Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, October 26, 2023

October 26, 2023

Pennsylvania

Poll Shows Pennsylvanians Largely Support Governor Shapiro, Senator Casey, Former President Trump

A recent poll conducted by Franklin & Marshall College’s Center for Opinion Research shows that Pennsylvanians have generally favorable views of Governor Josh Shapiro, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, and former President Donald Trump. PoliticsPA has more.

Potential Impacts of Pennsylvania’s Two Planned Hydrogen Hubs Shrouded in Secrecy

While the news that two federally designated hydrogen hubs are coming to Pennsylvania had generated excitement among Democrats and Republicans alike, certain details regarding impact on the environment and local communities are still shrouded in mystery. Spotlight PA has more.

A Look at Pennsylvania’s Outdated Voting Law

A recent investigation by Spotlight PA and Votebeat delves into Pennsylvania’s 86-year-old voting law  — which, while outdated, is not likely to be changed anytime soon due to a divided legislature — and potential negative consequences heading into the high-stakes 2024 presidential election.

State-Related University Leaders Call on Legislators to Release Held-up Funding

Leaders at Pennsylvania’s four state-related universities — Lincoln, Penn State, Pitt, and Temple — have penned a letter to legislative leaders calling for the release of $642 million in funding that has been caught up in ongoing political disputes over the FY24 state budget. PennLive has more.

Outdated Income Limits Prevent Tax Forgiveness for Thousands of Pennsylvanians

Thousands of low-income Pennsylvanians are potentially missing out on Pennsylvania’s tax forgiveness provision because state lawmakers haven’t updated the income thresholds to qualify in nearly two decades, according to a recent investigation by Spotlight PA.

State Banking, Securities Department Secretary Confirmed

On Wednesday, the state Senate unanimously confirmed Wendy Spicher as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Secretary Schmidt Defends ERIC During State Senate Panel

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt defended the ability of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) to protect voter information to a state Senate panel. The Pennsylvania Capital Star has more.

Upcoming State Supreme Court Race to Hinge on Abortion Rights

In a post-Roe v. Wade country where reproductive health laws are left to state governments to decide, the result of the upcoming race for Pennsylvania Supreme Court may have a seismic impact on the future of abortion rights in the state, which Democrats hope will motivate voters. The Philadelphia Inquirer recently endorsed Democrat Daniel McCaffery over his Republican opponent Carolyn Carluccio. Notably, the Court is already considering abortion-related cases. HuffPost has more.

Current, Former Office Holders Enter Statewide Races

This week, Representative Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) announced his candidacy for state auditor general — backing ex-spouse Jacklyn Rusnock to be his replacement — while former Philadelphia City Controller Alan Butkovitz formally entered the race for state treasurer.

 

Philadelphia

Mayoral Candidates Participate in Town Hall, Joint Interview, Sole Debate of Cycle

As Democrat Cherelle Parker and Republican David Oh enter the final stretch of the race to become Philadelphia’s 100th mayor, they took time this week to participate in a live town hall with 6ABC, a joint interview with editorial board of the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the only debate of this election cycle with KYW Newsradio.

Philadelphia Democratic Party Expels Member for WFP Endorsement

Philadelphia Democratic City committee Chair Bob Brady has expelled a committee person in the 31st ward in East Kensington for her endorsement of Working Families Party (WFP) candidates for City Council, incumbent Councilmember Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke. Billy Penn has more.

Ballot Question to Determine Future of Office for People With Disabilities

In addition to electing several state and municipal officials, Philadelphia’s sole ballot question in November will ask voters to determine whether the existing Office for People With Disabilities should be enshrined in the City Charter. Billy Penn has more.

Philly Counts Advocates for Use of Lifesaving Narcan to Prevent Overdose Deaths by Canvassing

Philly Counts is combating the disproportionate number of overdose deaths seen in Black and brown communities through door-to-door canvassing efforts intended to destigmatize the use of Narcan, a lifesaving overdose treatment drug. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Executive Race Marks a Political Crossroads

This November, Allegheny County voters will decide between progressive Democrat Sara Innamorato and centrist Republican Joe Rockey for County executive, which will mark either a departure from or continuation of politics as usual in the region. PublicSource has more.

Pittsburgh Advances Pilot Program to Bring Recovery Specialists to Overdose Victims

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh City Council preliminarily authorized receipt of a $1 million grant to launch a post-overdose support team in two neighborhoods with high rates of overdose. WESA has more.

Governor Shapiro Visits Pittsburgh to Announce Continued State Investment in Clean Energy Projects

On Tuesday, Governor Shapiro announced continued state funding for clean energy investments in the Pittsburgh region. WESA has more.

Lawrenceville to Adopt Dynamic Street Parking Prices

On Tuesday, Pittsburgh City Council approved a dynamic pricing program for street parking in the city’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, which will set rates according to demand. WESA has more.

Allegheny County to Consider Plastic Bag Ban

Following the recent implantation of a single-use plastic bag ban in the city of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Council is considering following suit. WESA has more.

 

Federal

Former Mastriano Campaign Advisor, Trump Lawyer Pleads Guilty in Georgia Fake Electors Case

This week, Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis — who also served as a campaign advisor to state Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) during his campaign for governor in 2022 — pleaded guilty to a felony charge in the Georgia fake electors case. Politico has more.

National Eyes Are on 2023 Local Pennsylvania Races Ahead of 2024 Presidential Election

Politicos across the country will have their eyes on Pennsylvania’s local elections this November as potential predictors of voter behavior and issue viability heading into the 2024 election season. Outcomes in Philadelphia and Allegheny County elections are expected to shed light on voter sentiments about issues like crime and abortion, whereas the upcoming Bucks County commissioners races are being seen as a bellwether for suburban voting trends.

Former WITF Executive Enters U.S. House Race

Former WITF Executive Blake Lynch announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Republican U.S. Representative Scott Perry. PennLive 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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