Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, August 8, 2024

August 8, 2024

Pennsylvania

State Budget Could Benefit Rural PA 

Although the Commonwealth’s $47.6 billion budget did not satisfy every ask from rural Pennsylvanians, the funding plan shows promise for agriculture, health care, and economic development. A new $10 million grant for innovative farming initiatives, $400 million in industrial and commercial development stimulus funds, and $34.5 million allocated to mid-state hospital facilities will accompany other benefits for rural Pennsylvania communities. Spotlight PA has more.

CHA Partners to Buy Crozer Health

Prospect Medical Holdings Inc. announced a preliminary agreement between Crozer Health and a potential buyer, CHA Partners, with plans to turn it back into a nonprofit. With facilities in Chester, Ridley Park, Springfield, and Broomall, Crozer Health could garner significant influence throughout Delaware County if the acquisition moves forward. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Penn State Study Indicates Decline in PA Teaching Industry  

A Penn State researcher found increasing rates of teacher attrition in Pennsylvania. Fewer teachers have applied for certification, and greater numbers have left the profession. Last year, the educator attrition rate reached 7.7%. WESA has more.

Bethlehem Secures World Heritage Site Designation

Bethlehem’s Moravian Church Settlements has received official World Heritage Site designation, after a 22-year-old fight to win UNESCO’s recognition. In October, Bethlehem will host dignitaries from the three most recent European additions. Officials are currently discussing additional celebratory events for the future. Lehigh Valley News has more.

 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Offers Big Promises for the Future of Gaming

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At Large) predicts that Philadelphia could become the home of the gaming industry as the city gears up for its second gaming conference. PHL Gaming plans to hold a launch event at Localhost in September, featuring panel discussions, gaming competitions, and video game and tech expos. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia’s Fiery Day of Political Fame

Hours after Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, the two took stage at Temple University in the first of several scheduled battleground-state rallies, emphasizing a message of unity. Several city, state, and federal officials also addressed the crowd, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance also made an appearance in Philadelphia this week at a rally for former President Donald Trump.

Property Reassessments to Raise Homeowners’ Tax Bills $330

Though Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council left the real estate tax rate unchanged this year, Philadelphia homeowners can expect to see property taxes increase by $330 on average this year as the Parker Administration gears up for a citywide reassessment. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

American Airlines Offering Ground Route Between Philadelphia, Wilmington

American Airlines plans to roll-out a motor-coach option for passengers traveling between Wilmington and Philadelphia. Passengers will have the option to enjoy cheaper parking options and shorter TSA lines in Wilmington before boarding the bus to Philadelphia. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

PPS Assessing Facilities Conditions

Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) is assessing the condition of its facilities, revealing that most buildings require significant renovations, while declining student enrollment adds pressure to consolidate schools. Community members have expressed concerns about the accuracy of the data used in these decisions, fearing potential school closures, particularly in predominantly Black neighborhoods. PublicSource has more.

Allegheny Nonprofits Receive Greenlight to Expand Boating in Pittsburgh

The Steel City Rowing Club and Venture Outdoors reaped financial rewards from a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission grant geared to support nineteen educational projects in Pennsylvania. Each project is eligible to receive up to $25,000 as part of the broader $200,000 grant. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Gov. Shapiro Likely to Speak at DNC

Governor Shapiro is expected to be one of several speakers to address delegates at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, where Vice President Harris will formally accept her party’s nomination for president. The news comes after Gov. Shapiro’s energetic speech at a Harris-Walz rally in Philadelphia. PennLive has more.

Beltway Briefing Special Edition: Meet Coach Walz

Hailing from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Governor Walz joins Vice President Harris as her Democratic running mate in her bid to secure the White House this November. But who is Tim Walz? Can the Harris-Walz ticket secure the blue wall? How will he govern as Harris’ number two? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and John Reich (Minnesota) here.

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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