Dem Gov candidates appear at another forum, Corbett boosts education in his annual budget address and Tom Wolf launches new ad. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.

Corbett’s Election Year Education Audible: The Governor called for $100 million in new school spending in his annual budget address.

HD-36: Molchany Inches Ahead of Readshaw In Q4: Rep. Erin Molchany was pushed into Rep. Harry Readshaw’s district, courtesy of redistricting, and now she leads him in fundraising.

Longshot Dems Raise Little for Guv Bid: Pastor Max Myers and Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz raised a combined $34,000 in 2013, according to campaign finance reports.

Speaker Smith Faces 2012 Rematch: Cris Dush opted for a rematch of the very close primary race.

Wolf Airs New Ad After Corbett Budget Address (With Video): The businessman’s second TV ad bemoans funding for schools and bridges, although it doesn’t mention the Governor by name.

Dems Share Policy and Personality at WHYY Forum: Candidates were asked specific policy questions, but also a few personal questions as well.

Reader Poll: Which Lt. Gov Candidate Will Get the Most Signatures?: We ask our readers which of the Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor will gain the most signatures for their campaigns.

Reader Poll: McCord Leads In Looks: According to our readers, the State Treasurer is the best looking in the race for governor.

Pelosi and Hoyer Fundraise For Critz Lt. Gov. Bid: The former U.S. congressman’s fundraising dinner will be headed by special guests Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer.

Mark Smith for Lt. Gov. Staffs Up: The Bradford County Commissioner named his consultant team for the Democratic primary.

PA-13: Arkoosh Expands Staff: The political rookie and her staffers are making room for a new field director.

Legislative Elections Update:

HD-20: School teacher Tom Michalow is announcing his candidacy to represent Pennsylvania’s 20th’s district in the General Assembly. He will be challenging Adam Ravenstahl in the May 20th Democratic Primary Election.

HD-157: Teacher Jed Grobstein today announced his bid for the Democratic nomination to the State House in the Pennsylvania 157th. If successful in the primary, he would take on incumbent Rep. Warren Kampf (R-Chester) in the general. The campaign also reported having more than $51,000 on hand.

HD-169: Republican Leroy Wentz announced his run for this newly located seat. The longtime firefighter and local elected official says fiscal responsibility, economic development and government reform drive his decision to run. The district stretches from Hanover Borough to Shrewsbury Township in York County.

SD-28 (Special Election): Linda Small, 51, is running for state senator for the 28th district in the special election on March 18, 2014. She is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) weather forecaster.

SD-40: Scott Parsons, candidate for state senate in the newly created 40th senate district, responded to Governor Corbett’s budget address today. Parsons has served on Wind Gap Borough Council and currently serves as a county councilmember for Northampton County. The Senate Democratic Campaign Committee sent out the response, showing their support of Parsons for the new district.

“The continual cuts over the last four years under Gov. Corbett and Rep. Scavello’s failed policies, have weakened local governments, forcing local taxes to skyrocket and basic services, like education, to suffer. It’s time to stop this attack on our local communities, and that’s why I’m running for the state senate.”

Statewide
StateImpactPA: Democratic candidates slam Corbett’s fiscal policies at forum
StateImpactPA: Corbett budget proposal expands drilling in state parks and forests
State House Sound Bites: Corbett asking for boost in education funding and pension changes
State House Sound Bites: Corbett looks to spend more, relying on unresolved items

Philadelphia
Axis Philly: MIA: Women on boards
Axis Philly: The community must have a say
WHYY Newsworks: Education advocates waiting for specifics on Corbett spending plan
WHYY Newsworks: Council doesn’t like Nutter administration opinion on ‘conflict council’
The Inquirer: Gov. Corbett’s budget gives Phila schools $29 million in new money; Green and Jimenez to join SRC
The Inquirer: A lot of agreement at Democratic gubernatorial candidates’ forum
The Inquirer: Temple unveils plan to reduce student debt, boost on-time graduation

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Warminster committee announces resignation
Bucks Local News: Sen. Toomey, DA Williams, Bucks Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick: DOJ nominee not fit for post
Pottstown Mercury: Split Pottsgrove vote OKs $12K contract to improve gifted program
Bucks County Courier Times: Bristol Township zoners won’t change venue for incinerator hearing
Bucks County Courier Times: Morrisville school board seeks to fill vacancy
The Intelligencer: Montco GOP to endorse Saturday for 152nd state House seat
Burlington County Times: Burlington City continues costly fight against Pa. incinerator

Pittsburgh
Early Returns: Pittsburgh innovation highlighted in magazine
Post-Gazette: U.S. Senate panel eyes bills to protect waterways after W.Va. chemical spill
Post-Gazette: Jobless rate falls in Pittsburgh region because some people stopped looking for work, state agency says
Post-Gazette: Gov. Corbett proposes $29.4 billion state budget; suggests pension savings, new money for education
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh solicitor confirmed after controversy about her residence
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto, Allegheny County Executive Fitzgerald schmooze Pa. officials
Tribune Review: Allegheny County Council votes to maintain tax break

Southwest
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Corbett: boost school funding
AP: Corbett’s 4th budget takes risks to boost spending
AP: Would-be Democrat rivals pan Corbett budget speech
AP: Ex-Philly mayor’s daughter spared in gambling case
AP: Democratic Pa. governor hopefuls back higher wages
AP: Corbett appeals to lawmakers to OK pension changes
AP: Corbett’s seeks $45M in upgrades for state parks and forests

NEPA
The Times Leader: Report: Breaks cost more than pensions
Times-Tribune: Corbett budget to delay full impact of public pension hike
Times-Tribune: Corbett budget reopens drilling issue
Wayne Independent: Poverty rate increases in region
South Central
Patriot-News: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett proposes near-term pension relief, in exchange for a long-term fix
Patriot-News: Five takeaways from Democrats response to Corbett’s Pa. budget
Patriot-News: Most nonunionized state employees will see a 6.5 percent pay bump by July 1
Patriot-News: Legislature will receive $277 million next year: Pa. budget 2014
Carlisle Sentinel: Dickinson Township delays warehouse decision
Carlisle Sentinel: Corbett’s 4th budget takes risks to boost spending

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Media companies join forces to fight open records battle
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett calls for additional $400 million for education in 2014-15
Morning Call: Atiyeh settles with Bethlehem over treatment center plans
Morning Call: Bethlehem council picks food co-op founder for council seat
Reading Eagle: Gov. Tom Corbett’s 2014-15 state budget: Five takeaways
Reading Eagle: State budget: By the numbers

North by Northwest
Sun-Gazette: South Williamsport School District could see 2-mill increase
Sun-Gazette: Southern Tioga elects 3 new board members
Sun-Gazette: Montoursville talks block grant funding
Daily Times: No increase for Penn State in governor’s proposed budget
Daily Times: Bellefonte Borough Council looks at grant effort as way to mend community ties frayed by Garman debate

Opinion
The Intelligencer: A frustrated board resigns
Bucks Local News: Open Letter to the Community from retiring Newtown Township Supervisor Matt Benchener
Patriot-News: It’s too easy for schools to put kids at risk by “passing the trash”: Editorial

Blogs
Keystone State Education Coalition: PA Ed Policy Roundup for February 4, 2014
Pennsylvania Progressive: PA House Dems React to Gasbag’s Budget
Above Average Jane: Mark Smith’s Campaign Team
Above Average Jane: Biden Transit Alert
John Hanger: The Jobs Record of Corbett and Rendell Shows Corbett’s Conservative Policies Are Toxic To Job Growth
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Southside Resident Appointed to Bethlehem City Council
Keystone Politics: #PAGov: Yes, Republicans Want to Run Against Allyson Schwartz
Keystone Politics: 10 Things We Learned From Today’s #PAGov Forum