Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, September 1, 2022

September 1, 2022

Pennsylvania

IFO Releases Report on Monthly, Quarterly Revenue Estimates

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released its report on FY 2022-23 projections, as well as statutory changes that were enacted with the approval of the most recent state budget. View the report here.

State Senator Mastriano Stands by Controversial Photos; Backlash From Attorney General Shapiro and Philadelphia Officials Ensues

On Wednesday, Attorney General Josh Shapiro — the current Democratic candidate for governor — and several Philadelphia officials and clergy members publicly denounced Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano for his choice to pose for photos in a Confederate Army uniform. Though recently resurfaced, the photos were originally taken in 2014 when Senator Mastriano was a faculty member at Army War College in Carlisle. The Senator has stood by the photos, claiming that they have historical merit, and arguing that Democrats “have nothing else to run on.” The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

President Biden Visits Wilkes-Barre, Touts Public Safety Record

During his visit to Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, President Joe Biden excoriated defenders of the participants of the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol while touting his record on public safety and law enforcement. The visit is one of a few trips the President will be making to Pennsylvania ahead of the midterm elections. City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Nursing Home Workers May Strike Despite Recent Increase in Funding 

A nursing home worker strike may be looming due to a lack of specificity in the most recent state budget. The 2022-23 budget, which was passed in July, included $600 million for long-term care providers, though it did not specify how exactly the funds should be spent. Workers fear that they may not benefit from the increase in funding. Spotlight PA has more.

Labor Leaders Pressure General Assembly to Pass Minimum Wage Increase

On Wednesday, in recognition of Labor Day, labor leaders and legislators gathered at the state Capitol to call on the General Assembly to pass a minimum wage increase, as well as other measures that would protect workers across the state. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Governor Wolf Calls for $2,000 Stimulus Checks

Governor Tom Wolf continues to push for stimulus checks for Pennsylvanians despite Republican pushback. During a speech in Allegheny County on Monday, the Governor urged Republican legislators to consider his PA Opportunity Program, which would provide a $2,000 stimulus check to Pennsylvanians who make less than $80,000. PennLive has more.

Governor Wolf, Lieutenant Governor Fetterman to Pardon Potentially Thousands With Marijuana Convictions

Governor Tom Wolf and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman have announced the administration’s intent to pardon Pennsylvanians of minor, non-violent marijuana criminal convictions. Eligible Pennsylvanians can apply for the PA Marijuana Pardon Project throughout September through the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. Governor Wolf’s website has more.

Governor Wolf, State Lawmakers to Prioritize Childhood Sexual Abuse Legislation

Governor Tom Wolf and legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle will be prioritizing a constitutional amendment that would allow victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits. If passed, the amendment would appear on Pennsylvanians’ ballots in 2023. PennLive has more.

Pennsylvania DOC Releases 2022 Annual Recidivism Report

Pennsylvania’s recidivism rate has changed little over the past 15 years according to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ (DOC) recently released annual report on the subject. The metric is an important performance indicator for the department, as one of its primary goals is to reduce incidents of re-arrest and re-incarceration of previously incarcerated individuals. Pennsylvania Pressroom has more.

 

Philadelphia

Reclaim’s Amanda McIllmurray Exploring a Run for City Council

Cofounder and former Political Director of Reclaim Philadelphia Amanda McIllmurray has filed paperwork to run against Councilmember Mark Squilla in 2023. Councilmember Squilla has served the First District for three terms and is expected to run for reelection. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s Famous Sister Bridges to Feature Permanent LED Lighting

Pittsburgh is famous for its bridges — so much so that it is frequently called the City of Bridges. Now, its three famed Sister Bridges — the Roberto Clemente Bridge, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges — will be adorned with permanent LED light installations. A similar temporary installation on the Rachel Carson Bridge gained popularity during its display from 2016 to 2018. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

City Controller Lamb to Step Down After Completing Current Term

Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb has announced that he will not be seeking reelection in 2023, though he is said to be considering a run for Allegheny County Executive. City Controller Lamb has served four terms over 15 years, having served under three mayoral administrations. WESA has more.

Fate of Gunshot Detection Technology in the Hands of State Supreme Court

ShotSpotter — a California-based company that has a $1.2 million contract with the Pittsburgh Police Department to accurately pinpoint the location of gunshots — has been criticized by legal organizations such as the Innocence Project and the American Civil Liberties Union for allegedly providing mixed results and resulting in unjust convictions. Now, a case before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will determine the constitutionality of gunshot detection technology across the state. PublicSource has more.

 

Federal

Dr. Oz Issues Contentious Response to Lieutenant Governor Fetterman’s Debate RSVP 

Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Dr. Mehmet Oz recently issued a list of debate concessions in an attempt to convince his Democratic opponent, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, to participate in a debate hosted by KDKA-TV. The Lieutenant Governor, who declined the invitation due to lingering effects from a stroke he suffered in May, has criticized the list of concessions, saying that they were not issued “in good faith,” but rather to “mock a stroke survivor.” City & State Pennsylvania has more.

Lieutenant Governor Fetterman Participates in First National TV Interview Since Stroke

On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman appeared in his first national television interview since his stroke in May, where he discussed some of the challenges of managing his health while campaigning. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 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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