Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, April 8, 2024

April 8, 2024

Pennsylvania

Advocates Urge Gov. Shapiro to Expand Automatic Voter Registration to Encompass Social Service Agencies

Voter registration at Pennsylvania driver’s license centers surged following implementation of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s automatic voter registration policy, prompting some groups to advocate for its extension to social service agencies to address barriers faced by historically disenfranchised groups. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PHMC Hosts Attorney General Panel Debate

Four of Pennsylvania’s candidates for attorney general discussed strategies to tackle the opioid epidemic, reduce gun violence, and improve public safety during a panel debate hosted by the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) on Friday. Though Gov. Shapiro voted early, he did not reveal which candidate he voted for to serve in his former role. WHYY has more.

Last Day to Register to Vote in Upcoming PA Primaries

Today is the last day for Pennsylvanians to register to vote during this month’s primary elections. PoliticsPA has previews of the primary races in the Southwest, Allegheny County, and Lehigh Valley.

State House to Consider Compensation for Victims of Voter Intimidation

Legislation introduced by state Representative Stephen Kinsey (D-Philadelphia) that would allow victims of voter intimidation to sue their harassers has advanced to the House floor for a vote, passing along party lines. WHYY has more.

 

Philadelphia

Meet Philadelphia’s New Commerce Director

Alba Martinez — Philadelphia’s first Latina commerce director and one of the highest-ranking LGBTQ city officials in the city’s history — joined Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration in January with the goal of supporting small neighborhood businesses, particularly those owned by Black and brown Philadelphians, while also promoting Philadelphia as a destination for business growth. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

TAUP Intends to Address Equity Gaps With Tiered Wage Increase

The Temple Association of University Professionals (TAUP), Temple University’s faculty union, is proposing tiered wage increases intended to address equity gaps, particularly affecting women and people of color, in their negotiation with the University. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Western PA Union Workers Celebrate Recent Federal Regulation Aimed at Modernizing Grid

Union workers at a steel plant in Western Pennsylvania celebrated as a federal rule to enhance electric grid efficiency, previously feared to lead to plant’s closure, was finalized, with the mandate for amorphous steel in only 25% of transformers preserving local jobs. The Allegheny Front has more.

 

Federal

McCormick Returns to Pennsylvania Leadership Conference With Unified Party Backing

After narrowly losing the 2022 Republican U.S. Senate primary, David McCormick returned to the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference — a statewide, grassroots conservative convention — this time with unified party support. McCormick is running to unseat Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey. PennLive has more.

Beltway Briefing: Biden Walks the Political Tightrope: The Economy & Immigration

The intricate interplay between economic perceptions and immigration places President Biden in a delicate balancing act with swing state voters. Given the outcomes of the past two elections hinged on this pivotal electorate, the prevailing political polarization and prominence of these issues could be enough to tip the scales. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and the Hon. Rodney Davis here.

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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