Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, January 25, 2024

January 25, 2024

Pennsylvania

RSLC Includes Pennsylvania House Among Legislative Targets for 2024

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is aiming to win back the majority in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives as part of its “State Legislative Targets for 2024” plan, which includes other key battleground states. PoliticsPA has more.

Republican Party Endorses Sunday in Attorney General Race

The Pennsylvania Republican Party has officially endorsed York County District Attorney David Sunday for state attorney general, providing a significant boost to his campaign following a virtual meeting of state committee members on Monday evening. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

State House Representatives Decide Against Seeking Re-Election

State Representatives Joe Adams (R-Pike/Wayne) and Stephen Kinsey (D-Philadelphia) have each announced that they will not be running for re-election.

How to Secure a Spot on Pennsylvania’s 2024 Primary Ballot

Tuesday marked the beginning of Pennsylvania’s three-week process of collecting the required signatures for candidates for various offices to make it onto the 2024 primary ballot. The Keystone has more on the requirements, while the Philadelphia Inquirer has more on how to vote in the upcoming primary.

Future of School Vouchers in Pennsylvania Still Mired in Political Controversy

As Pennsylvania lawmakers continue to explore significant changes to charter school funding as part of a comprehensive overhaul of public education mandated by a court ruling, the conservative Commonwealth Foundation suggests that educational choice vouchers should remain on the table. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) has suggested that she and fellow House Democrats remain committed to blocking the controversial program, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) has stated that public education should be addressed first.

DOJ Broadens Allegations Against Pennsylvania Courts Regarding Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has expanded allegations that Pennsylvania courts unfairly discriminate against individuals with opioid use disorder by limiting access to medications widely acknowledged in the medical community as life-saving. Spotlight PA has more.

Legislators Propose Revision to State Gaming Regulations to Benefit State Fire Companies, Nonprofits

Lawmakers have proposed legislation to update a law that prohibits fire companies and nonprofits from receiving cashless payments for participation in fundraising raffles, bingo, and other small games of chance. Spotlight PA has more.

Pennsylvania Completes First NEVI-Funded EV Charging Station 

Federal and state officials announced the completion of the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station  in the state funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, marking a milestone in the $2.5 billion initiative aimed at enhancing EV infrastructure nationwide. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Fossil Fuel Workers Have Skills for Clean Energy Jobs, But Might Have to Move, According to Study

A study published in the Nature Communications suggests that while fossil fuel workers in Pennsylvania have similar skills needed for green energy jobs, there is little overlap between the locations of these future jobs and the locations of fossil fuel workers. WESA has more.

 

Philadelphia

Several Bills Introduced During First Regular City Council Meeting of 2024

The first meeting of 2024 back at City Hall — also the first with new City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) at the dais — saw the introduction of several new bills, including proposed regulations on Philadelphia’s for-profit eviction system, a requirement that retailers maintain video surveillance of customer parking areas, and an investigation into spending by the Office of Homeless Services during the previous mayoral administration.

City to Use ARPA Funds to Combat Flooding Issues in Germantown, Minimize Wastewater Overflows in Port Richmond

Philadelphia is set to receive approximately $25 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for water infrastructure projects in Port Richmond, Germantown, and East Falls. The funding will address aging infrastructure, with investments in sewer improvements, water treatment plants, and capacity expansion for wastewater facilities to enhance water quality and stormwater management. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Council Working to Shorten Timelines for Property Reassessment Appeals

Members of the Allegheny County Council are introducing three bills to tackle issues stemming from the county’s flawed property assessment system. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh City Council Proposes Legislation to Permit Construction of Small, Attached Homes

Pittsburgh City Councilor Bobby Wilson has introduced legislation aiming to ease zoning restrictions on attached homes, proposing the construction of such homes citywide on lots 35 square feet wide or smaller in various neighborhoods, with the goal of making housing more affordable. WESA has more.

After Pandemic Disruption, Enrollment at CCAC Stabilizes

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) has experienced a 34% drop in enrollment since fall 2019, but saw a 0.4% increase this past fall, reflecting a national trend in community colleges. PublicSource has more.

 

Federal

Recent Poll Shows Biden Leading Trump, Casey Leading McCormick in Pennsylvania

A recent Susquehanna Polling & Research survey of likely Pennsylvania voters shows President Joe Biden with a 7.5-point lead over former President Donald Trump. The same poll shows U.S. Senator Bob Casey leading Republican challenger Dave McCormick by 3.8 points. PoliticsPA has more.

Former President Trump to Speak at NRA Presidential Forum in Harrisburg Next Month

Former President Donald Trump will be the keynote speaker at the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) Presidential Forum in Harrisburg on February 9, marking his first scheduled visit to Pennsylvania during the 2024 election cycle. PoliticsPA has more.

Senator Casey’s Office Releases Report on Junk Fees

A report released by Senator Casey’s office focuses on junk fees, which consumers are obligated to pay in addition to the prices for goods or services. The Biden administration has been working to address and curb such fees in recent months. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Senator Casey Introduces Child, Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act

On Wednesday, Senator Casey introduced the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act, which, if passed, would enable working parents to recover up to half of their child care expenses, with a maximum of $16,000. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Senator Fetterman’s Rejection of Progressive Label Excites Republicans

U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s recent rejection of the “progressive” label has changed his perception among his Republican colleagues, who now seem more open to partnering with him due to his recent support for Israel and calls for stricter border policies. Politico has more.

Representative Lee Announces Largest Campaign Fundraising Haul to Date

Progressive Democratic U.S. Representative Summer Lee (PA-12) announced that her re-election campaign raised over $1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, making it her largest fundraising quarter to date. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star 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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