Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

Pennsylvania

State Budget Negotiations to Focus on Public School Aid

Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania state legislators continue to negotiate the 2022-23 budget plan, which is expected to include new aid for the state’s public schools, among other priorities. While the state has $12 billion in reserves and surpluses, there is not yet agreement on how much to spend and which priorities to fund. The final budget deadline is Thursday. Both AP and PennLive have more.

Governor Wolf Urges Increase in Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for Nursing Homes

Governor Tom Wolf is seeking to appropriate $91.25 million of the 2022-23 budget to increase Pennsylvania’s Medicaid reimbursement rate for skilled nursing homes, which is currently lower than that of many neighboring states. The intended purpose is to help close the gap in the quality of care between Medicaid and Medicare nursing home patients. Spotlight PA has more.

Politicians Across the State React to Friday’s SCOTUS Decision

In the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s historic decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last Friday, Pennsylvania politicians — including current officeholders and those who are currently running for office — weighed in with a plethora of reactions ranging from support to dismay. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Rallies for Abortion Rights in Philadelphia

On Saturday, state Attorney General and Democratic nominee for Governor Josh Shapiro spoke at a rally in defense of abortion access and rights. Shapiro’s Republican opponent Doug Mastriano favors a total ban on abortion in Pennsylvania. WHYY has more.

Pennsylvania House Democrats Propose New Price-Fixing and -Gouging Legislation

In light of the recent historic rise in inflation — which has resulted in rises in the cost of gas and consumer goods — Pennsylvania House Democrats have proposed a series of bills that would tackle price fixing and gouging. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Police Department Set to Receive $30 Million Budget Increase

The $5.8 billion budget passed by Philadelphia City Council last Thursday included a $30 million increase in budget for the Philadelphia Police Department, the largest such increase in years. The budget also includes increases in spending on anti-violence programs and the Defender Association of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Weather Normalization Adjustments Wreak Havoc on Many Philadelphians’ Heating Bills

Despite higher than average temperatures throughout the region during the month of May, many Philadelphia Gas Works customers have reported astronomical increases to their heating bills. This is due to weather normalization adjustments, which allow for PGW to charge more or less between the months of October and May if the temperature deviates drastically from what is typical for that time of year. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh to Revive Dormant Disruptive Properties Program

In an attempt to address rising levels of crime, Pittsburgh is looking into potentially reviving its disruptive properties program. The program allows for Pittsburgh’s Public Safety Department to designate certain properties disruptive once the property owner receives three citations for “disruptive activity,” which ranges from noise complaints to firearm discharge. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Mayor Gainey and Other Pittsburgh-Area Officials Seek Right to Pass Local Gun Reform Measures

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and other Western Pennsylvania legislators are calling on their colleagues in Harrisburg to allow them the ability to pass local gun reform laws. Currently, Pennsylvania’s preemption laws prevent cities from passing such laws. The Tribune-Review has more.

 

Federal

Senator Toomey Applauded for Role in Promoting Historic Bipartisan Gun Violence Bill

Republican Senator Pat Toomey was one of 15 Senate Republicans who voted in favor of the Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden over the weekend. The bill, which was largely negotiated by Senator Toomey, expands background checks for gun buyers under the age of 21 and places limitations on firearm ownership for known perpetrators of domestic violence, among other things. City & State PA 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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