Fresh this morning, a new Quinnipiac poll shows Tom Corbett’s negatives are on the rise, though he still enjoys a net favorable approval rating. Voters are sending mixed messages about the budget and specific ways to decrease the deficit; they disapprove of the way Corbett is handling the process, but support his no-tax approach (except on Marcellus). At the end of the day, its probably a wash for the Governor.
The buzz in Harrisburg this week is all about Marcellus. PA Senate Pro Tem Joe Scarnati, whose district will be deeply affected by the development of gas drilling, is introducing a bill to institute an impact fee. People on every side of the issue will be watching closely. How flexible will the plan be? Will the bill seek to bring any revenue to Harrisburg? What will Governor Corbett say?
Scarnati’s office is content to let the anticipation build.
Those of you hoping to have a quiet campaign off-year will likely be disappointed. Both parties’ congressional campaign committees launched robocalls this this week targeting
And Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle is about to get a colorful new faculty member. P.J. Crawly, the former spokesman to Hillary Clinton who recently (and unceremoniously) departed the State Department, will join the school this semester.
Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.
PoliticsPA Reports
Poll: Mixed Numbers for Governor Corbett
A Quinnipiac poll released this morning showed a jump in Tom Corbett’s disapproval, however the Governor’s approval rating remains net positive. In a sense, the numbers reflect the argument Corbett has made since unveiling his budget proposal: voters elected him to make tough decisions, some of which are bound to be unpopular.
Campaign Committees Launch Robocall Salvo
The Congressional campaign arms of both U.S. House caucuses have launched automated phone messages against several members of the Pennsylvania delegation.
Headlines
Tribune Review: Anticipation builds for Scarnati Marcellus impact fee bill
AP: Hillary Clinton’s Former Spokesman Takes Job at Penn State Law School
WHYY Newsworks: Nationwide Protests Bring Rallies For Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare To The Local Front
WHYY Newsworks: Sens. Casey and Toomey Take A Tour of the Navy Yard in Philly
Marketwatch: Report: Pa.’s Emergency Mortgage Program Cheaper
Times-Leader: Hearing set for Ciavarella Pension
ABC Pittsburgh: Gov. Corbett Tells Drillers In Pittsburgh He Opposes ‘Forced Pooling’
Capitol Ideas: Senate GOP To Unveil Impact Fee Proposal On Thursday
Capitol Ideas: Voucher Supporters Begin Direct Mail Campaign
Capitol Ideas: House Panel Moves EITC Legislation
Patriot-News: Education Rally Held On The Steps Of The State Capitol In Harrisburg
AP: Pa. Budget Proposal Would Hurt Court System, Judge Says
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. House Committee Approves Felony Charges For Teacher Sexual Assault Cases
Inquirer: Study: Pa. energy firms paid less in taxes than they said they did
Times-Tribune: State Geologists Mapping Deep Aquifiers
AP: Pa. Utility Regulator Cheers On Shale Drilling
Patriot-News: Act 47 team: No “magic bullets” for Harrisburg
PhillyNow: City’s Largest Union Endorses Mayor Nutter
PhillyClout: City white collar workers won’t endorse for Mayor
Inquirer: For once, Philadelphia Republicans Mount A Lively Council Race
Times-Leader: Wilkes-Barre Jobless Rate Falls to 8.7%
CBS Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Finds $6 Million to Pave Roads
Citizens’ Voice: Work continues at gas well blowout site
Citizens’ Voice: Casey, Toomey strike agreement on filling judge seats
Citizens’ Voice: Ciavarella won’t fight for $250K pension
Daily News: District 8 race draws pool of 7 Democratic challengers
Daily News: Sanchez gets Nutter backing
AP: Altoona changes its name to “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold”
Post-Gazette: Married pairs decide to run for same office
Post-Gazette: Panel discusses transportation funding crisis
Opinions
Baer Growls: Beaver Power!
Fox Philadelphia: Is Philly Content With Political Corruption?
Jonathan Storm, Inquirer: Sam Katz’s Documentary On Philadelphia To Preempt Wheel of Fortune
Citizens’ Voice: To cut costs, look no further than bloated legislature
Tribune Review: Obama’s lack of Easter message is noteworthy