Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, December 12, 2024

December 12, 2024

Pennsylvania

Gov. Shapiro Joins Renewed Commitment to Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

Governor Josh Shapiro, along with other state leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation and introducing new initiatives to enhance environmental health. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Gov. Shapiro Signs Half Recommended Clemency Applications in First 2 Years

In his first two years as governor, Josh Shapiro has signed about 50% of the nearly 900 clemency applications recommended by the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, a slower rate compared to his predecessor, despite efforts to streamline the process and increase staff. Spotlight PA has more.

Pennie Health Insurance Premiums to Rise if Federal Aid Expires

Pennsylvanians on the Pennie health insurance exchange will face higher premiums if federal subsidies expire at the end of 2025, with the state unable to cover the $500 million annual cost to replace the aid. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Delaware County Approves 23% Property Tax Increase

Delaware County Council approved a 23% property tax increase to maintain services as federal COVID-19 relief funds deplete, despite community opposition and accusations of financial mismanagement. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council Advances Sixers Arena Proposal with $60M CBA

Philadelphia City Council has given initial approval for the Sixers’ new $1.55 billion arena project, including an increase to the community benefits agreement (CBA) from $50 million to $60 million. A final vote is expected on December 19. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia Schools to Receive $17M for Upgrades

Seven Philadelphia schools will receive nearly $17 million for building upgrades, including new bathrooms, windows, and roofs, through the state’s new $175 million Public School Facility Improvement Program. KYW Newsradio has more.

Philadelphia’s Curriculum Overhaul Surpasses $100 Million

Philadelphia’s school district has expanded its curriculum overhaul to over $100 million, funded mainly by federal COVID relief, to standardize and enhance teaching resources across the city, with additional funds recently approved for math tools. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Activists Rally Urge Mayor Parker to Reaffirm Sanctuary City Status

Around 75 immigration activists rallied at City Hall, urging Mayor Cherelle Parker to reaffirm Philadelphia’s sanctuary city status amid President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation promises. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh City Council Nears Approval of 2025 Budget

Pittsburgh City Council is close to approving Mayor Ed Gainey’s 2025 budget, which includes minor line-item changes, a reduction in police staffing levels, and the phasing out of the horse-mounted unit, with a final vote expected by the end of the year. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh City Council Debates Inclusionary Zoning for Affordable Housing

Pittsburgh City Council members debated two inclusionary zoning proposals to address affordable housing, with disagreements over whether to apply the policy citywide or allow neighborhoods to decide individually, and concerns about the financial impact on developers and the city. WESA has more.

DA Zappala Sues Allegheny County Over Pension Fund Insolvency

District Attorney Stephen Zappala has filed a lawsuit against Allegheny County and its retirement board, alleging the pension system is severely underfunded and at risk of insolvency, likening it to a “Ponzi scheme.” WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Tentative Contract Lifts Residency Requirement

Pittsburgh Public Schools’ tentative four-year contracts will lift the residency requirement for about 2,500 employees, aiming to address staffing shortages, while also increasing pay and preserving post-retirement healthcare benefits. WESA has more.

Federal

President Biden Set to Block U.S. Steel-Nippon Sale

President Joe Biden is reportedly planning to block the $14.9 billion sale of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel due to national security concerns, despite some federal agencies finding no risks. If the sale is blocked, U.S. Steel may close its Mon Valley Works facilities, impacting thousands of local jobs. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

State Senator to Lead McCormick’s U.S. Senate Offices in PA

State Senator Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) is stepping down to become U.S. Senator-elect David McCormick’s state director, which will trigger a special election in the district. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Sen. Fetterman Joins Truth Social, Calls for Trump Pardon

U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania became the first Senate Democrat to join Truth Social, advocating for President-elect Trump to be pardoned from his New York case, comparing it to Hunter Biden’s legal issues and criticizing the judiciary’s partisanship. Politico 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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