Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, May 20, 2024

May 20, 2024

Pennsylvania

CSA Statute of Limitations Window Sees New Life in State Budget Process

Efforts to pass a constitutional amendment allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) to sue their abusers beyond the statute of limitations face renewed momentum after setbacks and legislative delays, potentially becoming a bargaining chip in the state budget process. WHTM has more.

PA Aims to Enhance Children’s Healthcare Coverage Through Medicaid Waiver

Pennsylvania’s proposed Medicaid pilot program aims to provide continuous coverage for children up to age six, addressing the bureaucratic hurdles and fears of healthcare loss faced by families, while also targeting housing and nutrition instability as part of broader health initiatives. PennLive has more.

State Lawmakers Question DOC Budget Increase

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) seeks over $300 million in next year’s budget, citing increased federal requirements, union contracts, and staffing shortages, despite the recent closure of two facilities, prompting questions from lawmakers about the substantial increase. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Unemployment Rate Remains Steady

Pennsylvania’s April 2024 preliminary employment report reveals a steady unemployment rate of 3.4%, with the state’s total non-farm jobs reaching a record high, marking the ninth consecutive month of growth. PoliticsPA has more.

Advocacy Orgs Take Aim at Lack of Public Archiving of Meeting Recordings

Pennsylvania is one of the few states that offers live legislative sessions, but does not publicly archive them online, prompting calls for better transparency from advocacy groups. The Center Square has more.

 

Philadelphia

City Employees to Return to Full-Time Office Work

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that all City workers must return to the office five days a week beginning July 15. The administration’s goal is to enhance workplace interactions and boost Center City’s economy, despite opposition from municipal unions concerned about morale and staffing issues. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia’s Medicaid Assessment Program May Soon Extend to Children’s, Cancer Hospitals

A new City Council bill proposes expanding Philadelphia’s hospital assessment program to include Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, and Fox Chase Cancer Center, aiming to increase federal Medicaid funding for city hospitals. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

VP Harris to Address SEIU Convention in Philadelphia

Vice President Kamala Harris will address the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) convention in Philadelphia tomorrow, marking her fourth visit to Pennsylvania in 2024, focusing on topics ranging from reproductive rights to infrastructure funding. Mayor Parker spoke at the convention this morning. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Convicted Tree of Life Shooter Will Not Receive New Trial

A federal judge has denied a request for a new trial filed by the man convicted of killing 11 people at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue more than five years ago, calling defense lawyers’ arguments “entirely baseless” and “meritless.” KDKA has more.

 

Federal

U.S. House Agriculture Chair Thompson Unveils $1.5T Farm Bill

U.S. House Agriculture Chair Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (PA-15) introduced a $1.5 trillion farm bill, sparking a partisan battle over key provisions such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility and conservation funding. PoliticsPA has more.

FBI Investigation May Jeopardize U.S. Rep. Perry’s Aspirations for Committee Membership

Some House Republicans seek to prevent U.S. Representative Scott Perry’s assignment to the House Intelligence Committee due to the ongoing FBI investigation into his alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. PennLive has more.

Beltway Briefing: The Vilification of Politics 

The vilification of politics creates a perception that nothing gets done in Washington. While Congress often appears dysfunctional, it continues to govern, quietly advancing bipartisan, critical pieces of legislation. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French 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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