Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, November 25, 2024

November 25, 2024

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Announces $153M Lifeline for SEPTA

Governor Josh Shapiro redirected $153 million in federal highway funds to SEPTA by utilizing a provision in federal law that allows states to transfer highway funds to support public transit. This reallocation aims to prevent immediate service cuts and fare increases, ensuring SEPTA can maintain operations while a long-term funding solution is negotiated with state lawmakers. WHYY has more.

How Gov. Shapiro, New Republican AG Will Work Together

Republican Attorney General-Elect Dave Sunday and Democratic Gov. Shapiro have emphasized their commitment to collaboration despite potential political differences. LancasterOnline has more.

Darrell Clarke Appointed as New PLCB Chairman

Gov. Shapiro has appointed former Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke as the new chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), which is responsible for regulating the state’s beverage alcohol industry and promoting responsible consumption. He succeeds Tim Holden. PoliticsPA has more.

Counties Challenge State Oversight of Opioid Settlement Funds

Pennsylvania counties are contesting decisions by the state oversight board that rejected their spending plans for opioid settlement funds, seeking more autonomy over the allocation of the upcoming $247 million to combat the opioid crisis. Spotlight PA has more.

Local Officials Support Public Acquisition to Avoid Water Rate Hikes

Local leaders in Ferguson Township are backing the State College Borough Water Authority’s bid to acquire the troubled Rock Spring Water Company to prevent a private sale that could lead to significant rate increases for residents. Spotlight PA has more.

PUC Approves Reduced Rate Hikes for West Penn Power, Columbia Gas

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved smaller-than-requested rate hikes for West Penn Power and Columbia Gas, with increases starting in December and January, respectively, to fund infrastructure improvements and assistance programs. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Philadelphia

City Council Adds Session for Sixers Arena Vote; School Board Tax Incentive Designation Change

Philadelphia City Council will hold an additional meeting on December 19 to vote on bills related to the proposed Sixers arena. The Philadelphia Board of Education approved a measure to remove the proposed arena site from a tax incentive designation

Mayor Parker Launches “Mini City Halls” for More Accessible Services

Mayor Cherelle Parker has announced the creation of 11 “mini City Halls” across Philadelphia to provide residents with easier access to municipal services and establish community councils for direct communication with the administration. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

School District Sees Record Enrollment, Graduation Rate Increase

The School District of Philadelphia reported a significant rise in student enrollment and graduation rates, attributing the improvements to new programs and strategic efforts to reduce dropouts and enhance academic performance. WHYY has more.

Conference Seeks to Inspire, Recruit More Black Male Teachers

The Black Men in Education Convening in Philadelphia gathers over 1,500 attendees to discuss strategies for increasing the number of Black male teachers, emphasizing their significant positive impact on Black students’ educational outcomes. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

Pittsburgh

City Council Reconsiders “Tiny Homes” Proposal

Pittsburgh City Council is revisiting a proposal to allow “interim housing” for people experiencing homelessness, including tiny homes and converted buildings, aiming to address homelessness independently of broader zoning changes. WESA has more.

Pitt Startup Uses Zebrafish to Innovate Wound Care

University of Pittsburgh researchers co-founded Zegenex, a startup developing a product based on zebrafish heart regeneration research to advance chronic wound treatment, with promising results in early animal testing. WESA has more.

Federal

U.S. Sen. Casey Concedes to McCormick, Ending Recount

Last week, incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey conceded to Dave McCormick, halting the statewide recount that was automatically triggered by the race’s close margins, saving more than $1 million in estimated costs. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star 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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