Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA Lawmakers Continue Facing Partisan Gridlock in Harrisburg

Pennsylvania lawmakers returned to Harrisburg this week facing more or less the same partisan divide as before the election, with Democrats maintaining a majority in the state House and Republicans maintaining theirs in the Senate. Despite public frustrations and national influences, gridlock is expected to persist over key issues like budget negotiations, cannabis legalization, and school choice. Read more about leadership selections here. PennLive has more.

How Cambria County’s Rep. Burns Defied PA’s “Red Wave”

State Representative Frank Burns (D-Cambria) helped Pennsylvania House Democrats retain their narrow majority, despite a “red wave” in the commonwealth. Rep. Burns maintained his seat by focusing on local issues, leveraging his deep understanding of his district, and balancing socially conservative values with key Democratic economic policies. Spotlight PA has more.

Gov. Shapiro Emerges as Potential 2028 Contender Amid Party Rebuilding Efforts

Following his time in the spotlight this summer as a potential vice-presidential nominee, Governor Josh Shapiro is emerging as a strong contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential race, with political analysts noting his prominent national profile and solid approval ratings. PennLive has more.

How PA is Preparing for a Second Trump Term

With President-elect Donald Trump’s second term looming, legal experts and advocates across Pennsylvania are preparing for potential impacts on issues including reproductive rights and immigration.

Garrity Breaks Record for Most Votes in Statewide Election

Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity set a record for the most votes ever received by a candidate for statewide office in Pennsylvania, surpassing Gov. Shapiro’s 2020 record. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia

City Council Reviews Sixers Arena Proposal

This week, City Council heard testimony from the Parker Administration and Philadelphia 76ers representatives regarding the proposed development, construction, and operation of a new arena in Center City. Council members questioned the details of the $50 million community benefits agreement (CBA), the potential financial burden on SEPTA, and the general project timeline.

City Council Weighs Elimination of “Resign-to-Run” Rule

City Council is considering repealing the long-standing “resign-to-run” rule, which requires City officials to resign before running for higher office, marking the fourth attempt in 20 years to eliminate it. Council also called on Governor Josh Shapiro to flex federal funding to assist SEPTA. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Mayor Gainey Unveils 2025 Pittsburgh Budget

Mayor Ed Gainey’s 2025 Pittsburgh budget address focused on past achievements and future initiatives, but downplayed concerns about financial challenges and police staffing issues. WESA has more.

Allegheny County Manager Warns Against Major Budget Cuts if Tax Hike Fails

Allegheny County Manager John Fournier warns that rejecting the proposed 46.5% property tax hike could lead to severe budget cuts, including job losses and the elimination of critical services, while Council President Pat Catena argues for a more moderate tax increase. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Federal

PA’s U.S. Senate Race Heads to Recount as Casey Trails McCormick by Narrow Margin

Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick is heading to a recount after Casey trailed McCormick by less than 0.5%, with the recount expected to begin by November 20. 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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