Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, July 11, 2024

Pennsylvania

Budget Expected to Reach Gov. Shapiro’s Desk by End of Day

Pennsylvania lawmakers are currently working to finalize the $47.6 billion FY25 budget, which is expected to include a 6% spending increase focusing on education, services for adults with intellectual disabilities, and healthcare for low-income residents without raising sales or income tax rates. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

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PA House Passes Bill to Prevent Election Certification Delays

The state House passed a bill Tuesday aimed at preventing delays in certifying presidential election results, setting strict deadlines for resolving post-election legal disputes and aligning with federal requirements under the Electoral Count Reform Act amid concerns over potential conflicts and past delays. Spotlight PA has more.

PA House Passes Bill to Address Blighted Property

The state House has passed legislation to address blighted properties by allowing counties to use a real estate transfer surcharge to create a demolition fund. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature. Lehigh Valley Business has more.

Advocates Take Issue with Fast-Tracked Carbon Capture Legislation

Environmental advocates are criticizing Pennsylvania’s fast-tracked legislation that seeks to establish a regulatory framework for carbon capture in the commonwealth, warning it disregards could exacerbate environmental problems. The bill recently passed the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee without discussion before advancing to Appropriations. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

The Pertinence of Property Taxes in Pennsylvania

Despite the massive amount of revenue Pennsylvania property taxes generate for the Commonwealth, many assessments remain outdated. Such shortcomings result in inadequate funds for roadways, schools, and other services. WESA has more.

PA to Require 4-Digit Date on Mail Ballots

In a move to further strengthen election security, the State of Pennsylvania will require mail-in ballots to possess a full four-digit date printed on the outer envelope. The Times Leader has more.

PA’s Black Caucus Presses the Brakes on Marijuana Legislation

Members of the state’s Black Caucus implore their colleagues to consider other reforms before legalizing adult use of recreational marijuana. Many suggest that investing in small businesses and reforming the criminal justice system must be part of a broader marijuana legislation package. WHTM has more.

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Stands by Fully In-Person Municipal Work Week

Philadelphia remains the only city to require a five-day, in-person work week for municipal staff. Mayor Charelle Parker renewed her avid support for the policy a day before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas will hear a lawsuit seeking to block the initiative. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia’s Office of Public Safety Now Official

Mayor Parker recently announced the establishment of an entirely new city office, the Office of Public Safety (OPS). Featuring a series of new executive roles, OPS will effectively combine the Offices of Violence Prevention, Victim Advocate, Reentry Partnerships, Criminal Justice and Town Watch under one jurisdiction. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.

Avenue of the Arts to Reap $100 Million for “Greenifying” Revamp

Set to begin in 2026, a decade-long project to “greenify” the Avenue of the Arts will extend from City Hall to Washington Avenue on Broad Street. The funds will go to installments of lush plantings and artistic barriers between vehicular and pedestrian traffic. WHYY has more.

VP Harris to Visit Philadelphia This Weekend

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to attend as the keynote speaker at the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote Presidential Town Hall in Philadelphia. The visit will mark her sixth appearance in Pennsylvania during the current election cycle. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

FLOTUS to Make a Stop in Pittsburgh 

First Lady Jill Biden plans to attend the Italian Sons and Daughters of America Dinner in Pittsburgh on Saturday. Making her second campaign visit to the state in two weeks, the First Lady will likely use it as an opportunity to reassure PA democrats that President Joe Biden should stay in the race. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

TSA Changes Underway at PIT 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) opened a brand-new security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) for precheck passengers to reduce wait times. And with a new terminal on the way, TSA promises to expand its capacity further. KDKA has more.

Cooling Centers Open Amid Heatwave 

Pittsburgh announced that it plans to open six new air conditioning centers as daily temperatures soar above ninety degrees. The services will be available to city residents at the hottest times of day, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Federal

Control of PA House Could Be Impacted by Presidential Election

Control of the Pennsylvania state House may be decided by two suburban swing districts, with contentious national issues climate change, unfair tax systems, reproductive rights, and immigration issues driving voter decisions amid the larger presidential campaign. Presidential campaign ads have inundated south-central Pennsylvania, with nearly $2 million spent on more than 5,300 ads by the Biden and Trump campaigns and their allied groups, highlighting Pennsylvania’s critical role in the 2024 election.

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