Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, August 28, 2023

August 28, 2023

Pennsylvania

State Democrats Lean Into Abortion Rights Issue in Hopes of Keeping Supreme Court Majority

Democrats in Pennsylvania are hoping to leverage the same abortion rights-fueled voter enthusiasm that catapulted them to victory in several high-profile midterm elections in 2022 to hold onto their state Supreme Court majority this November. The Associated Press has more.

Governor Shapiro Will Not Intervene to Allow Release of State Police Officer Data

Governor Josh Shapiro will not be intervening to allow the release of the Pennsylvania State Police’s database of certified police officers despite a request from a national coalition of newsrooms who use the data in analysis and reporting. Spotlight PA has more.

State Faces Obstacles to Implementation of New Broadband Infrastructure

Over the next few years, Pennsylvania will be receiving a much needed $1 billion in federal infrastructure dollars to increase broadband access across the commonwealth. However, there are several hurdles the state faces in order to deliver high-speed internet service to rural Pennsylvanians. WESA has more.

Representative Schemel Will Not Seek Re-Election

State Representative Paul Schemel (R-Franklin) has announced that he will not be running for re-election in 2024. PoliticsPA has more.

Pennsylvania Public Schools to Offer Universal Free Breakfast Despite Concerns of Low Participation

This year, all of Pennsylvania’s 1.7 million public school students will have access to free school-provided breakfast thanks to an initiative championed by Governor Shapiro in the FY24 state budget. However, worries persist about potential under-utilization of the new program. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Philadelphia

Councilmember Johnson to Run for Council President

District 2 City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson will be running to succeed current City Council President Darrell Clarke in January 2024. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

SEPTA to Provide Free Fare Passes for City Employees, Low-Income Residents

This Friday, SEPTA will launch the largest expansion of its Key Advantage program to date, expanding free fares to nearly all City of Philadelphia employees and thousands of residents living at or near the federal poverty level. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Releases New Resource Guide to Combat Gun Violence 

The City of Philadelphia has released an updated resource guide — including housing, education, employment, health, and victim’s services —  to help residents prevent and combat gun violence. WHYY has more.

Local Environmental Leader, Organizations Hope to Convert Vacant Lots Into New Park System

Overbrook Environmental Education Center cofounder Jerome Shabazz is partnering with the Audubon Society, Temple and Drexel Universities, and city officials to convert Philadelphia’s vacant lots into small-scale parks. Billy Penn has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Corporate Buyers Make Homeownership More Difficult in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Counties, PCRG Study Finds

A study recently released by the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG) finds that corporate buyers are making it increasingly more difficult for individuals to participate in the Pittsburgh and Allegheny County real estate markets. WESA has more.

Mobile Payment Coming to PRT Light Rail System

A smartphone payment system may be coming to Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s (PRT) light rail system as soon as next week following a two-year delay to meet federal safety requirements. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

 

Federal

Politicos Question Candidate’s Claims of Freedom Caucus Support

When Republican pro-life activist Mark Houck announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District — the seat currently held by Republican U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick — he claimed to have backing from four members of the House Freedom Caucus. However, this support appears to be dissipating. 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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