Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, April 1, 2024

April 1, 2024

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Signs Four Bills Into Law

Governor Josh Shapiro signed four bills into law last week, addressing issues such as fishing license exemptions for therapeutic recreation programs, new regulations for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, technical changes to the Borough Code, and solid waste collection and disposition. WHTM has more.

State House Passes 18 Bills in Second Week Back

The state House passed 18 bills in its second week back last week, covering topics ranging from landlord accountability to food allergy awareness, including “Kayden’s Law” and designating Hershey’s Kisses as the state candy. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Primary Falls on Passover, Leaving Some Jewish Voters Feeling Marginalized

Pennsylvania’s upcoming primary election on April 23 coincides with Passover, potentially impacting Jewish voters’ ability to participate in person and sparking concerns about disenfranchisement and conflicting civic and religious obligations. Spotlight PA has a comprehensive guide on the primary. The Morning Call has more.

Northwest Philadelphia Progressive Poised to Become State Representative

Andre Carroll, a Democratic candidate for state representative in Philadelphia’s 201st House District, is now running unopposed in the April 23 primary on a platform focused on gun violence prevention, mental health services for youth, and economic issues in his deeply blue district. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Western PA Braces for Solar Eclipse Tourism

Erie, Crawford, Warren and Mercer Counties are bracing for an increase in tourism for next week’s solar eclipse on April 8, prompting a voter registration extension, traffic precautions, and school schedule changes statewide. WESA has more.

 

Philadelphia

City Council Advances Homelessness, Drug Use Data Collection Mandate

Philadelphia City Council advanced legislation to compel the city to collect and share more data on drug overdoses and homelessness after the Mayor’s administration failed to produce the information weeks after it was promised. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Mayor Parker Announces New School Board Members

Mayor Cherelle Parker has announced her new school board, comprising both existing members and newcomers and encompassing expertise from various fields. The new school board will be responsible for shaping the future of the Philadelphia School District and its $4.5 billion budget. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

IBX CEO Greg Deavens to Take on Chamber of Commerce Leadership Role

This fall, CEO of Independence Health Group Gregory Deavens will begin a two-year term leading the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. He discusses navigating challenges related to gun violence and the return to in-person work with the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Philadelphia Region Among Major U.S. Metros Where Average Home Does Not Require Six-Figure Income to Afford

Philadelphia is among the 13 major metropolitan areas where households earning less than six figures can afford a median-priced home. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Should Pitt Consider Increasing Spending to Lower Cost for Students?

The University of Pittsburgh spends less of its multibillion-dollar endowment compared to similar institutions, while tuition has continued to increase, raising questions about its allocation choices amid rising college costs. PublicSource has more.

 

Federal

PA Named by The Hill One of Senate Seats Most Likely to Flip in 2024

The Hill has highlighted Pennsylvania as one of the U.S. Senate seats most likely to flip in the upcoming general election, though they highlight the significant challenges facing Republican David McCormick in his efforts to unseat three-term incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey. The Hill has more.

SCOTUS Case May Threaten Reproductive Care in PA

In Pennsylvania, more than half of abortions are medication abortions available via telehealth appointments. A recent U.S. Supreme Court case threatens access to this safe and effective method, pending a ruling expected this summer. WESA has more.

U.S. Rep. From PA Does not Want Federal Funds Allocated to Baltimore Bridge Repair

U.S. Representative Dan Meuser (R-09) has criticized President Joe Biden’s plan to use federal funds to repair the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, suggesting alternative funding sources and expressing concerns about taxpayer spending. PennLive 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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