Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, September 29, 2022

September 29, 2022

Pennsylvania

Where Do Pennsylvania’s Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on Crime, Justice?

With crime rates on the rise across the nation, especially in cities, the topics of both crime and justice have been at the forefront for many political candidates. Attorney General Josh Shapiro and State Senator Doug Mastriano, the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates, are no exception. See SpotlightPA’s rundown of the candidates’ position on issues such as incarceration, police oversight, and cash bail here.

Attorney General Shapiro Will Likely Break Campaign Spending Record

Attorney General Josh Shapiro is on track to break the record for gubernatorial campaign spending in Pennsylvania, having received more than $25 million in contributions in the past three months. His Republican opponent Doug Mastriano raised approximately $3.2 million in the same time period. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Pennsylvania Marijuana Pardon Project Has Already Surpassed 2,500 Applications

The deadline for Pennsylvanians with minor, nonviolent marijuana convictions to apply for a pardon through the Pennsylvania Marijuana Pardon Project ends tomorrow, and more than 2,500 have already applied. The project is the signature collaborative effort of Governor Tom Wolf and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

 

Philadelphia

Mothers of Homicide Victims Testify in First Day of State House Committee Hearings

Today marked the first day of hearings conducted by the Pennsylvania House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order as part of their investigation into Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s alleged inaction on the gun violence epidemic that is plaguing the city. Mothers of homicide victims testified, both in person at Philadelphia’s Navy Yard and in pre-recorded video, about the grief caused by gun violence. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City to Increase Support for Non-English-Speaking Voters

City election officials announced on Wednesday that they would be tripling the number of languages it supports, thus increasing support for eligible non-English-speaking voters across the city. While the plan does not increase the number of languages bilingual ballots are translated into, other election materials — such as voting guides, polling place signage, and ballot questions — will now be translated into Russian, Vietnamese, Khmer, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. Currently, bilingual ballots are available in Spanish and Chinese. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Unionized PMA Workers Go on Strike

On Monday, unionized workers at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) went on strike, citing two years of what it calls bad-faith contract negotiations. According to Union President Adam Rizzo, PMA employees are paid on average 20% less than workers at comparable cultural institutions. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Duquesne Light Co. to Construct New Solar Farm in Armstrong County

Duquesne Light Co. has announced its intent to invest in more renewable energy sources, highlighting its plan to construct a new solar farm in Armstrong County. The solar farm would help pilot a new program that could potentially bring more clean energy options to Pennsylvanians at more competitive rates. WESA has more.

 

Federal

New Supreme Court Term Begins Next Monday; Here’s What to Expect

The Supreme Court will be entering a new term next week — fully in person for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with more public disapproval than approval for the first time since the 1980s. With several controversial opinions now in the rearview mirror, the Court will be turning its eyes toward, among other issues, affirmative action and the consideration of race in congressional redistricting. Roll Call has more.

Republican Incumbent and Democratic Challenger for 10th U.S. House District Engage in Forum Debate

Republican U.S. Representative Scott Perry and his Democratic challenger Shamaine Daniels participated in a forum debate moderated by ABC27’s Dennis Owens on Wednesday, with topics ranging from inflation, immigration, and abortion to Representative Perry’s alleged involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. 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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