Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, October 21, 2024

October 21, 2024

Pennsylvania

October 21 Marks Voter Registration Deadline in PA

The deadline for Pennsylvanians to register to vote in the 2024 general election is October 21, just 15 days before Election Day on November 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 5. Residents also have until October 29 to request a mail-in or absentee ballot. PennLive has more.

Gov. Shapiro Signs Bill Aimed at Protecting Federal Judges

Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 1700, which criminalizes the public release of any personal information of federal judges that is aimed at causing harm or preventing them from doing their jobs. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia), unanimously passed the General Assembly earlier this month. WESA has more.

PA Unemployment Rate Holds Steady in September 

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry released its preliminary employment situation report for September 2024, finding that the state’s unemployment rate was unchanged over the month at 3.4%. September marked the 12th consecutive month with an identical rate, the longest streak on record. PoliticsPA has more.

Judge Weighs Request to Verify Eligibility of PA’s Overseas, Military Voters 

US District Judge Christopher Conner heard arguments regarding a request by six Republican members of Congress that he direct Pennsylvania election officials to take additional steps to verify the identity and eligibility of overseas voters, including those serving in the military and their families. Judge Conner asked pointed questions but did not immediately issue a ruling. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

PA Revenue Secretary Asks State Supreme Court to Block Senate Subpoena 

Pennsylvania Revenue Secretary Pat Browne filed an appeal asking the state Supreme Court to block a Senate subpoena to testify about an economic development program in Allentown. The filing is the latest move in a showdown between Senate Republicans and Browne over the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Musk Offers $1M to PA Voters, Gov. Shapiro Voices Concern 

Elon Musk announced at an event in Harrisburg that he is giving away $1 million each day to a Pennsylvanian for signing his America PAC petition. Governor Josh Shapiro said on NBC’s Meet the Press the following day that law enforcement should investigate the legality of the sweepstakes. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Zero Fare Program Nets Positive Results in First Year 

Philadelphia reported that the first year of its “Zero Fare” pilot program with SEPTA yielded “positive results” and will begin the second phase of its plan to provide free public transit to low-income residents. The initiative has distributed transit passes to over 24,000 residents since its launch in August 2023. PhillyVoice has more.

City Council Approves Tax Breaks for Development of Former Oil Refinery Site

The Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed legislation extending a Keystone Opportunity Zone agreement for the former site of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery. The bill grants a 10-year extension to the program, which is currently set to expire in 2033 and aims to build an e-commerce, logistics, and life sciences hub at the property. PhillyVoice has more.

CHOP to Borrow $750M for Patient Tower, Research Center

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia plans to borrow $750 million to help pay for a long-planned $2.59 billion patient tower and a $480 million research facility under construction on the nonprofit’s Schuylkill Avenue campus, according to bond offering statements. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Officials to Audit First Responders

The offices of the Allegheny County Controller and Pittsburgh City Controller plan to audit police, fire, EMS, and 911 call center performance. The effort marks the first time the city and county will take on a joint public safety review, which will result in a combined report on the state of local public safety services. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh “Quality of Life” Rules Receive Preliminary Approval

The Pittsburgh City Council granted unanimous preliminary approval to a set of “Quality of Life” rules cosponsored by City Councilors Bob Charland and Erika Strassburger. The legislation classifies several common trash mistakes as violations that can be ticketed, with violations costing residents $35 for the first offense, $50 for the second, and $100 for the third. WESA has more.

Federal

Fundraising Floods Major Congressional Races in PA

Lopsided fundraising hauls in Pennsylvania’s highest-profile 2024 races appear to be making an impact as the elections near. Republican Senate nominee Dave McCormick has received more support from super PACs than Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey, while Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson has outraised incumbent GOP Rep. Scott Perry. City & State PA has more.

Trump Holds Town Hall Event in Lancaster 

Former President Trump held a town-hall-style event in Lancaster over the weekend, taking questions from voters and giving answers that focused largely on immigration and border security. Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele served as a moderator. PennLive has more.

Govs. Shapiro, Evers, Whitmer Close Out Swing-State Bus Tour for Harris

Three Democratic governors– Josh Shapiro, Tony Evers of Wisconsin, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan– closed out a week-long bus tour through their three states with a final pitch in Cumberland County. Gov. Shapiro addressed a crowd in Pennsylvania on Sunday, stating that “governing is a team sport, and I need Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the White House to help us continue our progress here in Pennsylvania.” PennLive has more.

Beltway Briefing: Madam President or 2016 Redux? 

As the gender gap continues to widen at the top of the ticket, it is crucial to understand how gender and their roles are impacting the 2024 election. Women constitute a large and influential voting bloc, and their participation in the election could be decisive. How candidates address key issues — like reproductive rights, economic uncertainty, and child and elder care — could tip the scales in swing states. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Meagan Foster, Jessica Monahan, and Julia Hammond 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News