Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

Pennsylvania

Post Election, PA Lawmakers Focus on State-Level Economic Issues

After an exhausting 2024 election cycle, Pennsylvania lawmakers, facing another divided legislature, are focusing on economic concerns such as deregulation and working-class issues, though the precise approach to these challenges remains unclear. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Nonprofit Fundraising Stalls in State House

A bipartisan bill to allow Pennsylvania nonprofits to accept credit, debit, and mobile payments for raffle ticket sales stalled in the state House, preventing it from being voted on before lawmakers adjourned for the year. Spotlight PA has more.

New Database Tracks PA’s Opioid Settlement Spending, Oversight

A new database from Spotlight PA allows the public to track how Pennsylvania counties are spending opioid settlement funds, revealing over $70 million allocated to about 450 programs, some of which have sparked debate and legal challenges. The database offers transparency on spending decisions, which are subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust, helping to ensure funds are used effectively in addressing the opioid crisis. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Farms Bracing for Impact of Potential Trump Deportation Policies

Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry, which relies heavily on immigrant labor, is preparing for the potential impact of immigration raids and mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed policies. If enacted, these policies could disrupt critical workforce sectors, particularly in dairy, poultry, and mushroom farming, causing economic strain and potentially endangering the livelihoods of workers and their families. PennLive has more.

PA Home Prices Surge 440% Over 40 Years, Still Below National Average

Pennsylvania home prices have surged 440% over the past 40 years, reflecting a broader national trend, though the state’s increase is below the national average of 494%, with housing affordability remaining a key concern despite lower mortgage rates today compared to 1984. Axios Philadelphia has more.

PA Rescinds Culturally Relevant Teaching Guidelines After Lawsuit

Pennsylvania has rescinded its “Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education” guidelines for teachers after a lawsuit from several school districts, teachers, and parents, and will replace them with a new “Common Ground Framework” that focuses on cultural awareness, trauma, and technology without mandating the previous standards. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Study Reveals Inaccurate Provider Directories in PA’s ACA Marketplace Led to Care Delays, Billing Issues

A Pennsylvania Insurance Department study revealed that inaccurate health insurer provider directories on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace led to care delays, scheduling issues, and surprise out-of-network billing, with only 13% of listings containing correct contact information. WKBN has more.

GIANT Donates 15,000 Turkeys to Food Banks for Thanksgiving

The GIANT Company is donating 15,000 turkeys to 24 food banks and community partners across Pennsylvania and nearby states to support holiday meals for families in need. WHTM has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia to Launch Twice-Weekly Trash Pickup in Center City, South Philly

Starting in December, Philadelphia will implement a twice-weekly trash pickup program in Center City and South Philly as part of Mayor Parker’s “clean and green” initiative to reduce litter and illegal dumping. WHYY has more.

Pittsburgh

County Executive Innamorato Revamps Board of Health with New Appointees

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato is set to overhaul the Board of Health with eight new appointees, aiming to address major public health challenges and enhance health equity. WESA has more.

Center of Life Unveils $50M Community Center Plan for Hazelwood Green

Center of Life plans to build a $50 million, 127,000-square-foot community center at Hazelwood Green, aiming to expand services and opportunities for local families. The center will feature early learning, health, and community engagement facilities, with construction set to begin next year. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Considers Turning Closed Schools Into Affordable Housing

Pittsburgh is considering converting closed schools into affordable housing, following the example of former schools like the Larimer School, though challenges such as funding and maintenance complicate these efforts. WESA has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing: The Trump Nominations: Is This What Americans Voted For?

As Trump’s personnel announcements continue to roll out, Americans are given a glimpse into his vision for the next four years. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French here.

PA U.S. Senate Race Recount Underway

A mandatory automatic recount is underway in Pennsylvania’s tight U.S. Senate race, where Democratic incumbent Senator Bob Casey trails Republican challenger Dave McCormick by under 24,000 votes with a slim 0.43% margin. Though Sen. Casey has not conceded the race, he has stressed the importance of counting every vote, while McCormick has intensified his legal battle to prevent the counting of undated mail ballots. PoliticsPA 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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