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76ers (37-19) | Houston, W 123-104 | WED vs. Cleveland
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What We’re Hearing
“I don’t think it is fair for a few stakeholder groups and individuals to tip the scales for the most influential elected position in this region”

Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Leanne Krueger.

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Top Story

1. Senate Confirms Cindy Chung For 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals

“The U.S. Senate on Monday night voted to confirm the first Asian American judge to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which hears appeal cases from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands.

Judge Cindy K. Chung, who was among five nominees tapped by President Joe Biden last summer to fill vacancies in the federal courts, was confirmed with a 50-44 vote on the Senate floor. The vote fell mostly along party lines, with three Republican senators voting yes.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Related

Cindy Chung, U.S. Attorney in Pittsburgh, Confirmed For Seat On Circuit Court of Appeals. “U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., announced Monday that Cindy Chung, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, has been confirmed as a judge on the 3rd Circuit federal Court of Appeals.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgh’s Chung Becomes First Asian American on 3rd Circuit Appeals Court After Senate Approval. “Chung has served as the U.S. Attorney for western Pennsylvania since November 2021. She will be the first Asian American to serve as a judge on that court.” (WESA)

Harrisburg

2. PA House Bill Would Make It Easier For Formerly Incarcerated To Vote

“From finding a job to securing a place to live, formerly incarcerated people face any number of challenges when they return to their hometowns and neighborhoods.

Some 700,000 people are annually released from prison and about 9 million are released from jail, according to a report by The Leadership Conference. About two-thirds of them are arrested again within three years, according to the National Institute of Justice.

On Monday, a suburban Philadelphia lawmaker began seeking support for a proposal that might help further smooth the path for formerly incarcerated Pennsylvanians by making it easier for them to register to vote. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Related

Top Self-Funding Congressional Candidates Were Among The 2022 Election Cycle’s Biggest Losers. “Congressional candidates poured about $300 million of their own money into self-funding campaigns in the 2022 midterm election cycle but few ultimately won their races, a new OpenSecrets analysis found.” (Open Secrets)

Shapiro Sat Courtside at a Sixers Game With a Donor. His Campaign Called It a “Political Meeting.” “A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wouldn’t say who paid for the pricey tickets, but said the expenses will be reported as an in-kind campaign contribution.” (Spotlight PA)

PA House Urged to Expand Its Sexual Harassment Policy to Cover More Than Employees. “A coalition of 79 groups are calling on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to expand its sexual harassment policy to protect more than just employees who work for the chamber.” (PennLive)

The 2023 Power of Diversity: Black 100. “As evidenced by a quick glance at the top spots in this year’s Power of Diversity: Black 100, people of color are ensconced in positions of political power at historic rates.” (City & State)

When Will The General Assembly Be In Session? (PoliticsPA)

Thousands Apply, But Fewer Than 250 Qualify For Gov. Wolf’s Marijuana Pardon. “When announcing the marijuana pardon project earlier this year, Gov. Tom Wolf said it had the potential to help thousands of Pennsylvanians clear their records. But it has fallen well short of that goal.” (PennLive)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Amid Pricey Election Cycle, Some Allegheny County Officials Consider Campaign Finance Reform

“Development magnates and labor unions have already cut five- and six-figure checks to candidates for Allegheny County executive, and millions of dollars are expected to flow in the first months of 2023.

The avalanche of money preceding the first competitive race for county chief executive since 2011 has some public officials calling for limits on campaign contributions similar to laws that cover City of Pittsburgh and federal elections.” (Public Source)

Related

David Oh Announces Candidacy For Philadelphia Mayor. “Finally, a Republican has thrown a hat in the ring to become Philadelphia’s next mayor.” (PoliticsPA)

Republican David Oh Has Resigned From City Council to Run For Mayor. “David Oh resigned from City Council on Monday to run for mayor, becoming the first Republican to enter the race and ending a unique legislative career in which Oh clashed with both major parties and cultivated his own coalition of supporters.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Who’s Running For Philly’s At-Large City Council Seats? “Philadelphia will elect seven people to City Council’s at-large seats in 2023. Unlike Council’s 10 district members, at-large lawmakers are elected by voters citywide, with five seats going to Democrats and two seats reserved for minority-party members.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Candidates to Begin Circulating Nominating Petitions For May 16 Primary. “Today is the first day candidates interested in running for various county, municipal or school board positions can begin circulating their nominating petitions ahead of the upcoming primary election.” (Observer-Reporter)

• Who Is Running For Office in Somerset County? (Daily American)

Municipalities Must Heed Luzerne County Deadline For Primary Election Ballot Information. “While most have responded, Luzerne County’s election bureau is still awaiting required notification from 14 municipalities and one school district on what offices must be placed on the May 16 primary election ballot, county Election Operations Manager Emily Cook said Monday.” (Times Leader)

PA Democratic Official Says ‘Right-Wing Cancel Culture’ Brought Down Welcome Billboard. “A western Pennsylvania Democratic official is accusing an Ohio company of “bigotry and intolerance” after it took down the committee’s billboard offering a “welcoming message” to residents.” (PennLive)

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

A glance around the Keystone State at editorials and opinions.

• Philadelphia: Don’t Miss The Big Picture on LNG. (Gene Yaw, PennLive)
• Want to Retire The PA Turnpike Commission’s Endless Debt? Take These Steps. (Colin McNickle, PA Capital-Star)
• Court Ruling Opens Eyes on Nonprofit Taxes. (Times-Tribune)

1 Thing

5. A New State Song?

A Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to choose a new state song more than 30 years after the current anthem was enacted.

PA State Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) said in a memo to House colleagues “it is time for us to consider updating our state song to better embody the spirit of our great state.” (abc27)

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