Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Pennsylvania

Special Election Will Decide Control of the Narrowly Divided Pennsylvania House 

On Tuesday, voters in the heavily Democratic 21st legislative district will choose a replacement for former state Representative Sara Innamorato. Her resignation bumped Democrats from a one-vote majority in the chamber to a 101-101 tie with Republicans. AP News has more.

In Erie, Governor Shapiro, Secretary Carroll Celebrate Start of Bayfront Parkway Improvement Project with Business, Labor, Local Leaders

Governor Shapiro announced that construction will begin this month on the $111.7 million Bayfront Parkway Improvement Project, aimed at improving traffic flow and making the waterfront more accessible from downtown Erie. Talk Erie has more.

Lawmakers Grapple With Fixing Pennsylvania’s Unconstitutional School System

Months after a landmark court decision found Pennsylvania’s public school funding system unconstitutional, a commission tasked with resolving statewide disparities held its first series of hearings this week. WESA has more.

Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Now Has a Direct Line to State Government 

The Office of Outdoor Recreation, announced by the Shapiro administration last month, will use its $422,000 budget to hire two staff members and fund travel to meet with outdoor recreation advocates, business owners, and government officials statewide. WESA has more.

Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Rate Stayed at 3.5% in August

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was unchanged between July and August, remaining at the record low rate of 3.5%, the state announced Friday. That low dates back to January 1976. Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

 

Philadelphia

City Council Overrides Recreational Weed Restrictions Vetoed by Mayor Kenney

A bill that seeks to prevent future sales of recreational marijuana from medical facilities was vetoed by Mayor Jim Kenney, but City Council overrode the veto. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Lawmakers Vote to Prohibit Supervised Injection Sites in Most of the City

City Council voted Thursday to prohibit supervised drug consumption sites across most of the city, imperiling the future of such a facility if the legislation becomes law. The bill now heads to Mayor Kenney’s desk. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Public School Teachers Sue District 

Three Philadelphia school teachers filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the School District of Philadelphia, accusing the district of violating their First Amendment rights after they protested asbestos in the school. ABC News has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Executive Candidate Presents Economic Platform

Joe Rockey, the Republican candidate for Allegheny County executive, unveiled his campaign’s economic platform Thursday, saying the six-point plan aims to boost the number of available jobs and local economic growth. WESA has more.

Allegheny County to Reopen Shuman Juvenile Detention Center This Winter

The Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas will contract with Adelphoi, a Latrobe-based private company that provides services to at-risk youth, to reopen and run its juvenile detention center this winter, county officials announced Friday. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Senators Fetterman, Casey Pledge Solidarity With United Auto Workers

Both Pennsylvania senators released statements in support of UAW workers. The UAW declared a strike against Detroit Three automakers, often referred to as the Big 3, on Thursday following failed contract talks to secure a new labor agreement. WETM has more.

McCormick to Announce U.S. Senate Run Against Bob Casey This Week

David McCormick is the first Republican to announce a run against Senator Casey, the Democratic incumbent, in a race that could determine control of the Senate. The Philadelphia Inquirer 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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