Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, September 5, 2024

Pennsylvania

$1M in Grants Made Available for Environmental Education Projects

Pennsylvania is offering $1 million in state grants to fund environmental education projects, with a focus on clean water, climate change, and environmental justice areas. LehighValleyNews.com has more.

Three Mile Island Restart Idea Gains Traction

Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering restarting Three Mile Island’s Unit 1 nuclear reactor, closed since 2019, sparking legislative discussions about potential subsidies and public support. However, anti-nuclear activists have expressed concern regarding safety and the high costs associated with the potential project. PennLive has more.

Spotlight PA Investigation Prompts Calls for Increased Medical Marijuana Doctor Oversight 

Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing for increased oversight of medical marijuana doctors, citing concerns over past disciplinary issues. State Representatives Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and JoAnne Stehr (R-Schuylkill/Northumberland) plan to introduce a bill giving the Department of Health more authority to regulate which doctors can approve patients for medical marijuana. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Lawmakers Work to Find Compromise on Reforming Law Responsible for Higher Water Bills

Efforts to reform Pennsylvania’s 2016 Act 12, which has led to significant increases in water bills, are stalled due to disagreements among lawmakers and stakeholders over potential changes. Despite proposed bills and ongoing debates, a solution remains elusive as the state legislature grapples with the complexities of the law and its impacts on utility rates and acquisitions. Spotlight PA has more.

GOP Appeals Mail-In Ballot Ruling to PA Supreme Court

The Republican National Committee and Republican Party of Pennsylvania are appealing a ruling that mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates should be counted, arguing that this decision could disrupt the upcoming 2024 general election. Voting rights groups counter that the date requirement is irrelevant and burdensome, with the case now fast-tracked to the state Supreme Court. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

The State of Caregiving in PA

An analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by Spotlight PA shows Pennsylvanians’ widespread reliance on caregivers, highlighting the economic and social impact of caregiving as well as the need for addressing pay, gender, and health inequities in the system. Spotlight PA has more.

Philadelphia

City Council Returns From Summer Recess

The Philadelphia City Council returned today from its summer recess, with all eyes fixed on the future of the proposed Sixers arena in Center City and potential developments regarding business tax cuts based on the upcoming Tax Reform Commission report. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

City Considers Banning Stopping in Bike Lanes

Philadelphia is considering a ban on stopping in bike lanes and increasing fines for violations following several high-profile cyclist deaths, with cycling advocates voicing strong support for legislation introduced Thursday. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Comcast Spectacor Proposes Center City BioMed Research Hub

The Sixers’ proposal for a new Center City arena now has competition, with Comcast Spectacor proposing a biomedical research hub for the struggling Fashion District mall. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

City Council Approves Funding for Legal Aid, Support for Renters in Need

The Pittsburgh City Council has approved using funds from the Stop The Violence fund to provide legal aid and support services to low-income renters facing eviction. WESA has more.

City Council Advances Red-Light Camera Installation Bill

Pittsburgh City Council has advanced a bill to install red-light cameras at key intersections as part of the “Vision Zero” initiative to improve traffic safety and reduce fatalities. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh: The Next Silicon Valley?

Pittsburgh has potential to become the next Silicon Valley if state funding supports the Max Manufacturing Initiative, which aims to boost advanced manufacturing through public-private partnerships and new research opportunities. The Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Pittsburgh Area Has Rebounded Economically from Pandemic

Data suggests that Pittsburgh’s economy has rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular strengths in technology and industry, but continues to face challenges such as inflation, rising housing costs, and slower job growth. PublicSource has more.

Audit Finds Room for Improvement in Allegheny County’s Homelessness Services Operation

A recent audit found that Allegheny County could improve the effectiveness of its homelessness services through better utilization of existing resources and increasing funding to address rising rates of homelessness. WESA has more.

Federal

President Biden to Unveil Clean Energy Initiatives for PA, 15 Other Rural Regions

President Joe Biden will announce $7.3 billion in federal funding for clean energy projects across 16 rural electric power cooperatives, including Allegheny Electric Cooperative in Pennsylvania. The funds, part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aim to support rural electrification, create thousands of jobs, and significantly reduce pollution and carbon emissions. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Biden Admin Preparing to Block Acquisition of U.S. Steel 

President Biden is reportedly set to block Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel due to national security concerns. U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) criticized the company’s CEO for threatening to close plants and move its headquarters should the Biden administration block its sale. The Washington Post has more.

Presidential Campaigns Continue to Focus on PA

This week has seen Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign intensifying efforts in Pennsylvania — with a two-day tour led by running mate Tim Walz — while former President Donald Trump’s has distributed efforts across multiple battleground states, including a town hall in Harrisburg. The candidates are more or less tied among likely Pennsylvania voters, and former Republican U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania Pat Toomey stated in a recent interview that he does not plan on voting for former President Trump. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Sen. Casey, McCormick Agree to October Debate

Sen. Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick have agreed to a debate on October 3 in Harrisburg, with Casey also proposing additional debates on October 9 and 15. Law enforcement endorsements in the competitive Senate race are divided, with Sen. Casey receiving support from the Guardian Civic League and McCormick securing endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police and Pennsylvania State Troopers Association.

Lehigh Valley Race Could Determine Control of U.S. House

The Lehigh Valley race between incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-7) and Republican challenger Ryan Mackenzie, though overshadowed by the presidential election, could be pivotal in determining control of the House of Representatives. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

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