Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, September 19, 2024

September 19, 2024

Pennsylvania

Democrats Maintain PA House Majority with Special Election Wins

Democrats will maintain their majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after winning two special elections in Philadelphia, allowing them to control the lower chamber’s agenda through the end of the session. Spotlight PA has more.

State Senate Votes to Repeal Climate Program, Striking Down RGGI Regulation

The state Senate has voted to repeal a regulation allowing the state to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), with debate centering on the balance between climate action and protecting the electricity industry, while an alternative climate program proposed by Governor Josh Shapiro remains under consideration. StateImpact Pennsylvania has more.

PA Court Revives Ballot Dating Lawsuit

A Pennsylvania court has agreed to revive a lawsuit challenging the disqualification of mail-in ballots without handwritten dates, while the Republican National Committee has asked the state Supreme Court to halt the proceedings, citing concerns over election integrity. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

PA Ballots Get New Look to Reduce Rejections in Tight Election Races

Pennsylvania’s new ballot design aims to reduce voter errors and prevent ballot rejections by including clearer instructions and features like a yellow secrecy sleeve and pre-filled dates. NBC News has more.

PA Community Faces Renewed Merger Talks To Heal Divisions, Reduce Costs

Mount Penn, facing financial strain from tax hikes, inflation, and flooding, is exploring a merger with Lower Alsace Township to reduce costs and improve services. But lingering resentment from a failed 2014 merger attempt and concerns about transparency, debt, and fairness are complicating the process. Spotlight PA has more.

 

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Endorses Center City Arena

Mayor Cherelle Parker has endorsed the Sixers’ plan to build a $1.55 billion arena in Center City, describing it as a historic agreement that will boost local tax revenues and create jobs. The project now awaits approval from City Council, with legislation expected to be introduced no earlier than late October. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PennDOT to Invest $14M in Philadelphia EV Chargers

PennDOT will invest at least $14 million in Philadelphia for new public electric vehicle (EV) chargers, potentially creating around 17 stations for 68 vehicles. This funding, part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will address the city’s limited charging infrastructure amid growing EV adoption. Billy Penn has more.

Center City Office Market Rebounds with High-Profile Sales at Steep Discounts

This summer, Philadelphia’s Center City office market saw significant activity with multiple buildings sold at steep losses, reflecting the broader impact of declining commercial real estate values in the hybrid work era. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh City Council Advances Revised Bill to Protect Medical Marijuana Users

Pittsburgh City Council advanced a bill that would protect medical marijuana users from routine drug testing, aiming to establish legal protections for medical marijuana patients and address discrimination in employment practices. An amendment exempts the construction industry due to safety concerns. Despite the amendment, WESA has more.

Advocates Urge Allegheny County’s Climate Plan to Prioritize Vulnerable Communities

Advocates stress that Allegheny County’s Climate Action Plan must include significant community input and focus on protecting the most vulnerable residents from climate impacts, following criticisms of a rushed process. StateImpact has more.

Allegheny County’s $5M Clean Air Grant Goes Unclaimed as Deadline Looms

Allegheny County is offering $5 million in grants for clean air projects, but with the deadline approaching, no applications have been submitted yet. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Arts Council Unveils New Strategic Plan

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s new strategic plan acknowledges past failures and aims to refocus its efforts on effectively supporting and connecting the local arts community, while scaling back on underperforming initiatives. WESA has more.

 

Federal

VP Harris Leads Former President Trump; McCormick Cuts Sen. Casey’s Lead

The latest Franklin & Marshall poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump by three points within the margin of error, while Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick has narrowed his deficit to eight points against incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey in Pennsylvania. PoliticsPA has more.

Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Strengthen Tenant Organizing, Advocacy for Low-Income Renters

U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is leading a new bill to enhance tenant organizing rights and protections for low-income renters, including those using Section 8 vouchers and living in subsidized units. The Hill 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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