Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, July 7, 2022

July 7, 2022

Pennsylvania

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Welcomes Sam Denisco

Sam Denisco, vice president of government affairs at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, has joined our government relations practice. See more on Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ website.

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Hopeful That New Budget Will be Passed by the End of This Week

Pennsylvania’s 2022-23 budget has still not been passed, despite the new fiscal year beginning last week. However, the general appropriations bill passed the House today by a vote of 180-20. Increases in funding for Medicaid, environmental initiatives, and public schools are expected, as is a cut to the state’s corporate net income rate. Economic concerns are said to be a priority, including addressing staggering inflation and the threat of a potential recession. WESA has more.

Former State Republican Officials Endorse Shapiro for Governor

In one of the nation’s most high-profile gubernatorial races, Democratic nominee for Governor of Pennsylvania and current state Attorney General Josh Shapiro has secured the support of nine former Republican officials over his Republican opponent, Doug Mastriano. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Return to Campaign Trail Appears Imminent for Fetterman

According to a campaign spokesperson, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s Democratic candidate for the Senate, is poised to return to the campaign trail soon after having suffered a stroke days prior to the state primary election in May. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Some House Representatives Pledge to Take Pay Holiday Until Budget Passes

A dozen members of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives have opted to suspend their own pay until a 2022-23 budget has been passed. The first of the month on Friday marked not only the beginning of the new fiscal year, but also the day legislators typically receive their monthly paycheck. PennLive has more.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to Provide $49 Million in Funding for Pennsylvania Airports

Governor Tom Wolf announced today that Philadelphia International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and Lehigh Valley International Airport are set to receive $49 million in funding thanks to a new federal grant program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Terminals Program. Funding will be used to update terminal facilities at each of the three airports. See more on Governor Wolf’s website.

 

Philadelphia

South Street Is One of Philadelphia’s Safest Neighborhoods Despite Negative Press Around Recent Shooting

The South Street shooting that left 3 dead and 11 wounded in early June has perpetuated a negative reputation in both local and national news outlets that is incongruous with data. According to police reports, the neighborhood is actually one of the safest in Philadelphia. Billy Penn has more.

LOVE Park Welcome Center Seeking New Operator

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation will be issuing a new request for proposals for a concessionaire for the newly renovated Welcome Center in LOVE Park after Safran Turney Hospitality backed out of the current project. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pitt to Receive Funding Despite PA House Republicans’ Efforts to Withhold Over Fetal Tissue Research

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania state House voted to approve the University of Pittsburgh’s appropriation despite House Republicans’ efforts to withhold funding in order to prevent the University from conducting fetal tissue research. This state funding is allocated to tuition discounts for in-state students. The Tribune-Review has more.

Allegheny County Votes to Ban Fracking in Parks; County Executive to Veto

On Tuesday, Allegheny County Council voted to ban new fracking in county parks, but County Executive Rich Fitzgerald is expected to veto the bill. Fitzgerald’s administration currently has no plans to approve fracking in county parks. WESA has more.

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