Pennsylvania Perspective for Tuesday, January 17, 2023

January 17, 2023

Pennsylvania

Josh Shapiro Sworn In as 48th Governor of Pennsylvania

This afternoon, Josh Shapiro was sworn in as the 48th Governor of Pennsylvania. Austin Davis was also sworn in, making him the first Black lieutenant governor in state history. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Commonwealth Court Rules Special Elections Will Be Held February 7

The special elections to fill state House vacancies left by U.S. Representative Summer Lee and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis will be held on February 7, according to a recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. Writs to schedule the special elections had previously been issued in December by House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, then challenged in court by House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

State Legislators Propose Moving 2024 Presidential Primary Up to March

The Democratic National Committee has been making headlines with its proposal to make South Carolina the first state to hold its presidential primary in 2024 — which would disrupt the tradition of New Hampshire marking the beginning of the primary season. Now, Pennsylvania lawmakers are getting in on the debate, with legislation introduced last week in the state House and Senate proposing that the important battleground state move its Democratic primary up to March 19, 2024 from April 23. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Governor Wolf Pardons Hundreds of Pennsylvanians, Including Rapper Meek Mill, During Last Week In Office

In one of his last acts in office, Governor Tom Wolf granted pardons to 369 Pennsylvanians including Meek Mill, the Philadelphia rapper who was charged with drug and weapons possession in 2008. During his administration, Governor Wolf pardoned more than twice the number of Pennsylvanians than any of his predecessors. WHYY has more.

 

Philadelphia

BBEx Network Hosts Meet the Candidates Mayoral Forum

Over the weekend, several Democratic mayoral candidates participated in a “Meet the Candidates” forum hosted by BBEx Network, a professional organization devoted to empowering  and connecting Black and Brown leaders. The focus of the forum was the economic advancement of Black and Brown businesses in Philadelphia. WHYY has more.

AFSCME District Council 33 Endorses Jeff Brown for Mayor

Last week, board members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ (AFSCME) District Council 33, Philadelphia’s largest municipal union, voted to endorse Jeff Brown in the mayoral race in an unscheduled vote. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphia Police Department Expected to Continue to Endure Staffing Shortage

Despite 150 new officers expected to graduate from four new police academy classes this year, the staffing shortage plaguing the Philadelphia Police Department is expected to continue into 2023. The shortage is due to high rates of attrition compared to the number of new recruits. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

How Pittsburgh-Based Astrobotic Helped Put Pennsylvania on the Map in the Space Industry

Space robotics company Astrobotic has put Pittsburgh on the map with its Peregrine lunar lander, which will be heading to the moon in March. What’s more, the company made a point to partner with local companies whenever possible, meaning that companies across the state have contributed to the creation of the lander. WESA has more.

Board of Pittsburgh Land Bank Approves New $7 Million Property Acquisition Plan

On Friday, the Board of the Pittsburgh Land Bank approved a plan to spend $7 million for the purchase of city and county properties and return it to active use over the next four years. The land bank was originally founded by City Council in 2014, but has been in somewhat of a holding pattern ever since. WESA 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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