Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, November 3, 2022

November 3, 2022

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Estimated Shale Gas Impact Fee Revenues to Reach Record-Breaking $275 Million

A new estimate released yesterday by the Independent Fiscal Office is projecting that Pennsylvania’s shale gas impact fee collection will yield $275 million. Soaring gas prices and a marginal increase in new horizontal wells being drilled throughout the state are behind the record-breaking number. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

House Bill on Governor Wolf’s Desk to Address Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s Uncollected Tolls Problem

A recently passed state House bill that will lower the threshold for suspending vehicle registrations for drivers with unpaid tolls and fees is currently on Governor Tom Wolf’s desk awaiting his signature. The bill is expected to address the millions of dollars in revenue the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has been losing out on in uncollected tolls. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

University Investigating Academic Integrity of Senator Mastriano’s History Dissertation

The University of New Brunswick, a Canadian University that granted a doctorate in history to Republican gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano in 2012, is conducting a preliminary investigation into allegations of academic fraud in the Senator’s dissertation. The Associated Press has more.

 

Philadelphia

Councilmember Johnson, Wife Acquitted of Bribery Charges

Following a mistrial in the case earlier this year, Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and his wife Dawn Chavous were found not guilty of participating in a bribery scheme. This morning, Councilmember Johnson received a warm welcome from his colleagues at the first City Council meeting since his acquittal. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

President, CEO of Philadelphia Zoo Stepping Down in 2023

Vikram Dewan, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo, is stepping down after 16 years of service to the beloved institution. Mr. Dewan is responsible for spearheading multiple award-winning programs and initiatives over the course of his tenure. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

What Does the Impeachment Process Look Like in Pennsylvania?

Last week, Pennsylvania House Republicans introduced two articles of impeachment against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a rare development in Pennsylvania politics. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has published a refresher on what the impeachment process looks like, as well as where things stand currently.

USPS Audits Philadelphia Post Offices Regarding Mail Delays, Loss, Theft

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced an audit of three Philadelphia post offices and mail distribution centers — in Germantown, Logan, and North Philadelphia — following years of complaints about sometimes months-long mail delays and lost and stolen packages. Last month, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, U.S. Representative Dwight Evans, and U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright sent a joint letter to USPS detailing the mail-related woes of their constituents. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Net Operating Loss Carryforward Period Extended to 20 Years

This week, the Philadelphia Department of Revenue announced that Philadelphia businesses can now carry forward net operating losses incurred in 2022 and thereafter for 20 years. The extension of the carryforward period was passed by City Council in 2018, but was not able to be implemented until now. The City of Philadelphia’s website has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Political Group Spends $1 Million in Attempt to Defeat U.S. House Hopeful Lee

A group called the United Democracy Project has spent $1 million on television ads and mailings in the home stretch before the 2022 midterm elections in an attempt to thwart Summer Lee’s bid for the U.S. House. Earlier this year, the same group spent $2 million in an unsuccessful campaign against Representative Lee in her primary election. WESA has more.

Increase in RSV Cases Among Children Leads to Significant Emergency Room Wait Times

For the past six weeks, children’s hospitals across the country have been reacting to a spike in RSV, a respiratory illness that predominantly affects babies and small children. Patients at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh are experiencing emergency room wait times as long as 12 hours. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 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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