Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024

Pennsylvania

Democrats Retain Narrow Control of State House After Tight Election

Democrats have maintained their one-seat majority in the Pennsylvania state House by holding key districts — including HD-72 in Western Pennsylvania, HD-144 in suburban Philadelphia, and HD-172 in Northeast Philadelphia — with narrow victories by incumbents and newcomers alike. Spotlight PA has more.

Gov. Shapiro Stresses Fair Election in Statement Acknowledging Trump PA Win

In a statement made last week, Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the importance of respecting the will of the voters following President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the state, underscoring his faith in the integrity of the recent election and reaffirming his commitment to defending democracy and fundamental rights. Republicans had a strong showing throughout the Commonwealth, winning key races for attorney general, auditor general, state treasurer, and flipping two U.S. House seats and a highly competitive U.S. Senate seat. WHTM has more.

PA Counts Mail Ballots Faster in 2024 Thanks to Improved Tech, Experience

Experience and improved technology allowed Pennsylvania to count mail ballots much faster in 2024 than in 2020, with 97% of ballots counted by the evening after Election Day, thanks to better equipment, increased efficiency, and lessons learned from previous elections. Spotlight PA has more.

Constellation Energy Plans to Reopen Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant to Power Microsoft Data Centers

Constellation Energy is preparing to reopen the Crane Clean Energy Center on Three Mile Island by 2028 to supply power to Microsoft, utilizing a nuclear plant that was closed in 2019, with upgrades and maintenance to meet modern energy demands and benefit from tax credits for non-carbon electricity. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Blue Mountain Wildfire Fully Contained After Burning 600 Acres

A wildfire on Blue Mountain near Lehigh Gap, which burned nearly 600 acres, was fully contained after seven days of effort by hundreds of firefighters, with crews continuing to monitor the area for smoldering spots. LehighValleyLive.com has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council to Hold Series of Public Hearings on Sixers Arena Proposal

Philadelphia City Council will hold public hearings starting Tuesday, November 12 to gather testimony on the proposed $1.55 billion Sixers arena in Center City, with Council likely to vote on the plan by the end of the year. WHYY has more.

Roundhouse’s Historic Preservation Bid Fails, Paving Way for Possible Demolition

The Philadelphia Historical Commission has voted against designating the Roundhouse as a historic landmark, meaning the iconic building, widely known for its unique architecture and controversial history tied to police brutality, could be demolished to make way for new development, despite strong community support for preservation. WHYY has more.

Rev. Cavaness Becomes First Woman Pastor of Historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Carolyn Cavaness has become the first woman pastor in the 237-year history of Philadelphia’s historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, marking a significant milestone for the church. Cavaness, a fourth-generation preacher with extensive leadership experience, began her tenure on November 10, bringing a vision of faith, service, and social justice to the congregation. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

OneStopPGH Permitting Counter to Open in Downtown Pittsburgh

The OneStopPGH permitting counter at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, set to open on November 18, will centralize three City departments to streamline permitting and planning services for Pittsburgh residents. WESA has more.

Hempfield Semiconductor Plant to Receive $3M in CHIPS Funding for Expansion, Job Creation

Powerex, a Hempfield semiconductor manufacturer, is set to receive a proposed $3 million federal investment through the CHIPS Act to expand its capacity, add jobs, and support military and commercial applications. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pitt Receives $8M to Advance Parkinson’s Mobility Research Through Neural Pathways

The University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute has received $8 million to advance research into using neural pathways to improve mobility in Parkinson’s patients, building on previous funding and exploring new therapies beyond deep brain stimulation. WESA has more.

Federal

President Biden Pledges Peaceful Transition of Power

Last week, President Joe Biden promised a peaceful transition to President-elect Trump following the 2024 election, affirming his administration’s commitment to cooperation and commending Vice President Kamala Harris for running a strong campaign. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Beltway Briefing: Trump’s Return: The Power of Listening in Politics 

On Tuesday, voters sent a clear message to Washington: the country is on the wrong track, and they’re looking for solutions in an ever-changing world. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French, Julia Hammond, and Meagan Foster here.

Fed Cuts Interest Rates Again as Inflation Eases Post-Election

Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, its second reduction of 2024, amid easing inflation and economic uncertainty following President-elect Trump’s victory. CBS News 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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