Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, August 29, 2022

August 29, 2022

Pennsylvania

Photos Surface of Senator Mastriano Wearing Confederate Uniform

Photos have surfaced of Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano wearing a Confederate uniform during his time as a faculty member at the Army War College in 2013-14. According to Reuters, who obtained the photos on Friday, faculty were given the option to dress as a historical figure, though Senator Mastriano was the only person who chose to wear Confederate garb. The Associated Press has more.

Supreme Court’s June Dobbs Decision Fuels Democratic Hopes in Pennsylvania

Ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, Democratic messaging has been strongly anchored around abortion rights. In Pennsylvania, where Republicans currently hold a majority in both chambers of the General Assembly, many Democratic candidates have made defending abortion rights a top campaign priority. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pennsylvania Legislators Consider Further Improvements to State School Security Measures

In the wake of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting in Florida, Pennsylvania state schools received an influx in grant funding in order to make necessary security upgrades. However, many Pennsylvania lawmakers believe that the $300 million has not gone far enough in making schools safer. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge Reflects on His Career and Current State of Politics

Over the weekend, former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge and more than 100 former staff members gathered for a reunion at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. At the belated anniversary event, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the former governor reminisced about his experience in the highest office in Pennsylvania. PennLive has more.

 

Philadelphia

The 2023 Philly City Council Campaign Is Already Underway As the First Candidate Announces a Run

Michael Galvan, a progressive Democrat, announced their run for City Council at-large. They are the first candidate to formally declare they are running. If elected, Galvan would be the first openly LGBTQ person to sit on Philadelphia City Council. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Roosevelt Boulevard Extension Proposal Discussed Among Community Members

The concept of a Roosevelt Boulevard subway extension has circulated among Philadelphians for more than a century, and has gained even more traction in recent months. This Saturday, community members were able to express their opinions on a new extension project proposal at a town hall meeting hosted by advocate State Representative Jared Solomon. WHYY has more.

Closure of Two Philadelphia Charter Schools Send Families Searching for Last-Minute Alternatives

Mere days before the first day of school, families of more than 1,000 students enrolled at Daroff and Bluford Charter Schools were notified that the schools were being shut down by the School District of Philadelphia — the former effective immediately, and the latter at the end of this academic year. Now, many parents and guardians are scrambling to find comparable schools that can accommodate their children. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Superintendent Watlington Experiences First Day of School in Philadelphia

Today marks the first day of school for more than 100,000 Philadelphia children. It is also the first day of school for the School District of Philadelphia’s new superintendent, Tony B. Watlington Sr., who began work over the summer in preparation for this school year. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

PennDOT Seeks $165 Million in Federal Grants for Three Major Bridge Upgrades

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has submitted a grant proposal seeking $165 million in funding through the Biden administration’s economic stimulus program to repair three major bridges in the Pittsburgh area. The hope is that by bundling the Fort Duquesne, West End, and McKees Rocks projects together, the proposal will be more competitive. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Hill District to Receive $11.3 Million for Reconstruction Projects

Pittsburgh’s Hill District will be receiving a $11.3 million federal grant for reconstruction of intersections, streets, and city steps, among other projects. According to Acting Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack, the funding is part of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law that lawmakers passed last year. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pittsburgh Climate Initiatives Expect Influx in Funding Due to Inflation Reduction Act

The Biden Administration’s signature Inflation Reduction Act may potentially include significant funding for local small-scale climate initiatives in the Pittsburgh area, with potential to pay for electric vehicle charging stations or incentivizing residents to buy solar panels. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

 

Federal

With an Eye Toward Retirement, Representative Doyle Advocates for the PASTEUR Act

U.S. Representative Mike Doyle hopes that he and his colleagues will be able to pass the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Up Surging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act before his retirement. The longtime Democratic legislator believes the measure, which is intended to incentivize the development of new antibiotics, could be the key to preventing and combating future pandemics. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Democratic U.S. Representative Cartwright Fights to Keep His Seat in Trump Country

Former President Donald Trump won the Northeast Pennsylvania district represented by Democratic incumbent Matt Cartwright in both 2016 and 2020. While he has managed to hold onto the 8th district in recent years, the candidate may be in for the fight of his life this November. The Philadelphia Inquirer 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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