Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, April 3, 2023

April 3, 2023

Pennsylvania

PennDOT Officials Outline Plans to Improve Safety, Accessibility of Transit

Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) testified during a budget hearing Thursday about their goal to use state funding to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians, reconnect communities, and construct housing that is accessible to existing transit corridors. The Center Square has more.

Governor Shapiro Proposes Increased Emergency Services Spending as Part of Budget

As part of his proposed 2023-24 budget, Governor Josh Shapiro is calling for a $50 million investment in emergency dispatch systems, as well as $36 million for new equipment and training in order to better equip emergency services workers across the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

State Senators Saval, Street Proposed Legislation Banning Use of Private Contractors From Performing Evictions

In response to last week’s landlord-tenant officer involved shooting in Philadelphia, State Senators Nikil Saval and Sharif Street have announced plans to introduce legislation that would require public officers rather than private contractors to enforce evictions. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

IFO Releases March 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 March, which shows higher than estimated General Fund collections. View the report here.

 

Philadelphia

Rhynhart, Parker Earn Key Mayoral Endorsements Over Weekend

Over the weekend, the Editorial Board of the Philadelphia Inquirer endorsed former City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart over her Democratic competitors. Meanwhile, State Senator Vincent Hughes endorsed former District 9 Councilmember — and former colleague in Harrisburg — Cherelle Parker. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Continues to Respond to Property Assessment Appeals Down to the Wire

Though property tax bills are due this Friday, many property owners are still waiting on responses from the city about appeals they had made to their property assessments. Approximately 17,000 property owners submitted appeals, which the city is still working through. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh Announces First Ever Female President

This morning, the University of Pittsburgh announced that Joan T.A. Gabel will serve as its next president. Gabel, who currently leads the University of Minnesota System as President and CEO, will be Pitt’s first ever female president. Pittsburgh Business Times has more.

 

Federal

Senator Fetterman Speaks Publicly About His Depression for the First Time

In an interview that aired on CBS Sunday Morning — his first since seeking treatment for his mental health — U.S. Senator John Fetterman spoke candidly about his experience with clinical depression ahead of his anticipated return to D.C. later this month. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Representative Lee Speaks Out in Wake of Increased “Swatting” Incidents

Following a shooting hoax that shut down a Pittsburgh school last week — the latest in a growing statewide and national trend — U.S. Representative Summer Lee spoke out on the House floor to decry the hoaxes, as well as the lax gun laws that she states have led to the increase in school shootings and prevalence of lockdowns and evacuation drills. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News