Capitol Beat
Capitol Beat
4 big questions heading into Pennsylvania budget negotiations
As Pennsylvania’s June 30 budget deadline nears, lawmakers will have to grapple with a structural deficit and whether to find new sources of revenue.
cannabis
Ask The Experts: The kush push
How the Trump administration’s reclassification of marijuana changes efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in the commonwealth.
Capitol Beat
Advocates say skill game revenue could be lifeline for aging Pennsylvanians
Lawmakers continue to debate whether to regulate and tax games of skill.
2026 Primaries
The 2026 Pennsylvania congressional primaries to watch
Contested congressional primaries have drawn lots of attention, and money, to the Keystone State.
Policy
Updated
City & State’s 2026-27 Pennsylvania state budget tracker
Legislative leaders passed a budget bill in April, though negotiations on a final product are ongoing.
General Assembly
The City & State Guide to Pennsylvania’s 2026 Primary Elections: The U.S. House of Representatives
Pennsylvanians will vote in more than 40 contested primary elections this May.
Artificial Intelligence
Pennsylvania sues Character.AI developer, alleging chatbots claimed to be medical professionals
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration says a controversial AI chatbot developer is violating the state’s Medical Practice Act.
General Assembly
The City & State Guide to Pennsylvania’s 2026 Primary Elections: Senate Districts
Pennsylvanians will vote in more than 40 contested primary elections this May.
General Assembly
The City & State Guide to Pennsylvania’s 2026 Primary Elections: House Districts
Pennsylvanians will vote in more than 40 contested primary elections this May.
Capitol Beat
House passes bill that would enshrine LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in state law
Tuesday’s vote is the latest attempt to advance LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in Pennsylvania.
News & Politics
In return to Harrisburg, Senate votes on women’s sports, municipal planning legislation
City & State reviews key votes in the Pennsylvania Senate this week.
Capitol Beat
Pennsylvania faith leaders denounce violence one year after governor’s residence attack
Gov. Josh Shapiro convened leaders from across religions one year after an attack against his family.
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General Assembly
PA House passes minimum wage, paid family leave bills
House lawmakers voted on several high-profile bills to close out March.
Capitol Beat
House GOP lawmakers introduce ‘tax holiday’ bills to address affordability concerns
Lawmakers are proposing temporary “holidays” from several state taxes.
Technology
PA lawmakers advance SAFECHAT Act to protect children from AI chatbot interactions
The bill would require AI companion operators to take steps to prevent harmful interactions with chatbots.
News & Politics
Updated
What to know about Pennsylvania’s 2026 special elections
Several seats in the state House of Representatives have been decided through special elections in 2026.
Campaigns & Elections
Inside Chris Rabb’s unapologetically progressive PA-3 primary campaign
The outspoken state legislator is among several candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans in the Third Congressional District.
Capitol Beat
PA House committee advances data center bills
Two data center bills were reported out of the House Energy Committee along party lines.
Capitol Beat
Gov. Shapiro vows to use ‘every tool’ to stop ICE facilities from coming to Pennsylvania
The governor said ICE facilities proposed for Berks and Schuylkill counties will stretch resources in local communities.
Campaigns & Elections
Quinnipiac Poll: Shapiro leading Garrity, showing weakness for potential prez run
A plurality of Pennsylvania voters believe Shapiro wouldn’t make a good president despite positive reviews for his time as governor.
