Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, May 6, 2024

May 6, 2024

Pennsylvania

Outcome of Republican HD-117 Race Between Cabell, Walsh Still Unclear

The Republican nominee for the state House District 117 remains undecided pending a potential appeal, with a narrow four-vote margin separating contenders Jamie Walsh and Mike Cabell. The Luzerne County Board of Elections & Registration is expected to issue a ruling over 13 uncounted provisional ballots by Wednesday. WVIA has more.

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Proposed Legislation to Mitigate Firearm Confiscations at Airports on Hold

Legislation aimed at reducing TSA firearm confiscations at Pittsburgh International Airport has been delayed for further drafting and discussion, with state Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) citing concerns about the effectiveness of proposed language in revoking concealed carry permits for offenders. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

PA to Receive $156M to Boost Solar Projects in Low-Income, Polluted Communities

Pennsylvania will receive $156 million in federal aid to install solar panels on more than 14,000 homes in low-income and polluted communities as part of the Solar for All program created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The funding is intended to help reduce electricity bills and combat climate change. The Bay Journal has more.

Marijuana Rescheduling “Adds Support” for PA Legalization Effort, Says Governor’s Office

The Biden administration’s decision to reschedule marijuana at the federal level is seen as a boost for Pennsylvania’s efforts to legalize cannabis, according to Governor Josh Shapiro’s office, potentially advancing state-level reform initiatives amidst ongoing legislative discussions and hearings. The Marijuana Moment has more.

 

Philadelphia

Parker Admin Plans to Clear Kensington Encampment 

Public safety leaders are planning to clear a two-block stretch along Kensington Avenue this week, constituting a major effort toward addressing opioid-related problems and homelessness in the neighborhood under Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Recent Low Turnout Primary Casts Doubt About President Biden’s Prospects in Philadelphia

Low turnout in Philadelphia’s recent Democratic primary has sparked concerns about voter enthusiasm for President Joe Biden’s reelection, with criticism directed at the party’s traditional methods and leadership and tension between progressive and establishment factions. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Thousands of Runners Participate in IBX Broad Street Run

Tens of thousands of people participated in Independence Blue Cross’ (IBX) annual Broad Street Run over the weekend, covering a 10-mile course through the city’s beloved landmarks. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

PRT Releases First-Ever Climate Plan

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its buses by 2045 through an expansion of its electric bus fleet, a bus line redesign to boost ridership, and funding to support sustainability initiatives, according to its first-ever climate plan. WESA has more.

Nippon Steel Postpones U.S. Steel Acquisition by 3 Months

Nippon Steel has delayed its $14 billion acquisition of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel for three months following requests for additional information from the Department of Justice amid criticism from Pennsylvania lawmakers and the White House. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

 

Federal

How President Biden’s Pause on Natural Gas Exports Could Complicate PA Political Strategy

The Biden administration’s pause on natural gas exports poses a political dilemma in Pennsylvania, a key swing state that has benefited from the industry’s boom. While Democrats are largely focused on balancing environmental concerns with economic interests, Republicans have criticized the move, which has potential to impact Biden’s reelection campaign. The Hill has more.

Sen. Fetterman Introduces Bill to Make ACP Permanent

Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman introduced legislation seeking permanent funding for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which recently expired, leaving more than 736,000 Pennsylvania households without monthly internet bill assistance. The Keystone has more.

Beltway Briefing: Episode 304: Navigating Big Tech’s Regulatory Labyrinth

Having once sat on a pedestal, big tech finds itself grappling with a maze of state and global privacy and data security regulations. Now, some major tech companies are asking Congress to force privacy standards. With the unveiling of a new bipartisan, comprehensive data privacy framework, the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), the question arises: will this be the year Congress finally acts on privacy legislation? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin, Madison Smith, and Meagan Foster 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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