Capitol Beat

Capitol Beat

Gov. Josh Shapiro wants you to text him

Pennsylvania’s chief executive has joined Community to send and receive text messages directly from constituents

Capitol Beat

PA lawmakers begin discussions on data privacy legislation

House Bill 1201 would establish consumer rights related to the use of their digital data.

Gun Control

Mary Gay Scanlon joins Philly advocates in calling for assault weapons ban

The Democratic congresswoman met with gun control and public school advocates in Philadelphia Thursday

Campaigns & Elections

Lawmakers take step to give Pa. voters a bigger voice in presidential primaries

“As the fifth-largest state in the country, we should have a stronger role in this election,” state Sen. David Argall said.

News & Politics

Understanding Pennsylvania’s ongoing debate over skill games

Lawmakers are weighing the benefits and drawbacks of regulating so-called games of skill.

Capitol Beat

The primer: Understanding how state funding for pregnancy care is going to change in 2024 – and why it matters

What the state’s decision to move away from crisis pregnancy centers means for the future of care in the commonwealth.

Education

A Q&A with Kyle Kopko

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Executive Director discusses the state and future of rural education

Education

A Q&A with Dave Argall

The Republican state senator and chair of the chamber’s education committee discusses the education funding trial and the state’s path forward

Education

State public education funding’s teachable moment

Following the landmark ruling that the state's public education funding system is unconstitutional, state lawmakers are learning just how difficult it will be to change it.

Philadelphia

Philly officials introduce Rental Improvement Fund for small landlords to repair properties

The program provides forgivable and 0%-interest loans to small landlords in exchange for rent stability

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Capitol Beat

Business leaders, lawmakers hope for bipartisan action on permitting reform

One lawmaker said the state has a “rare and unique opportunity” to act now.

Capitol Beat

Senate lawmakers will return this month to continue work on state budget

A GOP spokesperson said the chamber will return on Aug. 30.

Capitol Beat

Plan to distribute $1.16B in federal broadband funds approved by state officials

The commonwealth is slated to receive more than $1 billion through the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program

Policy

Fund with numbers: Basic Education Funding Commission to go on tour

Lawmakers will meet in Allentown on Sept. 12 to kick off the statewide tour.

Capitol Beat

‘Today is a day to celebrate’: PA officials tout universal school breakfast program

All schools in the commonwealth will be able to provide free breakfast to students beginning this year.

Capitol Beat

PA State Police announce body camera pilot program

Troopers in Carlisle are testing out the body cameras ahead of a statewide rollout.

Budget

State budget passes after Senate return and Shapiro signature

The budget was signed into law more than a month after the June 30 deadline