Policy

Capitol Beat

Rep. Manny Guzman discusses state House Dems’ Central PA Delegation, recent budget wins

The chair of the General Assembly’s Central Pennsylvania Delegation says this year’s state budget contains lots of good things for residents across the commonwealth.

Capitol Beat

Shapiro asks administration to develop statewide housing action plan

The governor signed an executive order Thursday aimed at addressing housing shortages in Pennsylvania.

Transportation

‘License plate flippers’ help drivers evade police, tickets and tolls

A few states and cities are cracking down on the devices, which obscure or conceal license plates.

News & Politics

Four for Friday: What to expect from Philadelphia City Council

Council members returned to City Hall for legislative session Thursday

Health Care

At Philly Y, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Early Learning Investment Commission, spotlight child care barriers in PA

Advocates said accessibility, affordability and quality are the three barriers to care most families face

Transportation

As traffic fatalities increase, so do fears about the future of Vision Zero

A spate of high-profile pedestrian and bicyclist deaths have called Philadelphia’s commitment to protect residents from reckless drivers into question

Gaming

Watchdogs see uptick in helpline calls as sports and online gambling increase

As new types of wagers continue to rise in popularity, so do concerns about how to help the gamblers who need it most

Capitol Beat

In the battle over how to legislate skill games, everyone is playing for keeps

With looming court rulings and potential budget deficits, is it time to bet on skill games regulation?

Campaigns & Elections

Out of luck on ‘Zuckerbucks,’ election officials’ pluck in trying to buck funding issues relies on Congress to get unstuck

Recent research found that most states that have banned private election donations have not made up any resulting shortfall in funding. Meanwhile, Congress is bickering over providing money.

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Capitol Beat

Ask The Experts: Smartphones In Schools

Advocates and policymakers across the political spectrum are making a concerted effort to limit smartphone use in K-12 schools.

Capitol Beat

Trip Advisor: legislative edition

A look into some of the more interesting itineraries of PA lawmakers in 2023.

Economic Development

The push to revitalize PA’s Main Streets hits a speed bump

After years of progress in bringing “third places” to the forefront, funding shortfalls threaten future economic success

The trial of a Black veteran will test PA’s ‘Stand your ground’ law

Even as self-defense laws proliferate nationwide, few shootings are deemed justifiable – especially when the shooter is Black, like Maurice Byrd.

Infrastructure

Major federal bridge grants jump-start long-stalled projects, including I-83 in Harrisburg

The Biden administration announced $5 billion to build major bridge replacements, including several grants that were among the largest received by states in their history.

Housing

County officials, housing advocates upset by popular home repair program’s omission from state budget

The Whole-Home Repairs program was a budget omission after originally passing as bipartisan legislation

Capitol Beat

9 takeaways from Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 state budget

City & State’s guide to what is – and isn’t – being funded over the next fiscal year.

Capitol Beat

10 bills passed by PA lawmakers this budget cycle

As budget negotiations continue, state lawmakers have kept busy by passing a flurry of bills.