Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, October 16, 2023

October 16, 2023

Pennsylvania

President Biden’s Announces Hydrogen Hubs Investment; Pennsylvanians React

During his Friday visit to Philadelphia, President Joe Biden announced a $7 billion investment in regional hydrogen hubs, with Pennsylvania the only state with two planned projects. Politicos, policymakers, and other parties across the commonwealth have been weighing in. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Too Late to Change 2024 Presidential Primary Date, Say County Election Officials

Despite earlier bipartisan efforts to move up the 2024 presidential primary date to avoid a conflict with the Jewish holiday of Passover, county elections officials are now saying it is too late to do so without causing unnecessary challenges to election administration. Spotlight PA has more.

State House Committee to Consider Open Primary Legislation

This week, the House State Government Committee will consider two bills that would do away with Pennsylvania’s closed primary system. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

State DEP Seeks Input on New Environmental Justice Policy

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking input from the public as the Shapiro Administration rolls out its “interim final” environmental justice policy. Public hearings are scheduled in Ranshaw, Scranton, Erie, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Chester, Philadelphia, and virtually. WESA has more.

Governor Shapiro’s Office Settles Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Top Aide

Governor Josh Shapiro’s office has reportedly entered into a settlement agreement to resolve allegations of sexual harassment against former Secretary of Legislative Affairs Mike Vereb. Some Republican lawmakers have called for further investigation into Governor Shapiro’s role, if any, in the staffer’s recent resignation. Spotlight PA has more.

 

Philadelphia

City, PPD Ask State Legislators to Relax Reading, Fitness Requirements

City and Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) officials are urging state legislators to consider relaxing reading and fitness requirements for police recruits in order to remedy ongoing staffing issues. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

How SEPTA Uses AI to Detect Cars Blocking Bus Stops, Lanes

Between June and April of this year, SEPTA used cameras mounted on buses on routes 21 and 42 to detect nearly 4,000 cars blocking lanes in Center City and 32,000 bus stop violations in West Philly and Upper Darby. Billy Penn has more on SEPTA’s artificial intelligence (AI) bus lane enforcement program.

LumiNature Returning to the Philadelphia Zoo in November

LumiNature, the Philadelphia Zoo’s annual twinkling light winter holiday displays, will be returning on November 17. The Philly Voice has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Final Debates of Allegheny County Executive, DA Races Take Place

Yesterday, Democrat Sara Innamorato and Republican Joe Rockey participated in the third and final televised debate in their race for Allegheny County executive, which featured conversation ranging from property assessments and taxes to gun violence and reproductive rights. Incumbent District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. and Democratic opponent Matt Dugan also faced off in their only debate before the November election.

Pittsburgh’s MovePGH Pilot is Over, Though Scooters May be Here to Stay

The city-led MovePGH pilot that initially brought Spin electric scooters to Pittsburgh has run its course, though the scooters may soon be brought back. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Goes Into Effect

Pittsburgh’s single-use plastic bag ban has officially gone into effect, with many local businesses struggling to navigate the changeover. Fines for violations will go into effect in January. WESA 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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