Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Prepares for Next Week’s Primary Elections

Pennsylvania’s primary elections are next week, featuring highly anticipated Democratic and Republican races for attorney general, treasurer, and other statewide offices.

Shapiro Admin Aims to Eradicate Waiting List for Services for Intellectually Disabled Adults

Governor Josh Shapiro and Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh announced plans to eliminate a waiting list for intellectually disabled adults this week, urging lawmakers to approve increased funding for state-subsidized services to improve worker salaries and address the critical shortage of care workers. The Associated Press has more.

State House Passes Bill Allowing Tax Breaks for Abandoned Mall Redevelopment Projects

This week, the state House passed legislation that would offer tax breaks to developers who repurpose abandoned malls into affordable housing and green energy centers, with the goal of revitalizing derelict spaces. PennLive has more.

PA Supreme Court Ends Wilkinsburg Annexation Efforts

An appeal filed by a group attempting to merge Wilkinsburg into Pittsburgh has been denied by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, effectively ending annexation efforts for the time being. WESA has more.

Wawa Celebrates 60th Birthday

Delaware County-based Wawa celebrated its 60th birthday this week, with festivities across its stores nationwide. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

How the GIANT Company Gave Back to PA in 2023

The GIANT Company has released its third annual impact report, focusing on corporate social responsibility initiatives in 2023, including efforts to eliminate hunger, support local nonprofits, promote sustainability, and enhance community wellbeing across Pennsylvania and beyond.

 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Expand Worker Protections

Today, Philadelphia City Council passed an expansion of worker protections aimed at providing job security for Center City office building workers. The bill, which was pocket vetoed by former Mayor Jim Kenney in December, now heads to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s desk for approval. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia School District to Discontinue “Leveling”

Superintendent Tony Watlington, Sr. announced on Tuesday that the Philadelphia School District will end the practice of “leveling,” which involves reallocating teachers based on actual enrollment weeks after the school year has begun. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pew Publishes 2024 State of the City Report

The Pew Charitable Trusts recently published its 2024 State of the City report, finding that the city has made great strides in the past year, though it still faces a number of intractable challenges. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Executive Innamorato Unveils Survey Findings, Action Plan to Improve County Services

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato presented results from a resident survey and subsequent action plan to enhance County services this week, focusing on immediate initiatives like discounted transit fares for SNAP recipients and mental health response to 911 calls, while addressing funding challenges and filling senior-level executive positions. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Pittsburgh City Council Advances Proposal to Increase Fiscal Oversight

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh City Council advanced a measure to increase oversight of the city’s five-year spending plan, requiring the city controller to certify revenue projections amid concerns about the city’s fiscal health. WESA has more.

In Pittsburgh, Biden Commits to Preventing U.S. Steel Sale to Japanese Company

During a visit to Pittsburgh earlier this week, President Joe Biden committed to blocking the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan-based Nippon Steel. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Sen. Casey to Launch Campaign Road Trip Across PA

U.S. Senator Bob Casey will be embarking on a statewide “On Our Side Road Trip” to highlight his achievements and connect with Pennsylvanians on his campaign for a fourth term in office. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star 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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