Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Pennsylvania

Poll Shows Broad Support for Democratic Agenda as Control of State House Hangs in the Balance

As Democrats strive to retain control of the Pennsylvania House, a recent poll shows that 63% of likely voters support their key policy agenda, which includes measures like universal background checks and raising the minimum wage. Despite this popular backing, only a few legislative races are competitive, meaning a small group of voters will ultimately decide the House’s future. Spotlight PA has more.

AG Candidates Diverge on Abortion Access

Reproductive rights have emerged as a pivotal issue this election cycle, and the state attorney general race is no exception. The candidates have expressed contrasting stances on how or whether they would weigh in on the issue as AG, with Democrat Eugene DePasquale strongly advocating for the protection of abortion access and Republican Dave Sunday emphasizing the need to uphold existing laws. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Revenue Secretary Seeks Court Protection Against Senate Jail Threat Over Confidential Tax Data

Pennsylvania Revenue Secretary Pat Browne has filed a court request to block a Senate threat of jail time for refusing to disclose tax data related to Allentown’s Neighborhood Improvement Zone, which he claims is confidential. Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-Bucks/Lehigh) argues that the information is crucial for evaluating the program’s financial impact, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the administration’s handling of taxpayer funds. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Senate Advances Bill Proposing 911 System Update

The state Senate has advanced legislation that proposes updates to the 911 system, including modernizing emergency response duties and enhancing data security across the commonwealth. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

PA Lawmakers Approve Tax Relief for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries After Legislative Omission

Pennsylvania lawmakers have passed a bill to provide state-level tax relief for medical marijuana dispensaries, correcting an oversight from previous legislation that unintentionally excluded them from similar benefits granted to growers and processors. Marijuana Moment has more.

PASSHE Requests $40.3M Increase for 7th Year of Tuition Freeze

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is requesting a $40.3 million funding increase for the 2025-26 budget to enable a seventh consecutive year of frozen tuition, as it aims to stabilize enrollment after recent declines. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Philadelphia

Chief Deputy Mayor Resigns

Chief Deputy Mayor Aren Platt, a key figure in Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration and campaign, has announced his resignation, effective October 25, to pursue new career opportunities outside city government. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

EPA Announces Largest Refinery Clean Air Act Fine to Date

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $4.2 million settlement with Philadelphia Energy Solutions over the 2019 Girard Point refinery explosion, marking the largest fine ever issued under the Clean Air Act for a refinery. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Reports Lowest Monthly Homicide Total in Nearly a Decade

Philadelphia recorded just 10 homicides in September, the lowest monthly total in nearly a decade, reflecting a significant decline in violence across the city compared to previous years. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

City Council Approves Recruitment Initiative to Address Police Staffing Issues

Pittsburgh City Council approved a $38,000 contract with Performance Protocol to enhance police recruitment and retention strategies in response to ongoing staffing challenges, with hopes of increasing the current force of 763 officers closer to the targeted 800. WESA has more.

Musk Exploring Investment Opportunities in Pittsburgh Area

During a recent phone call with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Elon Musk expressed interest in potentially locating factories in the Pittsburgh area, highlighting the region’s talent pool and ongoing economic development efforts. PennLive has more.

North Side Riverfront Development Nears City Approval

The massive North Side riverfront development in Pittsburgh — to feature a Ferris wheel, apartments, a hotel, and more — is set to begin construction in early 2025 if approved by the City Planning Commission. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2027. WXPI has more.

Federal

Harris, Trump Campaigns Compete for Crucial Rural PA Votes

Rural Pennsylvanians — a demographic key to winning the swing state’s 19 Electoral College votes — remain a core part of former President Donald Trump’s base, despite recent population decline in those areas. However, Vice President Kamala Harris hopes to reduce Trump’s margins in rural counties while shoring up support in suburban areas. Rural Northampton and less-rural Erie Counties in particular are viewed by many analysts as bellwethers that could predict the outcome of the election. Both campaigns are investing more resources into the Keystone State than anywhere else in the nation.

Poll Shows Incumbent Rep. Wild Leading in Competitive PA-7 Race

A recent Muhlenberg College poll shows Democratic incumbent U.S. Representative Susan Wild leading Republican challenger Ryan Mackenzie by six points — which is within the margin of error — in Pennsylvania’s competitive 7th Congressional District. LehighValleyNews.com has more.

Poll Shows Democratic Challenger Leading in PA-10 Race

A recent poll by Harrisburg-based Susquehanna Polling and Research shows Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson leading Republican incumbent U.S. Representative Scott Perry 48% to 39% in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District race. WHTM 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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