Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, August 29, 2024

August 29, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Schools Set to Receive $11B in Funding; Taxpayers Question Whether Investment Will Be Effective

Governor Josh Shapiro announced $11 billion in new funding for Pennsylvania schools to address long-standing issues, but taxpayers are questioning whether the investment will effectively improve educational outcomes. WHTM has more.

State Lawmakers Debate How Regulate, Tax Skill Games

Pennsylvania lawmakers are debating how to regulate skill games, a contentious issue involving untaxed gaming machines, with supporters arguing it could aid small businesses and provide much-needed revenue as the state faces potential budget deficits, while opponents have raised concerns about public safety, gambling addiction, and industry oversight. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Public Input Frequently Overlooked in Decisions Regarding State Opioid Settlement Funds

According to an analysis by KFF Health News and Spotlight PA, Pennsylvania is among many states where public voices are often excluded from opioid settlement discussions, with councils typically barring public comment and sometimes even holding secret meetings. This lack of transparency and engagement limits the ability of those most affected by the opioid crisis to influence how settlement funds are used. Spotlight PA has more.

Lack of Oversight of Medicaid Drug Benefits Cost PA Taxpayers $7M

A recent state audit revealed that Pennsylvania taxpayers overpaid $7 million for Medicaid prescription drug benefits in 2022 due to inadequate oversight by the Department of Human Services and spread pricing by pharmacy benefit managers. The Associated Press has more.

Legislators Aim to Increase Health Dept. Oversight of State Medical Marijuana Program

Two Republican lawmakers are planning to introduce legislation to increase the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s oversight in the medical marijuana program amid debate over its necessity and its focus on cannabis. Spotlight PA has more.

Washington County Violated Law by Not Notifying Voters When Mail-In Ballots Were Rejected

A judge has ruled that Washington County violated state law by not informing voters if their mail-in ballots were rejected, depriving them of the chance to challenge the decision or vote provisionally. The Associated Press has more.

PA Releases Voter Education Toolkit

The Pennsylvania Department of State has released a free voter education toolkit with key election dates and information to help voters prepare for the upcoming election. YourErie.com has more.

State of Working PA Report Shows Strong Economy for Working Families

The Keystone Research Center’s annual State of Working Pennsylvania report indicates the state’s economy is thriving for working families, with wage growth and job numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels, although there are calls for further improvements in wages and union policies. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Chester’s Plan to Sell Water Systems Meets Resistance 

The City of Chester’s plan to sell its water systems to address bankruptcy is facing resistance and legal challenges from involved parties, complicating efforts to resolve the City’s financial crisis. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Philadelphia

City Releases Proposed Center City Arena Impact Studies

The fate of the Philadelphia 76ers’ proposed Center City arena now rests with the City Council and Mayor Cherelle Parker, who may consider legislation based on the findings of the recently released impact studies as early as this fall. The Philadelphia Business Journal has more.

DA Krasner Reopens Grant Application Process for Anti-Violence Groups

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has reopened the grant application process for anti-violence groups, targeting funding at local nonprofits addressing youth trauma related to gun violence. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

City Working on Environmental Justice Mapping Tool

Philadelphia is developing an environmental justice mapping tool incorporating community input to tackle issues such as illegal dumping, air pollution, and neglected trees, with the goal of guiding City decisions and prioritizing investments more effectively. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Early 2024 Financial Data Show Promising Signs; Concerns Persist

Pittsburgh’s finances showed positive early 2024 results, with projections indicating a nearly $4 million surplus for the year, a turnaround from earlier expectations of a $3 million deficit. Despite this improvement, concerns persist about long-term financial stability, including revenue shortfalls and high vacancy rates in City positions. WESA has more.

City Council Considers Revisions to Side-Lot Program

Pittsburgh City Council is reconsidering changes to its side-lot program to prevent speculators from purchasing vacant lots at a discount, while ensuring that residents and landlords are not unfairly impacted. WESA has more.

City Council to Revisit Tiny House Proposal After Withdrawing Initial Bill

Pittsburgh City Council withdrew a proposal for regulated homeless camps and tiny houses to refine it with pending zoning amendments but plans to reintroduce the idea soon. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

VP Harris, President Biden to Spending Labor Day Campaigning in Pittsburgh

Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden will campaign together in Pittsburgh on Labor Day, highlighting their support for labor unions as part of a broader Democratic effort in battleground states. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pittsburgh International Airport Expecting Busiest Labor Day Ever

Pittsburgh International Airport is expected to see record Labor Day travel, following its busiest July in nearly 20 years, with high passenger volumes and increased TSA screenings anticipated. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

 

Federal

Rep. Deluzio, Sen. Fetterman Introduce “Make Stuff Here” Agenda

U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D) have introduced their “Make Stuff Here” agenda, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing and protect workers through measures like targeted tariffs and support for unionization. WITF has more.

VP Harris, Former President Trump Tied in PA

In Pennsylvania, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are virtually tied at 48% each according to the latest poll by Emerson College Polling and The Hill.

PA Dems Focus Resources on Targeted, Down-Ballot Campaign

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has launched a $500,000 program to deliver locally tailored messaging to voters across the state, aiming to boost candidates from the Harris-Walz ticket down to school boards. The New York Times 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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