Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

Pennsylvania

State House Approves Bills Concerning Transportation Funding, Eviction Reform

During its first session week of 2024, the Pennsylvania House passed bills covering transportation funding, eviction reform, urban search and rescue, tuition savings accounts, and law enforcement officer identification, with some sparking bipartisan support while others faced party-line votes. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

State House Speaker McClinton on Making History, Advocating for Further Progress in 2024 Session

Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) spoke with the Keystone about her pivotal role in the chamber, her journey and the importance of representation in leadership, and her ambitions on various legislative fronts, including raising the minimum wage and supporting survivors of sexual abuse.

Several Polling Places to be Relocated for April Primary

Many Pennsylvania’s counties are relocating polling places from synagogues and other Jewish buildings, as the April primary election coincides with Passover. The Associated Press has more.

PA Among States Considering Firearm Bans at Polling Locations

Pennsylvania is among several states that are considering firearm bans at polling places and ballot drop boxes amid increased threats to election workers and heightened political rhetoric from former President Donald Trump and his supporters. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

How Are PA Counties Planning to Spend Millions in Opioid Settlement Dollars?

Spotlight PA and WESA have obtained records revealing how Pennsylvania counties plan to spend opioid settlement funds, aiming to ensure transparency before an oversight board evaluates the appropriateness of the spending.

PA Unemployment Rate Remained Steady Throughout February

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4% in February, marking the fifth consecutive month at that rate. PoliticsPA has more.

 

Philadelphia

Combatting Kensington’s Opioid Crisis

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration aims to address the drug crisis in Kensington while supporting longtime residents, amidst concerns about gentrification and displacement. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Council Investigating Law Aimed at Combating Blight

City Council is considering the establishment of a task force to address issues with Act 135, a state law affecting Philadelphia property owners, amid concerns about its impact on gentrifying neighborhoods. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia Property Assessment Changes

Philadelphia homeowners are facing new property assessments after a hiatus, potentially leading to larger tax bills despite the mayor’s proposal to avoid property tax hikes. Axios Philadelphia has more.

Women-Owned Businesses in Philadelphia Region Surge

The Philadelphia region experiences a surge in women-owned businesses, reflecting broader trends nationally and contributing to economic growth and diversity. Axios Philadelphia has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Gov. Shapiro Tries to Bring NFL Draft to Pittsburgh

Governor Josh Shapiro is advocating to bring the National Football League (NFL) draft to Pittsburgh, having sent a letter to commissioner Roger Goodell last month. He discusses this, work-life balance, and being the Commonwealth’s “cheerleader-in-chief” with PennLive.

 

Federal

Presidential Race Locked in Dead Heat in Crucial Battleground State

A recent CNN poll shows President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump locked in a head heat among likely Pennsylvania voters. Voters also expressed confidence in the accuracy of elections. CNN Politics has more.

U.S. Sen. Casey, McCormick to Appear as Sole Candidates on Primary Ballots

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Republican David McCormick will each run unopposed in their respective parties’ primaries in April, setting the stage for a highly anticipated and likely costly November contest expected to influence control of the Senate. The Associated Press has more.

How Abortion is Expected to Factor Into One Suburban Republican Primary

First-time GOP candidate Mark Houck faced skepticism at a recent Pennridge Area Republican Club event due to his stance on abortion, revealing divisions within the party and highlighting the challenges he faces in his bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick in Bucks County. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Federal Scrutiny on PA’s Election Task Force

U.S. Representative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is investigating whether Pennsylvania’s new election task force might restrict free speech during the 2024 election. DV Journal 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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