Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, December 4, 2023

December 4, 2023

Pennsylvania

Tracking Governor Shapiro’s Campaign Promises a Year In

As Governor Josh Shapiro’s first year in office comes to a close, Spotlight PA has tracked how his administration’s progress on 11 of his biggest campaign promises, including pocketbook issues, energy and the environment, and justice and public safety.

125th Annual Pennsylvania Society Dinner Brings Commonwealth’s Electeds, Political Influencers to New York

This weekend marked the 125th annual Pennsylvania Society dinner in New York City, which saw appearances by U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick, Governor Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker, numerous other elected officials and movers and shakers in Pennsylvania politics at events across Manhattan.

Will Unresolved Budget Business be Wrapped up by Year’s End?

State lawmakers will return to Harrisburg next week for the last three days of session in 2023, though it remains unclear how much unfinished budget business will be addressed. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Pennsylvania Republicans Considering Early AG Endorsement

Pennsylvania Republicans are reportedly considering an early endorsement in the 2024 race for state attorney general. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pennsylvania Counties Scramble to Certify November Election Results Following Federal Court Ruling on Undated, Misdated Ballots

Counties across the commonwealth going through the election certification process are making diverging decisions about whether to count undated and misdated mail ballots cast during the November election following a federal court ruling that requires them to do so. Votebeat has more.

Skill Games Declared Legal by Commonwealth Court

Last week, following years of legal uncertainty, the Commonwealth Court unanimously that skill games are legal in Pennsylvania. This Office of the Attorney General is expected to mount an appeal. PennLive has more.

Iran-Affiliated Hackers Targeted Aliquippa Municipal Water Authority, Other Organizations Across Nation

The Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa is one of several organizations that was targeted in a cyberattack orchestrated by Iran-affiliated hackers who targeted a specific, Israeli-made control device. The Associated Press has more.

 

Philadelphia

Mayor Kenney Reflects on Time in Office

Philadelphia’s 99th Mayor Jim Kenney sat down with the Philadelphia Inquirer to reflect on his time in office and his legacy, which includes passing the sweetened beverage tax to help fund high-quality pre-K, recreation centers renovations, and community schools, and his administration’s handling of the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic and gun violence crisis.

Right to Counsel Program Expanded to North Philadelphia ZIP Code

Philadelphia’s Right to Counsel program, which provides eligible renters with legal help when facing eviction, has been expanded to a fifth ZIP code — 19132 in North Philadelphia. KYW News has more.

City Council Vote on Fishtown Food Truck Ban Delayed

A vote on a proposed ban on food trucks in Fishtown has been delayed until later this month. PhillyVoice has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Clarifies Plan to Activate Temporary Homeless Shelters

On Friday, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services released a clearer plan that details when emergency homeless shelters will open this winter, which includes enacting a “code blue” action plan when outdoor temperatures fall below 26 degrees between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. WESA has more.

U.S. Representative Deluzio, House Minority Whip Clark Visit Allegheny County Child Care Facility

Over the weekend, Democratic U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts toured a new child care facility in Allegheny County that could serve as a model for affordable, accessible child care. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

 

Federal

Beltway Briefing: George Santos: You’re Fired

The U.S. House of Representatives expels New York Congressman George Santos. Meanwhile on the campaign trail, support continues to coalesce around Nikki Haley. To be seen as a strong alternative to the former president, Haley must master a balancing act between the party’s conservatives and moderates. Listen to the latest episode featuring CPS’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French and Kaitlyn Martin here.

Pennsylvania U.S. House Republicans Split Over Santos Expulsion

On Friday, U.S. Representative Santos was expelled from Congress, becoming only the sixth representative in history to be voted out by his colleagues. Pennsylvania’s Republican congressional delegation was split on the vote, with Representatives Scott Perry and Guy Reschenthaler voting against expulsion and Representative Mike Kelly choosing not to vote. PennLive has more.

U.S. House Democrats Moving Away From “Bidenomics” Messaging

Democrats in the U.S. House have reportedly stopped using the term “Bidenomics” in their messaging, as they are divided on how to communicate about the economy to disillusioned voters. Axios has more.

Unsealed Records Shed Additional Light on U.S. Representative Perry’s Involvement in Efforts to Overturn 2020 Election Results

According to newly unsealed documents, U.S. Representative Perry kept contact with supportive Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg as he worked to overturn the 2020 election from inside Washington, D.C. WITF 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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