John George suspends his campaign in the 16th Congressional district, Pennsylvania’s Congressional Democrats split on a vote on Impeaching Trump, and Jeanne McNeill wins her husband’s seat in a special election. Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!
George Suspends 16th District Campaign: Former Warwick superintendent John George announced he is suspending his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 16th Congressional District.
Pa. Dems Split on Trump Impeachment: In a vote to begin debate on articles of impeachment, Pennsylvania Democrats split, with Congressmen Brady and Evans voting for debate, and Congressmen Boyle, Doyle, and Cartwright voting against.
McNeill Wins Husband’s Seat in Special Election: Jeanne McNeill won her husband’s former seat in the state House in yesterday’s special election.
Legislative Election Update
Patriot News: Barbara Gleim announces bid for 199th state House District
Post-Gazette: Michelle Boyle launches campaign in 38th state Senate race with show of healthcare union support
Statewide
City & State: Legislative package to reform PA budget process clears House committee
State House Sounds Bites: 200 municipalities have opted out of gaming expansion
State House Sound Bites: Metcalfe stands by “no touching” comments, laments gay people “flaunting” sexuality
StateImpact: PA, States Sue EPA for Missing Ozone Deadline
StateImpact: DEP Eyes New Land For Abandoned Mine Cleanup
Capitolwire: Wolf confirms PSSA testing changes for 2018-19 school year.
Philadelphia
KYW: Gov. Wolf Announces Changes To PSSA Tests: ‘They’ve Interfered With Ability Of Students To Learn’
KYW: GOP Lawmaker At Center Of Arm-Touching Tirade Won’t Step Down
KYW: Wolf Questions Rep. Metcalfe’s Committee Chairman Role After ‘Offensive’ Remarks
Inquirer: Pa. Gov. Wolf asks House leaders to demote Daryl Metcalfe for antigay talk
Inquirer: Pa. kids will take fewer tests, given later in the year, Gov. Wolf announces in Montgomery County
Inquirer: New Pa. coalition: The economy needs immigrants
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania plans vast expansion of industrial hemp research in 2018
Philly Mag: Brian Sims Slams State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe for “Homophobic” Rant
WHYY: Day three of Pa. gerrymandering trial brings insights to legislative process, but secrecy remains
Billy Penn: PA Rep. Lou Barletta overstates benefits of the House tax bill
SEPA
Times Herald: Wolf visits Colonial Middle School in Plymouth, announces changes to PSSA scheduling
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown Hospital recognized for quality cancer care
Bucks County Courier Times: Third round of indictments leveled against two former Lower Southampton officials
Delco Times: Auditor General: Chester Upland School District is in ‘administrative chaos;’ saddled with huge debt
Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Pa. House approves $115 million for ailing unemployment services
Post-Gazette: Gov. Wolf asks House leaders to demote Daryl Metcalfe for anti-gay talk
Post-Gazette: Raise wages for those who care for disabled, state House panel told
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh, 50 other North American cities join Chicago Climate Charter
Post-Gazette: Grad students protesting proposed tax legislation at Sen. Toomey’s Downtown office
Post-Gazette: Dems navigate sexual harassment wave roiling national politics
Post-Gazette: Sen. Pat Toomey chosen for committee to finalize tax legislation
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh-area religious leaders fret over Trump’s Jerusalem decision
Tribune Review: Wolf urges GOP leaders to consider stripping Daryl Metcalfe of committee post
Tribune Review: Grinch, students ask Sen. Toomey’s help on tax legislation
KDKA: Westmoreland Co. Sheetz Installs Blue Lighting System In Hopes Of Deterring Drug Use
KDKA: Democrats Call For Metcalfe’s Resignation While He Protests Ongoing ‘Touching’
Southwest
Beaver County Times: Linsenmayer enters Democratic primary to challenge Rothfus; Stolz drops out and endorses the newcomer
Beaver County Times: County salary board adds jury position
Beaver County Times: Pennsylvania moves to dial back annual testing of students
Altoona Mirror: Country’s reserve funds dwindle
WJAC: Convicted state lawmaker gets pension restored
Observer-Reporter: Wolf announces parks money for Washington, Greene projects
NEPA
Times-Tribune: Local congressmen differ sharply on tax reform
Times-Tribune: County: decision to forgo 2017 pension contribution made during ‘budget deliberations,’ Notarianni unaware
Times-Tribune: Bill would prevent Mellow pension repeat
Times Leader: Luzerne County to decide if slot machines allowed at truck stops
South Central
LNP: Pennsylvania will allow 10 times as much industrial hemp next year
LNP: Meehan named as one of 20 targets for End Citizens United group
Patriot News: Wolf questions whether given Metcalfe’s ‘disturbing pattern of behavior,’ he is suited for leadership post
Patriot News: Transgender services ban gets sidelined after Pa. lawmakers learn their insurance covers the same
Patriot News: Delaying state exams to later in the school year draws praise from educators
Patriot News: After Pa.’s liquor law changes, convenience, sales and satisfaction are up
Patriot News: Offensive touching or homophobia? What was behind the viral ‘I’m a heterosexual’ video?
Patriot News: Rating agency holds Pa.’s credit ranking steady with an iffy outlook
Patriot News: Bill would require repayment of tax dollars used to settle harassment claims
Patriot News: Pa. House passes bill outlawing credit card skimmers
WHTM: Anti-gay tirade? Inappropriate touching? Claims made after bizarre exchange between lawmakers
Lehigh Valley
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvania expands hemp program
Reading Eagle: Reading might ask for county help in fighting blight
Morning Call: Pa. judge to decide if raccoons deserve protection from cruelty
WFMZ: Gov. Wolf: Lawmaker’s comments offensive, discriminatory
WFMZ: Governor modifies school test system
North by Northwest
WJET: Looks like vehicle registration fees will raise $5 per vehicle, per year
Daily Item: Wolf may be preparing veto controversial abortion, union donation bills
Centre Daily Times: No tax increase in proposed Ferguson Township 2018 budget
Erie Times-News: After groundbreaking win, Tyler Titus joins Erie School Board
Opinion
Inquirer: Yo Philly, lock up your guns | Editorial
Inquirer: In Pa. gerrymander case, experts can’t defend the indefensible | Opinion
Tribune Review: Trib editorial: Capital Hill sexual-harassment allegations may open door to term limits
Patriot News: Northampton County incident argues for Attorney General taking lead on investigating officer-involved shootings | Editorial