Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, May 30, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Voting Rights Groups Sue Over Counting of Undated Ballots

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and Public Interest Law Center filed a lawsuit Tuesday to overturn a state law that disqualifies undated or incorrectly dated mail ballots, arguing it violates the state constitution and disenfranchises voters. The groups hope to have an answer by the November general election. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Some PA Counties Fund Coroners with Opioid Settlements

Pennsylvania counties are using opioid settlement funds to support coroner offices, sparking debate on whether this aligns with the intended purpose of saving lives. Advocates argue the money should focus on prevention and treatment rather than managing death investigations. Spotlight PA has more.

CDC Reports Indicate Slowdown in Drug-Related Deaths in PA

Preliminary Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows a 9.22% decline in overdose deaths in the U.S. and Pennsylvania from 2023 to 2024, with localized efforts and stigma reduction contributing to this trend, though disparities persist among different demographics. WITF has more.

Lawmakers Aim to Boost PA Startups

A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers led by state Representative Paul Friel (D-Chester) is proposing a tax deduction for startup companies to boost economic investment and competitiveness. DV Journal has more.

State Republicans Aim to End Remote Voting

Remote voting in the Pennsylvania state legislature, a holdover from accommodations made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, are drawing renewed scrutiny and controversy amid concerns over accountability and procedural integrity. Spotlight PA has more.

Leaders, Unions Advocate for PA Film Production Tax Incentive Boost

Pennsylvania’s $100 million film production tax incentive has been exhausted, prompting calls from various stakeholders for its increase to $300 million to attract more productions and stimulate the economy. The Pittsburgh Union Progress has more.

City & State PA Publishes Economic Development Special Report

City & State Pennsylvania has published a special report on economic development, which includes a look into the Shapiro Administration’s plans for the future of the state’s economy, challenges the commonwealth faces, and areas of economic innovation.

Former Rep. Roebuck Has Passed Away

Former Pennsylvania state representative, onetime legislative assistant to former Mayor Wilson Goode, and Drexel University assistant history professor James R. Roebuck Jr. has passed away. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia

FY25 Budget Will Not Include Wage, Business Tax Cuts

City Council announced Thursday that Philadelphia’s FY25 budget will not include cuts to wage or business tax rates, with efforts to include them having been abandoned to align with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s budget priorities. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Council Makes EDP Permanent

City Council voted today to remove the end date for its nationally recognized eviction diversion program (EDP), making it permanent. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

SEPTA Board Greenlights Bus Revolution

Last week, SEPTA’s board approved a comprehensive bus-route overhaul following years of research, extensive public input, and revisions to address equity concerns raised by City Council members. The agency aims to fully implement its “Bus Revolution” by 2025. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Sen. Casey Announces $1M for Pittsburgh Antisemitism Programming

U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced $1 million in federal funding to create educational programming against antisemitism, to be developed at the Tree of Life synagogue site, aiming to combat hate through K-12 curriculum and memorial initiatives. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh to Fund Two Juneteenth Celebrations

Pittsburgh City Council is funding two Juneteenth celebrations this year, awarding $125,000 to both Poise Foundation for William “B” Marshall’s festival and Bounce Marketing & Events for a city-organized event. WESA has more.

Federal

Former President Trump Found Guilty on All Counts in NY Hush Money Trial

Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in his New York state hush money case, marking the first such conviction of a former U.S. president. Though legal experts predict that he is unlikely to face incarceration and his eligibility to campaign for president remains unchanged, the political ramifications are uncertain. The Washington Post has more.

Biden-Harris Campaign Launches Appeal to Black Voters in PA

President Biden and Vice President Harris launched an effort to win over Black voters during their fifth Philadelphia trip this year amidst polling challenges and significant spending in Pennsylvania. Politico has more.

Democrats Relying on Reproductive Rights, Healthcare Issues to Secure Victory Among Suburban Voters

Democrats are hoping to leverage reproductive rights as a key issue in Pennsylvania’s upcoming presidential election, aiming to mobilize voters and maintain their stronghold in affluent suburban areas. PennLive has more.

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