Pennsylvania
Recount Begins in GOP Senate Race, Results Expected June 8
With just 900 votes separating Mehmet Oz and David McCormick, all 67 counties are beginning their required recount of the close race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senator. In the background, both campaigns are waging a legal war for contested votes which could make a difference in the election result. The Associated Press has more .
Mastriano ’s Campaign Blends Christianity With a Conservative Platform
National election watchers say Doug Mastriano ’s primary victory is the most high profile case of a Christian nationalist winning in the country, referring to beliefs that blend conservative Christian ideology with a more standard political platform that goes beyond informing a policy debate. Mastriano, however, rejected that label. Read more from the Associated Press.
Despite Hope from Advocates, Gift Ban and Lobbying Reform Stall
A package of reforms meant to curtail the prevalence of gifts and per diems by state lawmakers appears to have stalled, despite stated bipartisan support in both chambers. Such reforms have historically stalled in Harrisburg, often not even receiving a committee hearing. Spotlight PA has more .
ICYMI: Commonwealth Court Upholds Block on Pittsburgh Assault Weapons Ban
A judge in Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court upheld a ruling that a package of gun laws passed by Pittsburgh ’s City Council violated state law. The laws, passed after the Tree of Life massacre in 2019, were challenged in court by multiple guns rights organizations. Read more from PennLive.
Philadelphia
Former GOP Ward Leader At Center of “Ballot Harvesting ” Controversy Pleads Fifth
Billy Lanzilotti, a former South Philadelphia ward leader who is accused of requesting and delivering mail-in ballots on behalf of other people, refused to testify after he was subpoenaed by city election officials investigating the events. The Inquirer has more .
Boredom, Hot Market for Car Parts, and Social Media Fueling Rise in Carjackings
Police investigations into a record number of carjackings over the past two years point to three main causes for the rise: boredom, hot market for used cars and car parts, and social media influence encouraging the perpetrators, many of which are under 21 years old, to carjack. Read more from the Inquirer.
City 60 Lifeguards Short from Full Pool Reopening
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation officials say they need about 60 more lifeguards in order to open 65 of 70 public pools for the summer. The City has upped recruitment efforts, including increasing pay to $16/hour and covering certification costs for anyone under 24. WHYY has more .
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Begins Virtual Community Hearings on Operating and Capital Budgets
The City of Pittsburgh is beginning to lead community focus groups on the fiscal year 2023 budget, which will be held over Zoom and via online forms. The Tribune-Review has more .
Modifications to Allow Double-Stacked Train Cars to Move Forward
After a mediator-brokered agreement between Pittsburgh and Norfolk Southern Rail Company, final plans to modify existing infrastructure is set to pass City Council which will allow double-stacked rail cars. Read more from the Post-Gazette.
Audit Finds Significant Disparities in Pittsburgh Police Arrests for Marijuana
Despite making up 22 percent of the City ’s population, Black people made up 85 percent of marijuana-related charges in the city. The Capital-Star has more .
Lack of Community Presence and Fundraising Key to Election Losses from Two Incumbents
Reps. Michael Puskaric (R-Elizabeth) and Jason Silvis (R-Apollo) both lost their bids for reelection, and their challengers said their losses were due to general lack of presence in their districts as well as being outspent by their challengers. Read more from the Post-Gazette.
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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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