Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, July 8, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Senate Majority Leader Confident in State Budget Negotiations

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) claimed that budget negotiations remain “productive” despite passing the June 30 deadline with no deal. While the senator suggested that the final budget will likely be less than Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $48.3 billion, Pittman did not indicate how much could be cut. WESA has more.

PA House Approves Bill That Would Eliminate State’s Antiquated Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The Democratic-led state House forwarded a bill that aims to amend an old state law that had previously banned same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania. If passed, the bill will codify same-sex marriage in the state regardless of federal action. WESA has more.

Deadline for Addition of Sexual Abuse Amendment to PA Ballots Approaching

A constitutional amendment that would allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to sue their abusers will not appear on the November ballot unless lawmakers resolve their deadlock and advance it soon. Spotlight PA has more.

Cabell/Walsh Primary Race Results Have Yet to Be Officially Determined

A dozen unopened provisional ballots could decide whether Michael Cabell or Jamie Walsh wins the Republican nomination for state representative in Pennsylvania’s 117th District. Walsh currently leads by three votes amidst ongoing legal disputes and appeals. The Times Leader has more.

PA’s Rising Greenhouse Gas Emissions Prompt Environmental Concerns 

While anti-electric vehicle (EV) ads have surfaced in Pennsylvania, climate advocates aim to transcend the negative soundbites and advocate for public utilization of EVs. This comes as Pennsylvania’s methane and carbon dioxide emissions continue to defy national trends, rising 4% and coupling a state-wide increase in oil and gas production. Pennsylvania Republicans remain skeptical that billions in potential federal appropriations will fall short at serving the Commonwealth’s power grid demand. WESA has more.

Gas Drillers’ Impact Fees Plummet by $100 Million in PA

In 2023, natural gas companies paid the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania $180 million in impact fees, 36% less than the previous year. Last year’s decrease put state impact fee collection at its third lowest in history. WESA has more.

State Labor Department Offers School Bus Drivers Unemployment Guidance

Seasonal employees might be eligible for unemployment compensation. Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry plans to provide unemployment filing guides to school bus drivers, janitors, cafeteria workers, and other seasonal employees who do not have work in the summer. WESA has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Only Northeast City to Require a Five-Day, In-Person Work Week for Municipal Staff

New York initially joined Philadelphia in requiring municipal employees to go into the office five days per week. However, New York has since returned to a hybrid schedule, making Philadelphia the only city in the Northeast to require five-day, in-person municipal work. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Jails See Drug-Related Death Hikes

Twenty-five prisoners have died in Philadelphia jails since 2018. As the City ramps up an initiative to conduct mass arrests in Kensington, advocates have expressed growing concerns about inmate safety in Philly prisons. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Obtaining Flood Insurance Challenging for Many Philadelphians

Flood insurance can cost homeowners hundreds to thousands of dollars per year. With only 3,400 Philadelphia properties currently covered, and the average annual cost sitting at $870, many residents implore Philadelphia to join FEMA flood zone city program. WHYY has more.

Intracity Riders Ask for New Philadelphia Bus Station Amid Heatwave

Philadelphia’s primary intercity bus terminal currently sits on Spring Garden Street, near Front Street. During the July 4th heatwave, advocates passed out water to provide relief to riders, while also imploring the city to erect a new proper station with air conditioning, restrooms, and an indoor shelter. Billy Penn has more.

Pittsburgh

California Governor Newsom Urges Apprehensive Pittsburgh Democrats to Unify Behind Biden

Last Friday, the Governor of California visited Pennsylvania, where he urged Democratic Pittsburgh voters to support President Biden, despite growing party cynicism around the President’s candidacy. The governor did not mention Biden’s debate performance in his speech. WESA has more.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Pittsburgh Rule Outline Benefits for Pregnant Pittsburgh Women

The federal law and local Pittsburgh code make it easier for pregnant women to obtain assistance and accommodations in an organization of at least 15 employees. Taking effect last June, the law’s benefits include time off for doctor’s appointments, remote work opportunities, and exemptions from hard physical labor for soon-to-be mothers. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s recently released enforcement regulations provides pregnant workers the right to file a charge with the EEOC against a non-compliant employer. WESA has more.

Children’s Home of Pittsburgh Acknowledges Need for Pediatric Care Assistance 

In its June 2024 community health needs assessment, the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center indicated that children with demanding medical issues and special needs lack educational support and therapy assistance. WESA has more.

Federal

President Biden Makes Surprise Philadelphia Campaign Stop, Appeals to Skeptical Democratic Voters Amid Calls to Rescind Candidacy

President Joe Biden made his sixth campaign stop in the City of Brotherly Love, where he joined in a sermon at the Church of God in Christ. As his party remains deeply divided on his candidacy, members of Democratic House leadership expressed privately that they want Biden to step down. In a Monday letter to congressional Democrats, the 46th President stood steadfast in his candidacy, calling for an “end” to the party divisions. WHYY has more.

GOP Senate Candidate Makes Big Job Claims, Contradicting Reports

David McCormick, the Republican challenging Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) for his U.S. Senate seat, recently claimed that he had created “hundreds of jobs.” But during the time he had assumed leadership at the Pittsburgh software company, FreeMarkets, McCormick made a series of job cuts. WHYY has more.

Share

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin