Senate Republicans start abortion fight, Pence Philly, Philly Councilwoman and Allegheny County Comptroller honored, and a State Rep. joins the Superior Court Race.  Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!

Senate Republicans Set Up Abortion Fight on Eve of Budget Address: On the day before the Governor’s budget address, Senate Republicans are expected to vote on a new abortion bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks.

Parker, Wagner Honored by Governing Institute: They were named to the 2017 class of the organization’s Women in Government Leadership Program.

VP Pence Speaks in Philly amid Protests: Vice President Mike Pence spoke to the Federalist Society in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Barbin Jumps into Commonwealth Court Race: The blue dog state Rep from Johnstown tosses his name into the mix.

Statewide
New York Times: As Trump Vows Building Splurge, Famed Traffic Choke Point Offers Warning
State House Sound Bites: What do we know about Tom Wolf’s budget?
State House Sound Bites: PA’s AG joins 15 others to challenge Trump travel ban
State House Sound Bites: Contentious abortion bill moving quickly through Senate

Philadelphia
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf welcomes Syrian refugees in Allentown — and pays their airfare
Inquirer: State legislatures push back on Philly soda tax
Inquirer: Bill to further limit abortions in Pa. passes Senate committee
Inquirer: Philly tech joins challenge to Trump immigration order
Inquirer: Trump asserts Philly cop’s shooting was under-reported; FOP chief disagrees
Inquirer: Trump’s church politics idea has wide reach, beyond GOP base
Inquirer: Senate in round-the-clock session to confirm Trump Cabinet
Inquirer: Phila. artist raises $70K to oppose DeVos, ‘buy’ Toomey’s vote
Inquirer: Analysis: What happens if Trump decides to ignore a judge’s ruling?
Philadelphia Magazine: Pa. GOP Elects Chester County’s Val DiGiorgio as Chairman

SEPA
The Reporter: Big Pennsylvania Budget Mystery: Where Will Wolf Get $2B in Cuts, Savings
Bucks County Courier Times: PennEast Pipeline opponents discuss potential route changes
Bucks County Courier Times: Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Arizona lawmaker introduce Right to Try legislation
Bucks County Courier Times: New tax law results in refund delays
Delco Daily Times: Pa. braces for arrival of medical marijuana era
Delco Daily Times: Hundreds rally in Media to oppose DeVos pick
Delco Daily Times: Editorial: Budget day in Harrisburg: Red menace

Pittsburgh
KDKA: Pa. Attorney General Expected To File Lawsuit Against Trump’s Executive Order
KDKA: Constituents Complain About Toomey’s Jammed Telephone Lines
Tribune Review: Vaping ban poses both pros and cons
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto makes staffing changes, 4 new positions
Tribune Review: 84 Lumber’s Super Bowl ad lauded and lanced, lasting impact to be seen
Post-Gazette: Nine days late, Syrians make it to new home in Pennsylvania

Southwest
Altoona Mirror: Gov Wolf seeks additional $2 billion dollars for budget plan
Altoona Mirror: Gov Wolf claims closing Pittsburgh State Prison will save $80 million annually
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Tom Ridge works on a bill to to prevent drug shipments from foreign countries

NEPA
Standard Speaker: New bill will allow license apps online
Times-Tribune: Scranton council looks for answers on addressing sewer sale proceeds
Times-Tribune: Local legislator abandons idea to name bridge after former vice president
Times-Tribune: Scranton mayor’s campaign coffers at $200,000

South Central
Carlisle Sentinel: Two announce bids for Carlisle mayoral seat
Patriot News: AG drops probe into law office of judge candidate
Patriot News: Carlisle names new police chief
Patriot News: Audit finds staffing shortages, casework overload for Dauphin County CYS
Patriot News: As budget speech looms, ‘We have to live within our means,’ Gov. Wolf says
Patriot News: Lawmakers push again for tougher abortion limits in Pennsylvania
Lancaster Online: Taxpayers’ costs for Lancaster County Sheriff Mark Reese rise to $69,000 as lawmakers review forced removal
Lancaster Online: Lancaster GOP straw polls hint at endorsement for Common Pleas judge

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Bethlehem considers bamboo ban
Morning Call: Education funding debate starts ahead of Gov. Wolf’s budget address
Morning Call: PA Lawmaker seeks post-Labor Day start for all public schools
Morning Call: Plan to eliminate property taxes gives Lehigh Valley school officials nightmares
Reading Eagle: Berks County treasurer wants to see modernizing through
Reading Eagle: Gov. Mifflin School Board discusses contract with teachers union

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: State College mayor won’t seek re-election
Centre Daily Times: Trump supporters join weekly rally against the president’s policies
Erie Times-News: Nuclear waste ready to move through Erie County
Erie Times-News: Gamble to seek full term as Erie County Clerk of Records
Sun-Gazette: Commissioners talk about future plans

Opinion
Morning Call: Elizabeth Stelle: Innovative thinking key to balancing Pa. state budget
Daily News: DN Editorial: Farnese’s acquittal a sign of weak state campaign finance laws
Inquirer: Inquirer Editorial: College savings plan would help students and the state
Daily News: Baer: They demand to talk to Toomey. His office is says it’s trying. Democracy in action
Tribune Review: Behind those Pa. gaming numbers