Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Lawmakers Outline Key Priorities for New Legislative Session

Pennsylvania lawmakers will be focusing on a range of issues for the 2025-26 session, including election reforms, gun rights, economic development, and social equity measures. The General Assembly will continue to operate with a divided legislature when the new session begins in January. CNHI News has more.

Gov. Shapiro Spent Millions on Campaigning Despite Not Being on Ballot

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spent over $5.5 million on campaigning in 2024, with significant funds directed toward travel and events across multiple states. His efforts focused on supporting Democratic candidates and enhancing his national profile. Spotlight PA has more.

Stacy Garrity Emerges as GOP Favorite for 2026 Governor Race

With Republicans eyeing the 2026 Pennsylvania gubernatorial race, Treasurer Stacy Garrity stands out as a strong contender due to her significant reelection victory and broad support base. GOP insiders highlight her appeal across various Republican factions and her strategic political presence. WESA has more.

PennDOT Celebrates Major Infrastructure Improvements, Faces Ongoing Challenges

In 2024, PennDOT made significant progress in improving roadways and bridges across Pennsylvania — including enhancing 5,485 roadway miles and repairing 422 bridges — but faces ongoing challenges in addressing local transportation issues and securing long-term funding for public transit. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Workers Await Crucial Fixes 5 Years After Election Law Changes

Despite a smooth 2024 election, Pennsylvania election officials warn that unresolved issues, such as the need for more pre-canvassing time and early voting options, are straining staff. Political gridlock has prevented these necessary tweaks, leading to burnout among experienced administrators. LehighValleyNews has more.

Push for PA Marijuana Legalization to Focus on Social Equity

A bill to legalize recreational marijuana being prepared by Pennsylvania lawmakers would also emphasize criminal justice reform and economic opportunities for communities impacted by arcane drug laws. Advocates stress the importance of including social equity measures to ensure fair benefits from legalization. WESA has more.

Deadline Nears to Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Pennsylvanians eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program must apply by December 31 to receive benefits, with nearly 520,000 rebates processed so far this year. The program aids seniors, widows, and people with disabilities. WGAL has more.

Philadelphia

YouthBuild Philly Celebrates New Vocational Training Space

YouthBuild Philadelphia has moved into a renovated historic building in North Philadelphia, providing a permanent home for its vocational training programs. The new facility supports nearly 280 students with state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, marking a significant milestone for the school. WHYY has more.

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Council to Vote on Higher Air Quality Permit Fees

Allegheny County Council will vote on increasing air quality permit fees for polluting facilities to address a budget deficit and improve local air quality. Supporters argue the fee hikes are necessary for better enforcement, while opponents worry about the economic impact on businesses. WESA has more.

Local Program Redirects Holiday Party Leftovers to Those in Need

Pittsburgh’s 412 Food Rescue has launched “Holiday Heroes” to collect unserved leftovers from corporate holiday parties and deliver them to those facing food insecurity, reducing waste, and helping the community. WESA has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing: The Road Ahead: Searching Beyond the Beltway 

With the 2024 election in the rearview, what’s next for a Republican-controlled Washington? We look beyond the Beltway to purple states like Pennsylvania and the 2025 off-year elections in Virginia and New Jersey, seeking insights that could shape the nation’s political future. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Towner French (Washington, D.C.), Kyle Anderson (Pennsylvania), and Julia Hammond (Virginia) here.

Electoral College to Finalize Trump-Vance Victory on Tuesday

The Electoral College will meet tomorrow to cast and certify the votes for President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, finalizing their victory before the January 20 inauguration. LancasterOnline has more.

Sen. Casey Reflects on Career, Future Without Trump on the Ballot

As he nears the end of his 18-year Senate career, U.S. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania reflected on his tenure and the challenges faced by Democrats, emphasizing the need to prepare for major fights on taxes and Ukraine in a future without President-elect Trump on the ballot. NBC News has more.

Rep. Wild Reflects on 2024 Loss, Calls for Campaign Reinvention

After losing her seat in the 2024 election, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-07) emphasized the need for Democrats to focus on everyday issues and diversify their campaign messages, highlighting the importance of engaging with minority and working-class communities to regain support. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

House Majority PAC Targets Key PA Seats for 2026

The House Majority PAC has identified three Pennsylvania districts for the 2026 election to regain a Democratic majority. The PAC is launching a Recruitment Fund to prepare candidates early, focusing on districts in the Lehigh Valley, the Northeast, and the Capitol Region. 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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