Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Declines to Make Daily Calendar Public 

One of the key administrative differences between Governor Josh Shapiro and his predecessor Tom Wolf is the former’s refusal to publish his daily calendar publicly, a move that has given critics and proponents of increased transparency pause. Spotlight PA has more.

Governor Shapiro Directs Department of Aging to Develop Master Plan

Last week, Governor Shapiro signed an executive order directing the state’s Department of Aging to develop a 10-year master plan to address the needs of older adults to help them “age with dignity.” Resources included in the plan will include housing, food, health care, and community centers. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

State Senators to Introduce Bill to Implement Runoff Election System

State Senators Ryan Aument (R-Lititz) and Frank Farry (R-Langhorne) have circulated a co-sponsorship memo indicating their intent to introduce legislation that would create a statewide primary runoff system. The Center Square has more.

Delaware County Senate Delegation Reintroduces Hospital Legislation Amid Ongoing Crozer Financial Struggles

Four Delaware County legislators have reintroduced a package of bills to address what they call “financial looting of Pennsylvania hospital systems by private equity and for-profit companies.” The bills coincide with the announcement of a $375 million refinancing deal made by Prospect Medical Holdings, the owner of the imperiled Crozer Health system. WHYY has more.

Majority of 2020 Election Deniers Who Won Their Primaries for Commissioner Positions Expected to Win

Heading into the mid-May primary elections, 45 candidates for local commissioner positions across the state had at some point denied the 2020 election results. While fewer than half of those candidates ended up winning their respective primaries, the majority of those who did are expected to win in the general election. Spotlight PA has more.

IFO Releases May Monthly Revenue Update

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released its monthly revenue update for the month of May. View the report here.

Pennsylvania Teachers Leaving Schools at Alarming Rate

An analysis by the Penn State Center for Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis has found that Pennsylvania teachers are leaving classrooms at the highest rate on record, with 7.7% of the state’s teaching workforce, having left their positions between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Philadelphia

Three CPOC Members Resign in Protest

Three members of the recently created Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) have resigned in protest, with one now former vice chair citing “toxic dysfunction” of the Board. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Vice President Harris to Visit SEIU Event Next Tuesday

Vice President Kamala Harris is slated to visit Philadelphia next Tuesday to participate in a moderated conversation with the international executive board for SEIU. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

New Project HOME Collaboration Aims to Address Opioid Epidemic

Project HOME has announced its new “pioneering” initiative intended to change the way Philadelphia helps individuals experiencing homelessness and struggling with opioid addiction. The new public-private partnership is backed by a $25 million donation by philanthropists Pam Estadt and Ira Lubert. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Mayor Gainey Makes Creation, Preservation of Affordable Housing a Priority

Yesterday, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey announced that the city — alongside the Urban Redevelopment Authority — will issue bonds expected to raise $25 to $40 million in a renewed commitment to create and preserve affordable housing. WESA has more.

Allegheny Executive Fitzgerald Will Not Veto New Campaign Finance Regulations

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald has indicated that he will not veto the new campaign contribution limits set by County Council last week. PublicSource has more.

Tree of Life Trial Officially Underway

The Pittsburgh Tree of Life shooting trial is officially underway, with worshipers and Congregation Rabbi Jeffrey Myers providing testimony about the traumatic ordeal earlier this week. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

 

Federal

Representative Perry, Freedom Caucus Vote “No” on Debt Ceiling Bill

U.S. Representative Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and several other members of the House Freedom Caucus were among those who voted “no” on the debt ceiling bill that passed the House Wednesday. ABC27 has more.

Republicans Contemplate Strategy for 2024 Race Against Popular Incumbent Senator Casey

While many high-profile Republicans have indicated that Senator Bob Casey will be a top target in 2024, his likability and moderate politics make the three-term senator a formidable opponent. Politico has more.

McCormick Considering Second Run for U.S. Senate

Dave McCormick, who lost the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to Dr. Mehmet Oz by a narrow margin in 2022 and is widely expected to run again in 2024, recently sat down with City & State Pennsylvania to discuss his experience in 2022, his new book, and his vision for the future of Pennsylvania. Read more here.

State Senator Mastriano Will Not Run for U.S. Senate

Last week after much build-up, state Senator Doug Mastriano announced that he would not be seeking election to the U.S. Senate. Many of his peers were reportedly opposed to his potential candidacy, as they worried what it could mean for the viability of other Republican candidates on the ballot. 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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