WESA has more.

Federal

PA’s Puerto Rican Community Responds to Incendiary Trump Rally Remarks

Puerto Rican activists across the commonwealth are protesting former President Donald Trump after a comedian’s derogatory joke about Puerto Rico at his rally, arguing that the comments could alienate Latino voters who previously supported him. Pennsylvania is home to nearly half a million Puerto Rican people. Axios Philadelphia has more.

How Harris, Trump Campaigns Are Tackling PA’s Gender Divide Differently

The Trump and Harris campaigns are approaching Pennsylvania’s gender divide with different strategies, with Trump’s rallies emphasizing hypermasculinity while Harris’ campaign appeals subtly to women’s issues, like reproductive rights. Harris supporters also encourage women to vote discreetly, as both candidates seek to sway Pennsylvania’s sharply gender-split electorate. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Sen. Casey Targets “Greedflation” in PA Senate Race

In Pennsylvania’s highly competitive Senate race, Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey has taken aim at “greedflation,” criticizing corporate profiteering as a key inflation driver. Some opponents have argued that Sen. Casey’s populist approach, though it may resonate with voters, oversimplifies complex economic issues. NBC News has more.

Sen. Casey Announces $245M to Clean up PA’s Abandoned Mines

Last week, Sen. Casey announced over $245 million in federal funding for the Commonwealth to clean up abandoned mine lands, create jobs, and address health hazards in affected communities. ABC27 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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