Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Pennsylvania

Control of PA House Depends on Cambria County

Control of the Pennsylvania House majority hinges on the HD-72 district race in Cambria County between Democratic incumbent state Representative Frank Burns and Republican challenger Amy Bradley. Vote counting was delayed due to misprinted ballots that could not be scanned and subsequent hand duplication efforts. Republicans retained control of the state Senate, winning 28 seats to Democrats’ 22. PublicSource has more.

Lancaster Voters Approve Home Rule Charter

On Tuesday, Lancaster voters approved adopting a home rule charter, giving residents more control over local government decisions but potentially allowing higher taxes to increase the City’s financial flexibility. WGAL has more.

PA Launches Training Series to Support Workforce Recovery from Opioid Crisis

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has launched a five-part training program aimed at equipping care coordinators and recovery professionals with strategies to integrate employment services into the recovery process, addressing workforce challenges caused by the opioid crisis. Lehigh Valley Business has more.

PA Bans Campfires in State Parks Amid Ongoing Drought

Due to persistent drought conditions, Pennsylvania has banned campfires in all state parks and forests and urged residents to reduce water usage to prevent wildfires. WESA has more.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Experiencing Self-Storage Boom

Thanks to increased household purchases, rising housing costs, and limited residential space, Philadelphia is seeing rapid growth in self-storage facilities — even as other cities resist such developments to prioritize land for housing and businesses. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Schools Expand Program Using Horses, Donkeys to Boost Student Mental Health

Philadelphia schools are expanding a therapeutic program that uses horses and donkeys to help students build social-emotional skills and improve mental health. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia’s First Mobile Methadone Van Set to Launch with $1.2M in Opioid Settlement Funds

Philadelphia is set to launch its first mobile methadone van, using $1.2 million from opioid lawsuit settlement funds to expand access to addiction treatment by the end of the year. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Voting Patterns Largely Unchanged

Allegheny County’s voting patterns remained largely unchanged between the 2020 and 2024 general elections, with slight Democratic slippage and a decrease in turnout, particularly in more liberal areas like Pittsburgh and McKeesport. PublicSource has more.

Pittsburgh-Area Schools Invest in Preparing New Teachers

To address ongoing teacher shortages, schools in the Pittsburgh area are creating programs like Gateway High School’s Teacher Academy, which aims to inspire and prepare students for teaching careers. WESA has more.

Federal

Gains in Key Counties, Voter Demographics Led to Trump’s PA Victory

Former President Donald Trump, now president-elect once again, reclaimed Pennsylvania’s coveted 19 electoral votes by improving his margins in several key counties — including Bucks, Lackawanna, and Northampton — and making gains among target groups including suburban women, independents, and young voters. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

McCormick Unseats Sen. Casey in Competitive U.S. Senate Race

Republican David McCormick has claimed victory over Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Casey in Pennsylvania’s pivotal U.S. Senate race. Due to the tight margin, a recount remains a possibility. The Associated Press has more.

PA Republicans Pick Up 2 U.S. House Seats

Ryan Mackenzie and Rob Bresnahan successfully flipped seats in Pennsylvania’s 7th and 8th Congressional Districts to Republican control, defeating incumbent Democratic U.S. Representatives Susan Wild and Matt Cartwright, respectively. All other incumbents representing the Commonwealth in Congress — eight Republicans and seven Democrats — won reelection. City & State Pennsylvania 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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