Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, June 23, 2022

June 23, 2022

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Legislators Reach Tentative Deal to Ban Private Money, Increase Funding for County Election Offices

Yesterday, Pennsylvania legislators reached an agreement to increase state funding for county election offices in order to curb the potential influence of private dollars on state and local elections. While in recent years private donations have filled an apparent gap in election administration funding, some have argued that such donations may result in undue influence from outside groups. Spotlight PA has more.

State Senate Democrats Call to Pass Gas Tax Holiday

Yesterday, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats called on their Republican colleagues to pass a gas tax holiday bill. Revenue from the gas tax helps fund repairs to state roads and bridges, though Senate Democrats argue these expenses could be paid for by this year’s budget surplus. Penn Live has more.

Pennsylvania Senate Passes a Bill to Legalize Expansion of E-Scooters

Senate Bill 892 was passed yesterday in the Pennsylvania Senate, clearing the way for expansion of low-speed electric scooters into more of Pennsylvania’s cities. Pittsburgh was the first Pennsylvania city to legalize such scooters last year. The Tribune-Review has more.

 

Philadelphia

Recent Budget Deal Indicative of City Council’s Shift Toward More Moderate Policymaking

The most recent budget deal reached by Philadelphia City Council and the Kenney Administration—which included cuts to business taxes and an increase in the Police Department budget—represents a general shift away from recent progressive initiatives back toward more moderate ones. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Many Workers Who Used to Commute Into Philadelphia Continue to Work From Home

A new report by Pew Charitable Trusts has revealed that thousands of former commuters into Philadelphia are choosing to work from their homes in the suburbs. This may negatively impact the city’s continuing economic recovery from the pandemic. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Council Kicks Off Series of Hearings Into Philadelphia Parking Authority

Yesterday, City Council—led by Councilmember Helen Gym—launched a series of hearings into the state-controlled Philadelphia Parking Authority. Lines of questioning included the Authority’s controversial decision to lodge a debt against the School District of Philadelphia, which has since been canceled. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Shootings in Philadelphia Remain at an All-Time High; Homicides Down Slightly

While shootings in Philadelphia are continuing at a rapid pace, murder rates are slightly lower compared to data from this time last year. These trends are not exclusive to Philadelphia, and reflect a nationwide uptick in violent crime. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Federal Donuts Swaps Potato Roll Brands in Wake of Revelation of Current Supplier’s Ties to Mastriano

Federal Donuts has announced that it will be changing the supplier of potato rolls for its fried chicken sandwiches from Central Pennsylvania-based Martin’s to Baltimore-based Schmidt Baking Company. The family behind Martin’s is among the top donors to Doug Mastriano, the Republican candidate for Pennsylvania governor. Billy Penn has more.

Philadelphians Debate Pros, Cons of Safe Injection Sites

Safe injection sites have often been proposed as a potential solution to Philadelphia’s opioid crisis. Two Philadelphians offered their perspectives on the merits of this idea in the Opinion section of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Read more.

 

Pittsburgh

Survivor of Police-Involved Shooting, Outgoing Chief of Police Launch New Gun Violence-Prevention Nonprofit

Activist Leon Ford and outgoing Chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Scott Schubert have teamed up to launch the Hear Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to confronting gun violence. The organization will be led by Former Google executive Kamal Nigam. 90.5 WESA has more.

Concessions Operator Alleges Allegheny County Airport Authority Wrongfully Terminated Contract

Fraport Pittsburgh, a concessions operator for Pittsburgh International Airport, has filed a lawsuit against the Allegheny County Airport Authority alleging breach of contract, among other claims. The Tribune-Review has more.

 

Federal

Fetterman Leads Oz in Pennsylvania Senate Race

A recent AARP poll shows that Pennsylvania Democratic Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman leads his Republican opponent Mehmet Oz by six points in the Pennsylvania Senate race. The Hill has more.

FDA Places Ban on Juul E-Cigarettes

Earlier today, the Food and Drug Administration ordered vaping company Juul to take its electronic cigarettes off of the market in the U.S. In order to remain on the market, e-cigarette companies must demonstrate that their product benefits public health. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

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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