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What We’re Hearing
WGAL-TV news anchor Janelle Stelson, rumored to be a candidate for Congress in the 10th District, will announce she is stepping away from her TV role later today.

Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Seth Grove

The Best Political Wrap In The State
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Top Story

1. Pennsylvania Democrats Discuss Nation’s Political Divisions And Their Feelings For Biden

“Over the summer, Judy Woodruff listened in as a group of Iowa Republicans discussed their support for former President Trump following his indictments, the state of the country and its divisions, and what can be done to move forward.

For a different perspective, Judy recently visited Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to hear from Democrats on those topics and more.

‘Now, it’s just like you just have to choose a side and you automatically have to hate the other side, when it shouldn’t be that way. And it wasn’t that way.” (PBS NewsHour)

Related

Sources: McCormick To Announce Senate Run By End Of Month. “Sources familiar with his plans have told Reuters that David McCormick is planning to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in the next two weeks.” (PoliticsPA)

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Brings His Low-Key Presidential Campaign To PA. “Former Arkansas Gov, Asa Hutchinson is, at the moment, stuck in the uncomfortable position of taking as many questions about other candidates and / or leaving the race than about his own campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination for president.” (PennLive)

Appeals Court Limits Search Of Scott Perry’s Cellphone In Jan. 6 Probe. “A federal appeals court in Washington released an opinion Wednesday that found a constitutional protection for members of Congress should limit what information federal investigators can access on a phone seized last year from U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican from northern York County.” (PennLive)

The TV Anchor Who Might Challenge U.S. Rep. Scott Perry Is Leaving Her Job This Week. “The 2024 Democratic primary for central Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, held by Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, may soon add a fourth candidate with a very familiar face.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

State

2. PA’s Education Funding Dilemma Has Lawmakers Talking About Tax Increases Or Tapping The Rainy Day Fund

“The prospect of having to generate billions of dollars in new education funding had Pennsylvania lawmakers talking Wednesday about major tax increases or tapping the state’s recently bolstered Rainy Day Fund and budget surplus.

The unappealing scenarios were broached at the second hearing held by the Basic Education Funding Commission, which must figure out a way to comply with a Commonwealth Court judge’s finding that the state education funding system is unconstitutional.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Related

PA Lawmakers On The Clock To Get New School Funding System In Place. “Education advocates behind the lawsuit that declared Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional put lawmakers on notice on Wednesday that they expect a “reasonable timeline” for the full implementation of a formula that is fair and equitable.” (PennLive)

School Vouchers Called A Solution To ’19th Century’ Problem. “As Pennsylvania’s divide over education funding continues, House Republicans once again championed their plan to give scholarships to students in low-performing schools to enroll elsewhere.” (The Center Square)

Partisan Battle Grows Over State Funding For Antiabortion Centers. “GOP lawmakers have passed millions in new funding for the faith-based centers, which aim to dissuade women from having abortions” (Washington Post)

After Recent Escapes, PA Republicans Plan To Introduce Bills To Improve Jail Security. “In the wake of several recent jail escapes, state Republican lawmakers are planning to introduce a set of bills to improve county jail security, infrastructure and staffing.” (WPSU)

New Bills Look To Combat Deadly ‘Tranq’ Epidemic. “As a deadly “Tranq” drug epidemic surges in Pennsylvania, legislators are introducing legislation to combat the crisis.” (NorthCentralPA.com)

Around The Commonwealth

3. ‘It’s Just Too Close’: People Living Near Fracking Suffer As PA And Local Governments Fail To Buffer Homes

“In Pennsylvania, state law allows drilling up to 500 feet from a home. Across the commonwealth, nearly 1.5 million people live within a half mile of active oil and gas wells, compressors or processing stations. In Washington County, the most heavily fracked in the state, more than half of residents live within that radius.

Drilling near homes occurs against the backdrop of mounting scientific evidence which correlates fracking and health problems. Last month, joint studies by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh found a 5-to-7-fold greater risk of developing lymphoma among children within one mile of a well. A separate study found that people with asthma are four to five times more likely to have an asthma attack if they live near wells even after fracking is complete, during production. Toxic hydrocarbons commonly linked to fracking like benzene are listed by the Environmental Protection Agency to cause dizziness, headaches, anemia and neurological disorders.” (Public Source)

Related

Joe Rockey Is Getting Support From A New GOP Group In His Campaign For Allegheny County Executive. “The group has already spent almost $100,000 on TV ads to boost his campaign against Democratic nominee Sara Innamorato.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Philly Lawmakers Will Vote This Week Whether To Prohibit Supervised Drug Consumption Sites In Most Of The City. “If Council approves the bill, it would greatly imperil the future of a supervised drug consumption site in Philadelphia.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Fayette County Judge Shuts Down Losing Republican Candidate’s Recount Request. “A judge in Fayette County shut down efforts by the losing Republican candidate for board of commissioners asking the court to authorize a countywide recount in the primary election.” (Washington Observer-Reporter)

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

• PA Budget Battles Hide The Good, Prevent The Possible. (John Baer)
• A Democrat Saved School Choice In Maryland. Can The Same Thing Happen In PA? (Nate Benefield)
• The Value Of Life-Saving Emergency Services Is Worth The Price Tag. (Lisa Schaefer)
• The One Privilege Liberals Ignore. (Nicholas Kristof)
• It’s Not Up To Secretaries Of State Like Me To Keep Trump Off The Ballot. (Jocelyn Benson)

1 Thing

5. Good Dog, Yoda!

“Say hello to Yoda.

The 4-year-old Belgian Malinois shepherd helped subdue Danelo Cavalcante during his capture in South Coventry Township on Wednesday morning, a U.S Border Patrol spokesperson confirmed.

Border Patrol’s tactical unit, BORTAC, released Yoda after Cavalcante attempted to flee the Border Patrol and state police officers who had encircled him in thick underbrush.

The dog first bit Cavalcante’s scalp and then latched onto his thigh, Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said, “at which time, Cavalcante submitted.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

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