Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, October 7, 2024

October 7, 2024

Pennsylvania

Senate Democrats Hopeful That They Can Tie Chamber, Republicans Confident in Majority

Pennsylvania Senate Democrats believe they can potentially tie the chamber for the first time in 30 years in the upcoming election, while Republicans are confident that they will maintain a strong majority. Despite redistricting in recent years, gaining ground in the Senate continues to be an uphill battle for Democrats, who hope for a strong blue turnout to flip key seats. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

An Overview of PA’s Ongoing Voting, Election Legal Battles

Pennsylvania is bracing for a contentious 2024 presidential election, with ongoing legal battles over mail-in voting and election rules, concerns about potential delays in vote counting, and efforts by both parties to mobilize volunteers and lawyers to oversee the process. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently declined to address issues with mail-in ballots, such as missing or incorrect dates on return envelopes, ahead of the upcoming election, leaving current rules unchanged despite ongoing disputes. The Wall Street Journal has more.

Pennsylvanians Show Strongest Trust in Local Election Results

A recent poll shows that Pennsylvania voters trust their local election results more than statewide or national outcomes, with overall confidence in the integrity of voting systems varying significantly based on political affiliation. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Among States Facing Special Education Assistant Shortage

A significant increase in the number of students with disabilities, reaching 7.5 million or 15% of public school pupils, has led to a critical shortage of trained special education assistants in Pennsylvania and beyond, exacerbating the existing challenges, including an ongoing teacher shortage. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia

Riverview Wellness Village Set to Open This Fall

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration plans to open the Riverview Wellness Village, a city-funded drug treatment facility on State Road, this fall, with an initial capacity to serve 120 patients as part of a larger strategy to expand addiction treatment options in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

The Key Swing County in the Philadelphia Suburbs

Bucks County, the last competitive area in Philadelphia’s suburbs, is critical in the upcoming presidential race, with both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris focusing their efforts there. Voter sentiment is shifting, with some former Democrats now supporting Trump, while others remain committed to Harris, highlighting the county’s pivotal role in determining Pennsylvania’s electoral votes. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

PPS Faces Parent Backlash Over Proposed Closures Amid Fears of Repeating Past Mistakes

Parents of Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) are deeply concerned about the potential closure of 16 schools, recalling the impact of past closures that affected their communities. As families brace for possible changes in the district, many fear a repeat of the challenges faced a decade ago, leading to uncertainty about their children’s education and the future of their schools. WESA has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing: VP Debate: Midwest Nice

The vice presidential debate was marked by a civil tone, characterized by politicos as “Midwest nice.” While the Vance-Walz debate may not significantly impact the November election, Senator JD Vance’s polished style contrasted sharply with Governor Tim Walz’s rusty performance. As the Washington echo chamber anticipates a Harris victory, some are feeling an eerie sense of déjà vu from 2016, when Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton hit an electoral ceiling. Instead, the question becomes: have roles reversed, will Trump hit a ceiling this cycle? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French here.

Musk Stumps for Trump in Butler

Elon Musk made an appearance at former President Trump’s rally in Butler — the site of the first attempt on Trump’s life — over the weekend, portraying the 2024 presidential election as a crucial battle for democracy, and endorsing Trump as the only candidate to protect free speech. The Harris-Walz campaign will also be making a stop in Western Pennsylvania this week, as former President Barack Obama is expected to speak at an event in the Pittsburgh area on Thursday. The Associated Press 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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