Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 11, 2024

April 11, 2024

Pennsylvania

Voting Rights Advocates Seek New Ruling Over Undated Ballots

Pennsylvania voting rights groups are appealing a court ruling to a larger panel of federal appellate judges, arguing against the state’s rejection of mail ballots lacking proper date stamps, though not in time for the upcoming primary elections. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.

Primary Races to Watch

Pennsylvania’s primary races are fast approaching, and WHYY has highlighted the Democratic state treasurer race as one to watch. The winner will face Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity, who has no primary challenger. Meanwhile, Spotlight PA has published a quiz to determine which state attorney general candidate — of five Democrats and two Republicans — readers align with politically, as well as a guide to vetting primary state legislative candidates. Finally, PoliticsPA continued its series on state House primary races with an installment on Northeastern Pennsylvania.

State House Passes AI-Generated Content Disclosure Bill

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation requiring clear disclosure when AI is used to generate content. The law would also prohibit defendants from arguing that AI-generated child sex abuse material is not illegal. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. The Associated Press has more.

State Trust Rejects Elk County’s Request to Fund Public Defenders Using Opioid Settlement Money

The Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse & Addiction Abatement Trust rejected a request by Elk County to use a portion of the state’s allotted opioid settlement money for public defenders for those suffering from substance use disorders. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Launches $10M Student Teacher Stipend Program

Applications for stipends through Pennsylvania’s new $10 million Student Teacher Support Program — which will provide aspiring teachers with up to $15,000 to cover student teaching expenses — opened this morning. Recipients are required to teach in Pennsylvania for at least three years after graduation. PennLive has more.

 

Philadelphia

How Crime, Public Safety Has Defined Mayor Parker’s First 100 Days in Office

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s focus on addressing the crisis in Kensington during her first 100 days as mayor has shifted expectations regarding her legacy, demonstrating a commitment to tackling long standing issues — particularly Kensington’s opioid crisis — despite administrative challenges and criticisms. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Council Approves Bills on City Data Collection, RCO Rules

This week, Philadelphia City Council approved legislation requiring increased data collection on homelessness and drug overdoses and implementing stricter rules for registered community organizations (RCOs) in certain districts. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

CCP Debuts New Brand

The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) launched a new brand today featuring a revamped logo, website, and ads displayed across various platforms. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

SEPTA’s Unveils New, Improved Drexel Station at 30th Street

SEPTA’s 30th Street Station stop has been renovated and renamed Drexel Station at 30th Street, featuring upgrades to improve accessibility and connections to Amtrak. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh City Council Adjusts Strategy to Reduce Taxes for Downtown Developers

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh City Council members unanimously voted to amend a bill to expand the city’s tax assistance program intended to encourage downtown development. WESA has more.

Zoning Change Would Make it Easier to Build Rowhomes, Attached Housing in Pittsburgh

Supporters and opponents voiced their opinions on a Pittsburgh zoning reform bill during a public hearing Wednesday, with proponents advocating for easier construction of attached houses to address housing affordability issues and opponents expressing concerns about neighborhood character and rushed legislation. WESA has more.

PPS Sues Allegheny County to Force Property Reassessments

Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) filed a lawsuit against Allegheny County for a county-wide reassessment of properties, citing violations of the state’s Uniformity Clause and financial challenges due to property tax revenue losses. PublicSource has more.

 

Federal

Lawmakers Criticize President Biden’s Halt on LNG Terminal Approval

Democratic U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman — as well as several Republican state lawmakers — have expressed concerns about the potential impacts on Pennsylvania jobs and energy security in the wake of President Joe Biden’s decision to pause new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal approvals. 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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