Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, July 13, 2023

July 13, 2023

Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro, GIANT Announce Increased Investment in Pennsylvania Agriculture

On Tuesday, GIANT Company announced that it will be donating $200,000 to the 2023-24 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants program, bringing the program’s current funding total to $700,000. The program will be used to increase fresh food access in urban food deserts and address existing inequity. The Central Penn Business Journal has more.

Governor Shapiro’s Backpedal on School Voucher Program Marks End of Honeymoon Phase in Harrisburg

As the FY24 budget continues to be held up in General Assembly limbo, Governor Josh Shapiro’s controversial decision to veto the school voucher program he and state Senate Republicans collaborated on is seen as the final nail in the coffin of the Governor’s honeymoon phase. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Local, State Officials Strategize Around BEAD Funding Deployment

Governor Shapiro and other state and local officials are currently in the process of developing a strategy to deploy $1.16 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding to expand broadband access to underserved areas. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

York County District Attorney Enters State Attorney General Race

York County District Attorney Dave Sunday has announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania Attorney General, the first Republican to do so. City & State Pennsylvania is keeping tabs on all of the candidates who have declared thus far. The Associated Press has more.

State Department of Human Services Introduced Temporary Program to Help Residents Pay Water Bills

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced that it will be using $5 million in unused American Rescue Plan funding to help struggling Pennsylvanians pay their water bills through a temporary Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. WHYY has more.

Settlement Reached in Chesapeake Bay Pollution Lawsuit

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with the attorneys general of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and D.C., who alleged that the agency neglected to enforce the Clean Water Act through its failure to hold Pennsylvania to the task of reducing Chesapeake Bay pollution. As part of the settlement, the EPA will focus efforts on curbing pollution in Pennsylvania’s highest contributors. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

 

Philadelphia

American Airlines Launches Partnership With Landline

On Tuesday, American Airlines announced the launch of its new service partnership with bus company Landline to allow its customers to make connections from Atlantic City or Lehigh Valley International Airports to the Philadelphia International Airport after going through security at their local airport. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia’s First Director of Planning, Development Resigns

Deputy Mayor Anne Fadullon, Philadelphia’s first-ever director of planning and development, has announced that she will be leaving next month. Her position was initially created by Mayor Jim Kenney, the result of a six-department merger at the beginning of his administration. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

University City Townhomes Owners, Residents to Participate in Eviction Diversion Program

The owners of the University City Townhomes and some of its residents — who, following months of protests, are slated to move out no later than August 15 — are requesting that the City’s Eviction Diversion Program assist in relocation efforts. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia Rent Growth Slowing to Pre-Pandemic Levels

New research by real estate company Zillow shows that rent growth in the Philadelphia metropolitan region has slowed nearly to pre-pandemic levels. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Tree of Life Shooter Found Eligible for Death Penalty by Jury

This morning, the jury in the high-profile Tree of Life synagogue massacre trial found the convicted shooter to be eligible for the death penalty. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Council Passes Limitations on Role of Outside Money in Local Races

On Tuesday, Allegheny County Council voted to limit coordinated campaign expenditures between political action groups and candidates running for local office. WESA has more.

First Lady Schedules Pittsburgh Visit to Tout “Bidenomics”

The White House announced Wednesday that First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will be visiting Pittsburgh next week to discuss “Bidenomics.” The stop is part of a short tour focused on workforce hubs. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Allegheny County Overdose Death Rates Drop

According to a recent report by the Allegheny County Health Department, fewer county residents died of overdose in 2022 than in 2021. However, officials state that additional harm reduction outreach to the region’s Black community is needed in order to combat existing racial disparity in overdose deaths. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Kevin Dellicker Enters PA-07 Congressional Race

Republican Kevin Dellicker, founder of technology services company Dellicker Strategies, has announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 7th House District, which is currently held by Democratic Representative Susan Wild. PoliticsPA 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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