Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

Pennsylvania

Lindsay Powell Sworn in as District 21 Representative; Democrats Reclaim Narrow House Majority

Lindsay Powell took office as state Representative of the 21st District, making official the results of a September 19 special election that tipped the balance of power in the state House back to Democrats. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Climate Task Force Comes to Uncertain Conclusion Regarding Future of State’s Greenhouse Gas Strategy

On Friday, a climate change task force created by Governor Josh Shapiro to investigate how the state should move forward with reducing greenhouse gasses came to an uncertain conclusion, with members failing to reach a consensus. The Associated Press has more.

Governor Shapiro Makes Appearance at New Hampshire Democratic Party Annual Convention in Support of President Biden

Over the weekend, Governor Shapiro spoke at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s annual convention in support of President Joe Biden. During his speech, Governor Shapiro called for political action on issues like abortion, climate change, and voting rights. Lehigh Valley News has more.

State Lawmakers’ Recent Investment in Park, Forest Improvement Projects Still Falls Short of Backlog

While Pennsylvania lawmakers recently invested $112 million for visitor experience and sustainability improvement projects at 124 state parks and 20 forests throughout the commonwealth, Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reportedly needs an estimated $1.4 billion to fully address its backlog. Spotlight PA has more.

Wawa Expanding to Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana

Pennsylvania-based convenience store and gas station company Wawa announced last week that it is expanding into Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, with as many as ten stores opening in each state by 2025. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Philadelphia

Penn mRNA Researchers Win Nobel Prize

The University of Pennsylvania’s Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman have won the prestigious Nobel Prize in Medicine for their groundbreaking research that paved the way for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines created by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Cherelle Parker Discusses Sixers Arena, Next Police Commissioner, Kensington, More in Recent “Battleground Politics” Episode

Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker sat for an interview on “Battleground Politics” with Lauren Mayk that touched on a wide range of issues, including the search for a new police commissioner, the police-involved shooting of Eddie Irizarry, the proposed Center City Sixers arena, and the opioid crisis in Kensington. NBC10 has more.

Republican Councilmember O’Neill Facing Serious Challenge From Democrat Gary Masino

For the first time in decades, longtime District 10 Councilmember Brian O’Neill — currently the only Republican serving on City Council — is facing a serious challenge from Democrat and union leader Gary Masino. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

More “Injured on Duty” Police Officers Return to Work Following Inquirer Investigation, City Audit

Following an Inquirer investigation and subsequent City audit in 2021, the number of Philadelphia police officers who were listed as too hurt to work has fallen by approximately 46%. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Former Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez Returns to City Hall

Former District 7 Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez, who resigned in 2022 to run for mayor, has returned to City Hall in a new position as director of strategic initiatives. Billy Penn has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Innamorato, Rockey Face Off in Televised Allegheny County Executive Debate

During the first of two televised debates in the race for Allegheny County executive last week, Democrat Sara Innamorato and Republican Joe Rockey each presented their cases to voters — both for themselves and against their opponent. WESA has more.

Allegheny County DA Race Attracts National Attention, Dollars

The Allegheny County’ District Attorney race has attracted an unusual level of national attention, with dollars flowing into the race from groups affiliated with high-profile figures like George Soros and Andrew Yang. PublicSource has more.

Pittsburghers Debate Mayor’s Claim That Downtown is “Doing Well”

During  a public forum last week, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey stated that the city’s Downtown is “doing well,” despite a common narrative that it has become unsafe and dirty. Workers and visitors have had mixed reactions to this claim. The Pittsburgh Tribune Review has more.

Allegheny County Health Department Receives $14 million From CDC for Overdose Death Prevention Programs

The Allegheny County Health Department has received a $14.5 million grant from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help it reduce deaths from drug overdoses. The funding will allow the County to continue offering some programs that provide access to overdose reversal drugs, care, and medication for those going through withdrawal symptoms, as well as support new programs. WESA has more.

 

Federal

State Republican Party Backs McCormick as Candidate Mounts Second Campaign for U.S. Senate

Over the weekend, Republican David McCormick received a key endorsement from the Pennsylvania Republican Party in his second run for the U.S. Senate. As McCormick continues to mount his 2024 campaign, some close observers have noticed the apparent removal of his “staunchly pro-life” bona fides from the “Issues” page of his website. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

AFP Action Backs Mackenzie, Mercuri in U.S. House Races

Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) announced its endorsement last week of state Representatives Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) and Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) in their campaigns against incumbent U.S. Representatives Susan Wild (D-07) and Chris Deluzio (D-17), respectively. PoliticsPA has more.

Republican Tim Kramer Enters U.S. House Race

Last week, Republican Tim Kramer announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Democratic U.S. Representative Mike Kelly. Butler Radio has more.

Bhavini Patel to Challenge Representative Lee for PA-12

Today, Democrat Bhavini Patel announced her candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Democratic U.S. Representative Summer Lee. 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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