Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, September 23, 2024

September 23, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Senate Approves Repeal of RGGI Electricity Tax

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved a bill to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax, citing concerns over its impact on electricity rates and job losses in the state. Lehigh Valley Business News more.

Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Restarts to Power Microsoft Data Centers

Three Mile Island has been revived, with Microsoft purchasing 835 megawatts of energy from the plant to power its data centers, ensuring operations through 2054. The facility is expected to generate 3,400 jobs, boost Pennsylvania’s economy, and support the state’s clean energy goals. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Unemployment Rate Steady; Job Count Hits Record High

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.4% in August for the 11th consecutive month, remaining below the national average as the state achieved a record high of 6.2 million nonfarm jobs. PoliticsPA has more.

Philadelphia

Center City Retail Thrives as Downtown Residents Drive Sunday Shopping Boom

As Center City shifts from attracting regional office workers to catering to a growing residential population, foot traffic on Sundays has surged, boosting retail and dining despite a decline in suburban visitors. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Entrepreneurs Advocate for Social Justice in Cannabis Laws at Black Cannabis Week

This week is Philadelphia’s sixth annual Black Cannabis Week, which aims to educate attendees about cannabis laws and opportunities in Pennsylvania’s proposed adult-use marijuana market while advocating for equitable legislation in the growing industry. WHYY has more.

Principals Rally for School Support Amid Threats of Closures at Board Meeting

Principals defended their schools at a Philadelphia Board of Education meeting amid plans for potential closures, emphasizing their programs and the need for community support as the board voted to initiate a comprehensive facilities review. Chalkbeat Philadelphia has more.

Pittsburgh

Inclusionary Zoning Expansion Sparks Controversy Over Housing Affordability

Pittsburgh’s proposed expansion of inclusionary zoning aims to increase affordable housing by requiring new developments with 20 or more units to set aside a portion for lower-income residents, but it faces opposition from some developers who argue it could hinder overall housing affordability. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Launches $500M Water System Overhaul

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has begun a $500 million upgrade to its aging water system, starting with a new pump station in Highland Park, set to be completed by spring 2026. This project, part of a broader initiative to modernize infrastructure, aims to improve water quality and reliability, although it will lead to continued rate increases for residents. WESA has more.

Federal

Beltway Briefing: The Donut Test: How 2024 Stacks Up

As the 2024 election approaches, the rise of populism has intensified the divide between leadership, policy, and public sentiment, exemplified by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ decision not to endorse a presidential candidate. Is this election driven more by emotion than logic? And could it all come down to something as simple as the “donut test?” Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Jamie Ansorge here.

Former President Trump to Returns to Western PA; Gov. Whitmer, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Rally for Harris in Key Battleground State

Former President Donald Trump is set to hold a rally in Western Pennsylvania this week, revisiting economic and energy policy themes, as Vice President Kamala Harris sends surrogates like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Representative from New York Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to the area to campaign. Vice President Harris herself plans to return to the state later this week, highlighting key issues such as reproductive rights and economic policy. WESA has more.

PA GOP Gains in Registrations Statewide; Undecided Voters Seek Clarity on VP Harris

While Pennsylvania Republicans have continued to gain statewide in voter registrations, Democrats are growing their margins in key blue areas like Philadelphia and its suburbs. Meanwhile, many of Pennsylvania’s undecided voters are interested in learning more about Vice President Kamala Harris’ leadership capabilities, while some are still grappling with personal, ideological, or situational factors that make their decision difficult as the election nears.

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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