Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, May 11, 2023

May 11, 2023

Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Touts Tax Cut Plan

On Tuesday during an event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Governor Josh Shapiro touted his plan to accelerate the easing of Pennsylvania’s corporate tax burden, citing a desire to compete with other states for business. WHYY has more.

Governor Shapiro Cabinet Nominee Confirmed by State Senate

On Wednesday, Governor Shapiro cabinet nominee Russell Redding was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the State Senate as secretary of agriculture. Secretary Russell also held the position in the administrations of former Governors Tom Wolf and Ed Rendell. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

How Does Governor Shapiro’s Proposed FY24 Budget Address Public Health Issues?

Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY24 budget aims to improve public health in several ways, including fully funding local health departments, investigating the phenomenon of Black maternal mortality and other related health complications, and paving the way for the potential legalization of adult-use marijuana. Spotlight PA has more.

Legislation Regulating Games of Skill Formally Introduced in State Senate

On Wednesday, State Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) introduced legislation that would regulate and impose a new 16% tax on games of skill. ABC27 has more.

State House Special Elections to Be Held Next Week

Next Tuesday, voters in State House Districts 108 in Montour and Northumberland Counties and 163 in Delaware County will elect their new representatives, once again determining the majority of the chamber. Pennsylvania Democrats have spent nearly $1 million in hopes of defending their narrow majority, but the election between Democrat Heather Boyd and Republican Katie Ford is widely considered the more competitive of the two races. The Associated Press has more.

Pennsylvania Ranks Fourth Nationally in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

According to a recent report by the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, Pennsylvania is the nation’s fourth leading emitter of greenhouse gasses. State Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) has sponsored legislation that aims to address this through modernization of the state’s renewable energy standards. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

“Culture of Non-Compliance” Partially to Blame for Pennsylvania Well Operators’ Failure to Plug Abandoned Wells

Pennsylvania has approximately 200,000 abandoned wells, all of which continue to emit methane — a particularly potent greenhouse gas — if left unplugged. Despite an anticipated infusion of federal dollars and commitment from Governor Shapiro, some environmental advocates worry that a “culture of non-compliance” is more to blame for operators’ routine failure to plug abandoned wells rather than a mere lack of adequate funding. SpotlightPA has more.

2020 Election Deniers Running for Commissioner Positions Across the Commonwealth

According to an investigation by Votebeat and SpotlightPA, a staggering 45 people who have denied the results of the 2020 election are now running for county commissioner positions across the state. SpotlightPA has more.

 

Philadelphia

City Council Considers Ban on Supervised Injection Sites

On Thursday, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada introduced a bill to ban supervised injection sites in a zoning area that encompasses the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, and 10th Districts, which includes areas of Northeast Philadelphia, the Riverwards, and all of South Philadelphia. Similar efforts have also recently been made at the state level. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Mayor Kenney Gives Non-Endorsement in Final Days of Philadelphia’s Mayoral Primary

The mayoral primary race is now the most expensive in Philadelphia history, with Democratic candidates still jockeying for their party’s nomination. During a press conference announcing a new transition committee, Mayor Jim Kenney stated that he had already cast his ballot by mail, and that he voted for former District 9 Councilmember Cherelle Parker for mayor, though he specified that this was not an official endorsement. WHYY has more.

Philadelphia Welcomes More Asylum Seekers

On Wednesday, the 20th group of asylum seekers arrived in Philadelphia from Texas by bus. Mayor Jim Kenney’s Chief of Staff Christina Hernandez affirmed that the City is working to connect the new arrivals to necessary resources to provide them with a proper welcome. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Three High-Profile Allegheny County Races Continue Drawing in Fundraising Dollars in Final Days

The high-profile race for Allegheny County Executive is the most expensive race in the County’s history — and races for County Council At-Large and District Attorney have attracted a large number of donations as well. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Allegheny County Council to Consider Minimum Wage Increase for County Employees

On Tuesday, Allegheny County Council’s Committee on Government Reform voted in favor of sending a bill that would increase the minimum wage for County employees to the full Council for its consideration. WESA has more.

 

Federal

President Biden Appoints Four Pennsylvania Democrats to National Reelection Advisory Board

President Joe Biden recently appointed four Pennsylvania Democrats — Governor Shapiro, U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Brendan Boyle, and State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta — to the national advisory board for his reelection campaign. The Philadelphia Inquirer 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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