Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Pennsylvania

Reporting Shows How PA Counties Have Spent Opioid Settlement Dollars

Records obtained by Spotlight PA and WESA about opioid settlement money spending have revealed the myriad strategies being deployed in counties across the Commonwealth, including allocating funding medication-assisted treatment for people in jail, housing programs, and initiatives supporting children and families. Spotlight PA has more.

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State House Passes Pre-Canvassing Legislation

The state House passed legislation along party lines Wednesday that would permit Pennsylvania’s county boards of election to start pre-canvassing up to seven days before election day, which would allow for faster ballot processing. The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate for consideration. PoliticsPA has more.

State Senate Passes Bill Allowing Certain Energy Projects to Bypass Administration

The state Senate passed a Republican-backed bill that would overhaul Pennsylvania’s energy development system. The legislation has faced criticism from Democrats, who allege that it sidesteps environmental regulations. PennLive has more.

PA Republicans Increase Share of Mail-In Ballots

The Republican share of mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania increased slightly during last week’s primary. Roughly 26% of all mail-in ballots returned were from Republican voters, leaving party activists cautiously optimistic about their new messaging. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Abortion Advocates Call for Federal Protections

Abortion advocates in Pennsylvania are calling on federal lawmakers to protect the right to abortion amid concerns over restricted access to care, exemplified by Florida’s six-week abortion ban and the Supreme Court’s consideration of Idaho’s abortion ban. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

IFO Releases April Monthly Revenue Update

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released its monthly revenue update for the month of April. View the report here.

 

Philadelphia

Parker Admin Working to Establish Fairmount Triage Center

The City is reportedly working with service providers to open a triage center in Fairmount for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders, with the goal of providing short-term care and connecting people with long-term treatment options. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Council to Consider Changes to School Board Nomination Process

City Council will investigate the process of appointing School Board members — and whether members should be elected instead. Despite City Council’s rejection, Joyce Wilkerson was sworn in with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s other Board of Education appointees Wednesday morning.

Incumbent Rep. Brown Wins HD-10 Primary

Incumbent state Rep. Amen Brown (D-Philadelphia) declared victory in a tight Democratic primary race for House District 10, securing a third term representing his West Philadelphia constituents.

VP Harris to Visit Philadelphia Suburbs to Discuss Reproductive Rights

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Montgomery County next week to tout President Joe Biden’s record on women’s reproductive rights ahead of the November general election. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Controller Warns About City’s Financial Future in Annual Report

In an annual report unveiled Wednesday, Pittsburgh Controller Rachael Heisler warned of a challenging financial future for the city, citing a $21 million shortfall in deed transfer tax revenue and declining property values, though Mayor Ed Gainey’s office maintains optimism about the state of Pittsburgh’s finances. WESA has more.

Inglis Secures HD-38 Democratic Nomination 

After a week of tallying votes, John Inglis has narrowly won the Democratic primary for state House District 38 in Allegheny County. WESA has more.

 

Federal

U.S. House Passes Abandoned Oil, Gas Wells Bill

The U.S. House passed a bipartisan bill Tuesday — sponsored by Democratic Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12) — focused on locating and mitigating the environmental impact of abandoned oil and gas wells nationwide. Pennsylvania alone has an estimated 350,000 such wells that are unaccounted for. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Voters in PA’s “Boomerang” County Nostalgic for Trump Era Economy

Voters in Northampton County — a “boomerang” county in Pennsylvania where Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden all secured critical victories in their respective winning presidential races — have expressed nostalgia for the Trump economy, as well as concerns about the current administration’s handling of migration, overseas conflicts, and the high cost of living. NPR has more.

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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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