Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, May 13, 2024

May 13, 2024

Pennsylvania

State Legislators Advance Several Bills During Bustling Week in Harrisburg

Last week, state legislators in Harrisburg advanced several key bills, including a bipartisan “momnibus” package addressing maternal health, distracted driving legislation, a telehealth bill, and legislation imposing stricter efficiency standards on appliances, among other initiatives. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Despite Increase in Number of Legislator Moms, Barriers Persist

Despite a significant increase in the number of women serving in state legislatures since 1971, their proportional representation still lags behind, with nearly 33% of state legislative seats occupied by women, and only 23% of lawmakers being moms. These women face challenges including childcare, campaign funding, and gender stereotypes. CNHI News has more.

ID Verification Kiosks to Facilitate Unemployment Benefits Application Process

Pennsylvania has installed identity verification kiosks at 17 CareerLink offices and 29 UPS locations around the Commonwealth to assist residents, particularly those without internet access, in navigating the online process for filing unemployment claims, aiming to provide additional support and alleviate issues with the digital verification process. WESA has more.

PA Town’s Restriction on Political Lawn Signs Deemed Unconstitutional

A federal appeals court panel has ruled that an ordinance on the books in Camp Hill Borough — a town of about 8,000 residents outside of Harrisburg — that restricts political lawn signs is unconstitutional, as it violates residents’ free speech rights. The Associated Press has more.

 

Philadelphia

UC Townhomes Agreement in Limbo

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s FY25 budget lacks funding for the development of a proposed affordable housing project at 39th and Market Streets, the former site of University City (UC) Townhomes, despite a previous commitment from the City and Housing Authority. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pitt Faculty Members Ratify First Union Contract

The University of Pittsburgh faculty union ratified its first collective bargaining agreement, lasting until June 30, 2026, with provisions such as a wage floor, longer appointments, and streamlined renewal processes affecting over 3,000 union members. WESA has more.

 

Federal

New Poll Shows Biden Struggling in PA

Despite multiple visits and considerable ad spending, President Joe Biden remains in a dead heat with former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, with Trump leading 47% to 44% in a two-way race and both nearly tied when third-party candidates are included, according to a new Philadelphia Inquirer/New York Times/Siena College poll.

Democratic Candidates Focus on Reproductive Rights in Effort to Flip U.S. House Seats

Democrats Janelle Stelson and Ashley Ehasz — a former WGAL anchor and U.S. Army veteran, respectively — are both focusing on reproductive rights in their respective races against incumbent U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Scott Perry (PA-10) in their quest to flip historically safe GOP seats. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Beltway Briefing: “It’s All About Clicks & Eyeballs” 

As Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene attempted to oust Speaker Mike Johnson through a motion to vacate, Democrats calculated that the public’s frustration with Washington dysfunction could harm their electoral prospects. Meanwhile, at the forefront of the campaign trail, the competition narrows between Biden, Trump, and the couch. From the hush-money trial to college campus Israel-Hamas protests to concerns about the economy and immigration, voters who harbor discontent toward both candidates, often termed ‘double-haters,’ face a pivotal choice. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Kyle Anderson 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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