Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, March 18, 2024

March 18, 2024

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro’s Proposed Energy Plan Needs Support of Senate Republicans

The energy plan unveiled by Governor Josh Shapiro last week faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled Senate. The plan aims to create jobs, combat climate change, and provide electric bill rebates. PennLive has more.

How Gov. Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Would Use $80 to Address PA’s Housing Crisis

Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal highlights the consensus in Harrisburg around the need for state-level action to address Pennsylvania’s housing shortage and rising costs. The budget would allocate $80 million toward funding public legal defense against evictions and anti-homelessness initiatives. Spotlight PA has more.

Legislation Seeking to Legalize Syringe Services Faces Uphill Battle

State Representative Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) has sponsored a bill to legalize syringe services, aiming to reduce health risks associated with injection drug use and connect individuals to counseling, though the bill faces an uphill battle. WESA has more.

State Legislators Seek to Make COVID-Era Outdoor Dining Policies Permanent

State Representatives Mindy Fee (R-Lancaster) and Daniel Deasy (D-Allegheny) have circulated a co-sponsorship memo for legislation that aims to make pandemic-era policy allowing for outdoor dining permanent before permits expire. LancasterOnline has more.

Nonpartisan Organization Recruiting Volunteers to Act as Poll Monitors for 2024 Elections

Common Cause Pennsylvania is recruiting volunteers for its 2024 Election Protection poll monitoring program to ensure a smooth voting process in Pennsylvania’s primary and general elections, helping voters navigate challenges and misinformation. PennLive has more.

Women Are Increasingly Involved in PA Politics, Though Men Continue to Hold Majority of Power

Despite a record number of women serving in Pennsylvania’s legislature, the representation of elected women officeholders across various levels of government significantly lags behind the state’s population, highlighting persistent cultural and structural barriers to women’s political participation. WVIA has more.

 

Philadelphia

A Look at Mayor Parker’s Proposals to Clean City, Open “Triage, Wellness Facilities”

Last week, Mayor Cherelle Parker gave her first budget address, which included potential solutions to clean up the city and address the needs of people with substance use disorders, among other proposed policies. Read CPS’s budget recap here.

Market Street East in Philadelphia Seeks Rejuvenation, Expansion

The stretch from Philadelphia City Hall to Independence Mall, once a bustling shopping district, is now marked by both potential and challenges, including the proposal for a $1.55 billion arena by the Sixers, amidst concerns over Market East’s economic revitalization and the impact of the pandemic on urban spaces and commerce. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Street Banners in Washington Square West Pay Tribute to Historically Black Enclave Within the City

Street banners commissioned from artist Xenobia Bailey by the Association for Public Art have appeared in Philadelphia’s Washington Square West neighborhood to honor Philadelphia’s early historic Black entrepreneurs from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Executive Innamorato Faces Legal Challenge Over Ballot Drop-Off Sites

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato faces a legal challenge over her plan to add drop-off locations for mail-in ballots, though the issue might be resolved during an upcoming elections board meeting. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Effort to Remove Tens of Thousands from Allegheny County Voter Rolls Sparks Concerns

A Republican-led effort to clean voter rolls in Allegheny County has sparked concerns about potential disenfranchisement and the fueling of misinformation about election integrity. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Pennsylvania Seniors Express Worries About Social Security in Wake of Trump’s Remarks

Former President Donald Trump and his campaign have attempted to revise his comments on “entitlements,” which many seniors in Pennsylvania fear would jeopardize Social Security or Medicare. President Joe Biden’s campaign has seized on this moment to emphasize the importance of protecting these programs. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

U.S. Sens. Casey, Fetterman Appear Poised to Vote in Favor of TikTok Ban

Pennsylvania’s two Democratic U.S. senators seem inclined to support congressional legislation that could lead to the banning of Chinese-owned TikTok from app stores, citing national security concerns amidst fears of Chinese government surveillance and interference in elections. PennLive has more.

Beltway Briefing: 2024 Turnout Tactics: Messaging Matters

As 2024 shapes up to be a turnout election, both Democrats and Republicans are working to fine-tune their messaging to mobilize voters. Can President Biden reshape the economic narrative effectively? Will the “uncommitted” movement, fueled by progressive concerns over the Israel-Gaza conflict, influence the outcome? How are Republicans reframing their discourse on abortion? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and the Hon. Rodney Davis here.

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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