It’s Thursday Morning. And it’s our last edition for 2022. Thanks for being part of the PoliticsPA community. Our best wishes for a safe and Happy New Year. See you on January 3, 2023.

PA Weather
New Castle | Increasing Clouds, 51
Hershey | Sunny, 53
Lansdale | Mostly Sunny, 51

PA Sports
Eagles (13-2) | SUN vs. New Orleans
Steelers (7-8) | SUN vs. Baltimore
Penn State (10-2) | MON vs. Utah
Pitt (8-4) | FRI vs. UCLA
Flyers (11-17-7) | THU vs. San Jose
76ers (20-13) | FRI vs. New Orleans
Penguins (19-10-6) | Detroit, L 5-4 (OT) | FRI vs. New Jersey

What We’re Hearing
“I think that as legislators, our job is to agenda-set. It’s to govern, it’s to create policy, but it’s also to put forth that best case, and bring people over to us,” said Rep.-elect Summer Lee.

Visit us online at PoliticsPA.com
Are you getting this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up for free and get your own subscription emailed to you every weekday morning. Join the PoliticsPA community.

Top Story

1. Pennsylvania Was The Center Of The Political World, Again, In 2022

“It was another huge year in Pennsylvania politics — which seems to always be the case these days.

The races for governor and Congress drew national attention, the state House flipped to the Democrats for the first time in more than a decade, and several political stars started to rise. Meanwhile Republicans said goodbye to their most electorally successful statewide figure in recent years, U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, as the party moved in a different direction.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Related

Larger Squad? How The Hill’s Newest Progressives Plan To Wield Power. “Even as House Democrats shrink into the minority, the voices of progressive lawmakers — inspired by the so-called squad — are set to grow only louder. Add another five members, including PA’s Summer Lee, to the ever-expanding list of those vowing to push President Joe Biden’s administration to the left on priorities like workers’ rights, climate change and immigration.” (POLITICO)

Former Philly Politico Jamie Fleet Told Jan. 6 Committee That Preparations For Election Challenges Started In Summer 2020. “Testimony from a former Philadelphia politico and top adviser to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi described how Democrats were worried about former President Donald Trump’s effort to challenge the results of the 2020 election months before Americans cast their ballots.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Harrisburg

2. Education, Lobbying Reform And Abortion Among Issues On Lawmakers’ Agendas In Next Session

“The Pennsylvania General Assembly starts a new two-year legislative session when members return in January. And lawmakers have been busy circulating plans to introduce and reintroduce bills since Dec. 1 — addressing election reform, education, health, safety, and economic development.” (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Related

Shapiro’s Top Aides Have Close Ties To Governor-Elect. “With less than a month to go before inauguration day, Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro has named four top aides who will serve in the governor’s office. He has a track record of keeping trusted aides at his side as he moves from office to office, and these appointments are no exception.” (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

DePasquale Ponders Run For Attorney General. “They say that those who can’t do, teach. Try telling that to University of Pittsburgh political science instructor Eugene DePasquale, a two-term former state auditor general.” (WESA)

Around The Commonwealth

3. In Memoriam

Looking back at some of those whom we have lost in 2022. (PoliticsPA)

Related

Westmoreland’s Political Focus Shifts To County Races In 2023. “With the books closed on the 2022 election, Westmoreland County political leaders are ready to focus on local races heading into 2023 with control of most key courthouse offices at stake.” (Tribune-Review)

Khari Mosley Announces Candidacy For Pittsburgh City Council. “A staple of Pittsburgh campaign circles is throwing his own hat into the ring for a Pittsburgh City Council race in the city’s East End.” (Tribune-Review)

A Look Back As Todd Stephens Leaves Office. “A summer internship for former state Rep. George Saurman in the early 1990s ignited a spark in Todd Stephens to advocate for his neighbors.” (Bucks County Courier Times)

Tommie St. Hill Sr., Reporter And Power Broker, Dies At 70. “Tommie W. St. Hill Sr., a noted Philadelphia journalist and political consultant, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. He was 70.” (Philadelphia Tribune)

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

• What Does 2023 Hold For Donald Trump, Josh Shapiro And PA’s Legislature? (John Baer, PennLive)
• Six Words And Phrases To Avoid In 2023. (Jeffrey Barg, Philadelphia Inquirer)
• Fern Hollow Construction A Triumph To Learn From. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• ‘School Choice’ Proposal Shows Promise. (Williamsport Sun-Gazette)
• Let’s Not Overhype 2023. (Andrew Bundy, Dubois Courier-Express)

1 Thing

5. Welcoming In 2023

Would it surprise you to find out that Pennsylvania leads the nation in stuff dropped during New Year’s Eve celebrations? Of course it wouldn’t.

As only Pennsylvania can … best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023 from all of us at PoliticsPA.

• Beavertown – Beaver
• Bethlehem – Marshmallow Peep
• Carlisle – Button
• Dillsburg – Pickle
• Duncannon – Sled
• Gettysburg – Lincoln hat (up)
• Harrisburg – Strawberry
• Hershey – Kiss (up)
• Lancaster – Red Rose
• Kennett Square – Mushroom
• Lebanon – Bologna 
• Lower Allen Township – Lowering of the Yellow Breeches (Pants)
• McClure – Kettle
• McVeytown – Ice Cream Cake
• Mechanicsburg – Wrench
• New Bloomfield – Huckleberry
• Pittsburgh – Recycled ball
• Port Royal – Sprint Car
• Pottsville – Yuengling Bottle (up)
• York – White Rose

VisitPA.com  |  Wikipedia

Thanks for starting your day with us.

What did you think of today’s newsletter?

Please invite your friends to subscribe to the PoliticsPA Playbook