Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

Pennsylvania

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Team Members Appointed to Mayoral, County Executive Transition Teams

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Managing Director Joe Hill and Government Affairs Associate Brianna Westbrooks have been appointed to Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker’s transition team to serve on the Commerce & Economic Development and Housing, Planning & Development subcommittees, respectively, while Principal Kevin Kerr has been appointed to Allegheny County Executive-elect Sara Innamorato’s transition team to serve on the Reliable, Modern Transportation & Infrastructure policy committee.

New State House Rules Failed to Increase Bipartisanship, Insiders Say

State House rules passed earlier this year by Democrats that intended to make Harrisburg more productive by allowing members of the minority party more committee representation haven’t had the desired impact, according to insiders. Spotlight PA has more.

State Task Force to Increase Flood Insurance Accessibility Established

A new state task force has been established to make policy recommendations to increase accessibility and affordability for flood insurance due to the ongoing impacts of climate change. WPSU has more.

Central Bucks School Board Authorizes Legal Challenge of Former Superintendent’s $700,000 Payout, Rolls Back Library Book Restrictions

On Monday, the newly Democratic-controlled Central Bucks school board authorized a legal challenge to a $700,000 payout to the former superintendent. The board also rolled back several controversial policies restricting library books. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Philadelphia

Mayor-Elect Parker Begins Assembling Intergovernmental Roundtable

Mayor-elect Parker has begun to assemble a first-of-its-kind Intergovernmental Roundtable composed of three dozen elected officials and stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels. The goal of the group is to devise strategies to address some of the City’s toughest challenges. WHYY has more.

City Council Advances Legislation to Amend Existing Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban

On Wednesday, City Council’s Committee on Licenses & Inspections advanced legislation that would amend the city’s existing ban on single-use plastic bags, which would establish a minimum fee for the provision of bags to customers and clarify definitions in the original bill. Metro Philadelphia has more.

SEPTA Unveils New Metro Website

As part of a recent branding overhaul to improve wayfinding, SEPTA has launched its new SEPTA Metro website.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County to Receive Full Opioid Settlement Payment

Allegheny County will be receiving its full estimated $6 million payment after all required municipalities signed onto an opioid settlement deal thanks to reporting by WESA and Spotlight PA.

Allegheny County Judge Rules Minimum Wage Hike for County Workers Invalid

An Allegheny Common Pleas Judge ruled an effort to establish and increase a minimum wage up to $20 an hour for Allegheny County employees invalid after County Executive Rich Fitzgerald mounted a legal challenge against the bill. The legislation had passed despite County Executive Fitzgerald’s veto. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

More Pittsburgh Police Officers Resign Than Any Year in Past Decade

This year, 45 Pittsburgh police officers have resigned, more than any other year during the past decade. The number does not include retirements. Channel 11 News has more.

 

Federal

FRA, Senators Casey, Fetterman Announce Several Pennsylvania Amtrak Projects

This week, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced millions of dollars in grants for several projects to resuscitate dormant Amtrak routes and expand and make critical track and safety improvements to existing ones. These efforts are largely funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.

Representative Thompson Announced Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA) announced yesterday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. KDKA 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News