Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, July 11, 2022

July 11, 2022

Pennsylvania

At Long Last, 2022-23 Pennsylvania State Budget Is Passed

After much back-and-forth negotiation, Pennsylvania state legislators passed the 2022-23 budget last Friday in a bipartisan vote. Clocking in at $45.2 billion, the budget includes increases to school funding, cuts to the state corporate tax rate, and investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. It also allows for several important measures to potentially appear on voters’ ballots in 2023. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

State Court Blocks Wolf Administration’s Carbon Pricing Program

The Commonwealth Court has temporarily barred Pennsylvania from participating in a regional carbon pricing program. While Governor Tom Wolf and his administration have sought to fight climate change by implementing policies that are intended to curb carbon emissions, some argue that such policies are essentially an unlawful tax. The Associated Press has more.

Governor Wolf Uses Veto Power to Block Republican-Supported Measures

Last Friday, Governor Tom Wolf vetoed bills regarding transgender athletes in the school sports and poll watchers — as expected — as well as a provision within the Human Service Code which would prevent state agencies from contracting with financial management vendors. The Associated Press has more.

“Republicans4Shapiro” PAC Launched by Notable Pennsylvania Republicans

A group of influential Pennsylvania Republicans — including former Chief of Staff to Senator Arlen Specter Craig Snyder and former U.S. Representative Jim Greenwood — have formed a PAC to organize against State Senator Doug Mastriano’s bid for governor. This comes in the wake of nine former state Republican officials’ recent endorsement of Mastriano’s Democratic opponent, Attorney General Josh Shapiro. PennLive has more.

 

Philadelphia

PICA to Continue Overseeing Philadelphia Finances

On Friday, Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill extending the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) until January 2047. The organization, which provides financial oversight, was originally established in 1991 when the City’s finances were in dire straits. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Works Together Announces New Leadership, Extols Manufacturing Sector as Jobs Creator

Pittsburgh Works Together — an organization that lobbies in favor of pro-natural gas and manufacturing policies in Pennsylvania — has announced Peoples Natural Gas President Michael Huwar as its new board co-chair. Huwar is a known proponent of the natural gas and manufacturing sectors, and has emphasized their importance to the region’s potential for economic growth. WESA has more.

Redistricted Pittsburgh Electoral Map Imminent 

Pittsburgh City Council is said to be finalizing its redistricted electoral map in accordance with data from the most recent U.S. Census. However, the potential for annexation of neighboring Wilkinsburg means that the newest iteration being discussed may not last for longer than 18 months. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

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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