Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, May 1, 2023

May 1, 2023

Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Signs First Bill of His Administration Into Law

Earlier today, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill that will require insurers to cover preventative breast and ovarian cancer screenings to women who are considered high-risk at no additional cost. This marks the first bill Governor Shapiro has signed into law during his term. Learn more about the bill here.

Governor Shapiro’s Tax Break for Teachers, Nurses, Police Meets Backlash From Senate Republicans

A tax break intended by Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration to bolster Pennsylvania’s teachers, nurses, and police officers in a time of high vacancies and low recruitment has met backlash from Senate Republicans, who argue that the state’s corporate and flat personal income tax benefit should benefit all industries rather than a select few. SpotlightPA has more.

Three Western Pennsylvania School Districts File Lawsuit Against “Woke” Guidelines

A lawsuit filed by the Thomas More Society on behalf of the Laurel School District in Lawrence County, Mars Area School District in Butler County, and Penncrest School District in Crawford County alleges that Pennsylvania’s Department of Education has included “woke” messaging in its new guidelines. PennLive has more.

IFO Releases April Monthly Revenue Update

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released its monthly revenue update for the month of April. View the report here.

 

Philadelphia

Independent Opinion Poll Shows Five-Way Tie Among Democratic Mayoral Candidates

The highly anticipated results of this election cycle’s first independent opinion poll were released Friday by Committee of Seventy, revealing a statistical five-way tie among the Democratic mayoral frontrunners. Approximately 20% of those surveyed are still undecided, a higher percentage than any one candidate received. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

What Does the Future Hold for Philadelphia’s Commercial Real Estate Market?

Rising interest rates, capital availability, and recession are all looming threats to the Philadelphia region’s currently vibrant commercial real estate market — a part of “the real estate circle of life” — according to one local developer. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Sixth School Closes Due to Asbestos

Late last week, Universal Vare Charter School was closed indefinitely due to the discovery of damaged asbestos, making it the sixth such school closure for the Philadelphia School District this year. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PPA Cracks Down on Bike Lane-Blocking Vehicles

Beginning today, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is cracking down on vehicles blocking bike lanes in Center City, University City, and South Philadelphia with its strengthened bike lane enforcement unit. Philly Voice has more.

 

Pittsburgh

City Controller Lamb Gives Final Financial Report

On Friday, City Controller Michael Lamb gave the final financial report of his tenure, highlighting both the accomplishments of and areas for improvement within Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration. WESA has more.

Westmoreland County May Serve As Key Indicator in 2024 Presidential Race

When President Joe Biden announced his campaign for reelection last week, many eyes rightly turned toward the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Westmoreland County itself could once more serve as a bellwether for the rest of the commonwealth, — and by extension, the country. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

 

Federal

Beltway Briefing: Biden Announces Run for a Second Term

Last Tuesday, after months of teasing and a lot of built-up anticipation, President Biden announced he will seek a second term in office, joined by Vice President Harris as his running mate. And last Monday, Fox News star host Tucker Carlson was abruptly fired. Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Kaitlyn Martin talk about Biden’s announcement and discuss the impact on the conservative media landscape of Carlson’s sudden departure. Listen to the latest episode here.

What Will it Take to Win the White House in 2024?

While nothing is set entirely in stone, the 2024 presidential election increasingly seems like it may feature another faceoff between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Political experts and strategists from across Pennsylvania — and across the political spectrum — are weighing in on what they anticipate will be key factors in the next presidential election. City & State Pennsylvania 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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