News & Politics

Politics

5 takeaways from Josh Shapiro’s first budget address

Shapiro outlined a $44 billion budget that includes funding increases for education, policing.

Budget

Policy

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first budget by the numbers

The governor delivered his first budget address to the state Legislature Tuesday, proposing a $44.4 billion spending plan.

Education

Politics

Public school advocates warn lawmakers: ‘Don’t stall;’ fix the broken system now

Following the major court ruling regarding the state’s school funding system, lawmakers have some complicated equations to solve.

News & Politics

Politics

Mike Zabel faces calls to resign following sexual harassment allegations

An SEIU lobbyist and an anonymous state representative have accused Zabel of harassment.

News & Politics

Politics

Joanna McClinton becomes first female House Speaker after Mark Rozzi resigns

Rozzi said he was resigning because he accomplished what he wanted to do – and to make way for McClinton.

News & Politics

Policy

PA House approves measures to provide legal relief for sex abuse victims

The vote brought a contentious week in the state House to a close, but leaves more uncertainty for abuse survivors.

Criminal Justice

Policy

Josh Shapiro calls on General Assembly to abolish the death penalty

The governor said he would grant a reprieve to any capital punishment warrant that comes across his desk.

News & Politics

Policy

Bill to end medical co-pays for incarcerated Pennsylvanians to be reintroduced

State Rep. Amen Brown sponsored the same bill in last year’s legislative session, which ultimately failed.

News & Politics

Politics

A Q&A with state Sen. Sharif Street

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair discussed constitutional amendments in Harrisburg and much more.

Capitol Beat

Personality

From Walt Wit beer to Angus beef – here are Josh Shapiro and Jim Kenney’s major Super Bowl bets

Leaders from around Philadelphia and Kansas City are making friendly wagers ahead of the big game.

News & Politics

Politics

Mark Rozzi says House will vote on rules, reforms on Feb. 21

Gridlock has prevented the chamber from approving rules and holding votes.

News & Politics

Politics

Democrats sweep special elections to take majority in state House

House session days were scheduled immediately after the elections were called.

Capitol Beat

Politics

Donna Bullock shares PA Legislative Black Caucus priorities for 2023

Police reforms, passage of the CROWN Act and raising the minimum wage are key goals this year.

Campaigns & Elections

Politics

State Rep. Lynda Culver elected to represent 27th Senatorial District

Culver will serve out the remainder of former state Sen. John Gordner’s term, which ends in 2024.

Campaigns & Elections

Policy

Bipartisan state panel issues new report aiming to clarify mail-in ballot rules

Report recommendations include making secrecy envelopes optional and giving counties the authority to regulate drop boxes.

News & Politics

Politics

Mark Rozzi eyes Pittsburgh for first stop of statewide listening tour

The House Speaker announced a tour last week to hear from residents on gridlock in Harrisburg.

Labor

Policy

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate drops to 3.9% in December

The state unemployment rate is at its lowest level ever recorded, dating back to 1976.

News & Politics

Politics

Shapiro, citing the importance of public safety, stops by PEMA headquarters for first state agency visit

Randy Padfield, who has served as director of the agency since 2019, will remain in his post.