Hello Monday Morning. In other news, pitchers and catchers report this week.

PA Weather
Pittsburgh | Sunny, Breezy, 53
Harrisburg | Increasing Clouds, 55
Philadelphia | Sunny, 57

PA Sports
Eagles | Kansas City, L 38-35
76ers (36-19) | Brooklyn, W 101-98 | MON vs. Houston
Penguins (26-17-9) | Los Angeles, L 6-0 | TUE vs. San Jose
Flyers (22-23-10) | Seattle, L 4-3 | THU vs. Seattle

What We’re Hearing
“This doesn’t have to be a Robin Hood approach. You don’t have to take from some districts to give to others.”

Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Sen. Steve Santarsiero.

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Top Story

1. Health Concerns For PA Senators Raise Issues

It has been 40 years since the Super Bowl was not the most-watched U.S. TV broadcast of the year.

The ratings for the Redskins-Dolphins game were eclipsed by the final episode of M*A*S*H.

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepared to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, there was more medical drama that was attracting attention. And it involved Pennsylvania’s delegation in the U.S. Senate. (PoliticsPA)

Related

Tests Negative, Fetterman Leaves Hospital. “Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman left a hospital in Washington after a two-day stay, his office said Friday, following a spell of lightheadedness that prompted the visit as he recovers from a stroke he suffered last year on the campaign trail.” (AP)

Harrisburg

2. How Will PA Fix Its School Funding? New Jersey’s “Abbott” Rulings Offer Lessons

photo by Peter Ackerman, APP

“The ruling handed down by a Commonwealth Court judge last week finding Pennsylvania’s school funding unconstitutional was hailed by advocates who say the state has been starving its poorest districts.

But there most certainly won’t be a quick fix. To see how complicated the path forward might be, look no further than New Jersey, where battles over the landmark Abbott v. Burke rulings — and the school funding formula stemming from them — have lasted for decades.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Related

Local Districts Await Fallout From PA Court Ruling On School Funding. “Funding Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts was never going to be an easy equation to solve.” (Tribune-Review)

Shapiro, PA Lawmakers Face Multibillion Dollar Budget Question After Major School Funding Ruling. “A long-awaited ruling on how Pennsylvania funds its public schools could have a seismic impact on state finances in the coming years as policymakers face a multibillion-dollar funding disparity.” (Spotlight PA)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Speaker Says Rules Vote, Abuse Measures On Horizon in PA House

photo by Matt Rourke, AP

“The Pennsylvania House returns to session on Feb. 21 with Speaker Mark Rozzi declaring that operational rules allowing the chamber to function as well as separate proposals intended to aid survivors of childhood sexual abuse will all be put to vote.” (Tribune-Democrat)

Related

New Report Offers Solutions to ‘Dire’ Teacher Shortage in PA. “Pennsylvania is facing a “dire and worsening teacher shortage crisis,” according to a new report that details sweeping recommendations to address short-term challenges while also looking into the root cause of the systemic problem.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

5 Ways PA’s Marijuana Laws Could Change in 2023. “As the legislative session picks up, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a host of changes to the state’s cannabis laws that would expand who is eligible for a medical marijuana card and increase protections against DUI charges for patients, among other proposals.” (Spotlight PA)

February 10: Ups and Downs. (PoliticsPA)

Court Won’t Force PA To Release Voter Info For 2020 Election Inquiry. That Doesn’t Mean It’s Over. “A Pennsylvania appellate court won’t force the Department of State to release private voter information to state Senate Republicans as part of their long-running attempt to investigate the 2020 election.” (Votebeat)

Will There Be More Confusion Over Dates On Mail-In Ballots? “The opinion may create more confusion for county election boards over handling future mail-in or absentee ballots that possibly contain incorrect dates.” (Armchair Lehigh Valley)

Critics Say Philly Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown Is Coming Across as a ‘White Savior.’ He Says They’re Being Divisive. “Philadelphia mayoral candidate Jeff Brown’s pitch to Philadelphia voters has thus far been simple: He says he’s done the work, especially in majority-Black communities, and understands the crises affecting underserved people.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Top Donors For Each Philly Mayoral Candidate, From Charter School PACs to Inquirer Board Chair. “Mounting a successful mayoral run in Philadelphia can cost $3 million or more, judging from past winners’ campaigns. That’s in addition to millions spent by outside groups trying to influence the election.” (Billy Penn)

Bucks DA Weintraub Running For County Judge. “Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub will run for county judge this year and he’s grooming first assistant district attorney Jennifer Schorn as his heir apparent.” (Bucks County Herald)

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

A glance around the Keystone State at editorials and opinions.

• A ‘Modest Proposal’ For Public Education. (Jerry Shenk, Pottstown Mercury)
• Commonwealth Court Ruling Is a Massive Win For Education Choice Advocates. (Jennifer Stefano, Philadelphia Inquirer)
• Enough With The Politics, Bring Back Issues. (Keith Burris, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• Top House Dems Found Their 2024 Candidate at SOTU: ‘Scranton Joe.’ (John T. Bennett, Roll Call)
• A Tale of Two Districts – Same School District Audit Yields Two Very Different Responses. (Beth Ann Rosica, Broad + Liberty)
• Pittsburgh’s Bridge Report Needs to Create Urgent Timeline. (Tribune-Review)
• Responsible Lawmaker Learns Lesson. (Times-Tribune)
• State Needs Quicker Permits. (Lewistown Sentinel)
• Ruling In Landmark PA Public Education Lawsuit Is Just and Long Overdue. (LNP)

1 Thing

5. Mrs. Pennsylvania

There’s a new Mrs. Pennsylvania and her name is Regina Burhop.

The Pottsville resident was crowned US American Mrs. Pennsylvania 2023 in a pageant at the Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony.

Burhop will be traveling the Commonwealth for appearances, photo shoots, charity events and media interviews.

She succeeds Tamara Abney, wife of Rep. Aerion Abney, in the role.

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