Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 6, 2023

April 6, 2023

Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Viewed Favorably So Far, According to New Poll

Three months after Governor Josh Shapiro’s inauguration, Pennsylvanians still generally view him favorably, according to a new poll commissioned by the conservative-leaning Commonwealth Foundation. PennLive has more.

Pennsylvania’s Largest Coal-Fired Power Plant to Shut Down This Summer

Homer City Generating Station, Pennsylvania’s largest coal-fired power plant, announced Tuesday that it will be closing its doors in July. The plant is one of five coal plants still in operation in the state, all of which have now announced plans to either close or convert to natural gas. StateImpact Pennsylvania has more.

Representative Rabb Proposes Complete Transition to Renewable Energy by 2050

On Monday, State Representative Christopher Rabb of Philadelphia proposed legislation that would end Pennsylvania’s reliance on greenhouse gasses by mandating a complete transition to renewable energy by 2050. ABC27 has more.

EPA Allocates Nearly $266 Million for Much Needed Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Pennsylvania

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Pennsylvania would be receiving $265.9 million to make infrastructural upgrades to make the Commonwealth’s drinking water safer and cleaner. According to recently released EPA data, Pennsylvania has the fourth most underground lead pipes in the U.S.

Philadelphia State Representatives Propose Legislation to Increase State Oversight of Temple University

Following the resignation of Temple University President Jason Wingard after months of turbulence at the institution, three members of the Philadelphia House Delegation — State Representatives Malcolm Kenyatta, Donna Bullock, and Danilo Burgos — announced their intent to introduce legislation that would add three state-appointed trustees to the University’s Board. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Win Again PAC Launches With Hopes to Increase Republican Mail-in Voting

Last week, Win Again PAC — a political organization aimed at convincing more Republican voters to vote by mail — was introduced during the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference in Cumberland County. PennLive has more.

Opinion: House Democrats Have Purposely Impeded Voter ID

Nathan Benefield, Senior Vice President of the Commonwealth Foundation, recently penned an opinion piece in City & State Pennsylvania criticizing House Democrats for their alleged stonewalling of proposed voter ID legislation.

 

Philadelphia

Campaign Finance Filings Shed Light on State of the Mayoral Race

The most recent campaign finance filings by Philadelphia’s mayoral candidates show that, of the candidates who met the Tuesday night deadline, former Councilmembers At-Large Allan Domb and Helen Gym lead the pack in terms of cash on hand, while grocery store magnate Jeff Brown was able to out-fundraise his competitors. PoliticsPA has more.

Former City Councilmember Gym to Air First Televised Mayoral Campaign Ad

This week, former City Councilmember Helen Gym will be airing her first television campaign ad — a 30-second spot focused on her public safety record — making her the seventh mayoral candidate to do so. The airing of the ad coincides with the mayoral victory of a similarly progressive candidate in Chicago, leading many to question whether or not this bodes well for Gym’s campaign. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Council Holds Public Hearing Exploring Potential Amendments to Short-Term Rental Industry Regulations

Philadelphia City Council is considering amending regulations on the city’s short-term rental industry that went into effect in January. Councilmember At-Large Isaiah Thomas expressed an interest in ensuring that city government is able to “keep up” with services like Airbnb while making Philadelphia more business friendly. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Coalition of Progressive Organizations Endorses Dugan, Innamorato

A progressive coalition of Allegheny County organizations — including the Working Families Party, One Pennsylvania, PA United, and several Service Employees International Union (SEIU) locals — announced their collective support of Sara Innamorato and Matt Dugan for county executive and district attorney, respectively. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Voters Could See Term-Limit Ballot Question This November

Allegheny County Council is considering an amendment to the Home Rule Charter to impose a three-term limit — which already exists for the county executive — on several local elected positions, including district attorney and county council members, sheriff, controller, and treasurer. Should the ordinance pass, voters will determine the fate of the proposed amendment in November. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Settles With Local 2020 Protestors for $275,000

The City of Pittsburgh has reached a $275,000 settlement with participants in the 2020 racial justice protests for the police’s use of explosives, tear gas, and less-lethal ammunition in their response. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

The Impact of Pittsburgh Housing Authority’s Mishandling of Housing Choice Vouchers

A recent Public Source investigation details how the Pittsburgh Housing Authority’s alleged administrative mishandling of housing choice vouchers has negatively impacted the city’s rental ecosystem.

 

Federal

How Senator Fetterman’s Recent Health Challenges Have Raised Awareness Around Stroke, Mental Health

Over the course of the past year, U.S. Senator John Fetterman has had his fair share of health challenges, including suffering from a stroke in May 2022 and more recently from clinical depression. His high-profile plights have brought these issues into the public discourse, helping to destigmatize seeking mental health treatment and raising awareness of one of the lesser known but very common potential effects of stroke: hearing loss.

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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