Wolf picks a leader for the newly merged Department of Health and Human Services, Haggerty faces legal troubles, DEP Secretary confirmed by the Senate, Leach considers a run against Meehan, and our readers think the budget will be slightly late. Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!
Wolf to Nominate Teresa Miller to Head Health and Human Services: Governor Tom Wolf announced today his intention to name current Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller to head the merged Department of Health and Human Services. The move skips the Secretaries of the four departments that would be merged to create the department.
Haggerty Faces PFA From Wife: State Representative Kevin Haggerty is facing a protection from abuse order from his wife after she alleges he attacked her last Thursday.
McDonnell confirmed as DEP Secretary: Patrick McDonnell was confirmed today to permanently take over as the Secretary of Environmental Protection. McDonnell has been serving as Acting Secretary.
Reader Poll: The Budget Will Be Slightly Late: A slight plurality of voters say the budget will be finalized between July 8th and 11th.
Leach Considers Run Against Meehan: Democratic state Senator Daylin Leach, a leading critic of President Trump in Pennsylvania, is considering a run against Congressman Pat Meehan next year.
Statewide
StateImpact: State senate confirms McDonnel as environmental secretary
StateImpact: Older Pa. gas storage wells threaten methane leaks, study says
City and State: Agents seize documents at Veterans Advisory Commission, director fired
PLS Reporter: REAL ID Act compliance legislation likely to cross finish line
Capitolwire: Senate advances gambling expansion bill
Philadelphia
WHYY: With temporary status extended for six months, Haitians in Philly cast wary eye toward future
WHYY: More arrests in Pa. state Capitol in protests over gift-ban bill
WHYY: Insurance chief would lead Pa.’s new health, human services agency
WHYY: Wage inequity bill mired in legal challenge
Inquirer: Local lawmakers slam Trump’s budget
Inquirer: Real ID close to coming to a PennDot near you
Inquirer: After wage-equity law stalled, women’s advocates call May 23 Unequal Pay Day
Inquirer: Wolf’s new DEP secretary is in as health secretary to depart
Inquirer: Wolf eyes Pa. insurance commissioner to head new Pa. health dept.
Inquirer: After wage-equity law stalled, women’s advocates call May 23 Unequal Pay Day
Philadelphia Magazine: Watch: Mayor Jim Kenney Talks Sanctuary Cities on “60 Minutes”
Philadelphia Business Journal: Defense for indicted Philadelphia DA seeks dismissal of most charges
SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsylvania moves to comply with federal Real ID law
Bucks County Courier Times: Gov. Tom Wolf’s new DEP secretary is in as health secretary is ready to depart
Pottstown Mercury: State Sen. Mensch paints a dark picture for budget resolution
Daily Local News: George announces candidacy for 16th Congressional District
Daily Local News: Kennett Township receives Governor’s Award
Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: House approves bill for beer distributors to sell wine, liquor
Tribune Review: ATI- Allegheny Ludum Harrison plant to get more lenient air pollution permits
Tribune Review: Trump’s budget reportedly puts Medicaid, children’s health funding in crosshairs
Post-Gazette: Wolf nominates insurance commish for top post at proposed Health and Human Services
Post-Gazette: EPA gives $600k funding to help clean up Westmoreland brownfields
KDKA: Pa. House Speaker: ‘Very Seriously Considering Run for Governor
KDKA: Free Lead Water Testing Not Always Available To Area Customers
Southwest
Altoona Mirror: Wolf recommends Books as Blair County Sheriff
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: City officials study revenues in hopes of ending hiring freeze
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State leaders warn Trump budget could weaken PA’s safety nets
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Turzai says he’ll remain speaker if he runs for governor
NEPA
Times Leader: Luzerne County Council declines to repeal residency rule for top managers
WTAE: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s rebound in polls follows change in tone, strategy
Times-Tribune: Hands off U.S. election, ex-CIA director says he warned Russia
Standard Speaker: Hazleton aims to add 6 police officers
South Central
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: More arrests in Pennsylvania Capitol in protests over gift-ban bill
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: State Sen. Daylin Leach eyeing run for US Rep. Pat Meehan’s seat
Patriot News: These are the states with the most (and fewest!) government workers
Patriot News: Trump says: Build that (long-awaited) courthouse in Harrisburg
Patriot News: Police take protesters out of Metcalfe’s office when he refuses to meet with them; 5 arrested
Patriot News: These are the states with the most (and fewest!) government workers
Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Legislature moving internet gaming bill
Morning Call: Mayor Ed Pawlowski scores win over Allentown Patriots
Express Times: Warren County freeholder considers challenging Gottheimer for Congress
Reading Eagle: State senators plan bill that would ban cellphone use for drivers younger than 18
Reading Eagle: Berks County congressional delegation members weigh in on proposed Trump budget
Reading Eagle: Wolf picks insurance chief to lead new health, human services agency
North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Millcreek amends sign regulations
Erie Times-News: Bizzarro, Toomey seek Vietnam-era veterans for pin ceremony
Williamsport Sun Gazette: East Lycoming adopts budget with 3.37-percent tax hike
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Growing pot: Township OKs permit for facility to produce medical marijuana
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Tabled equipment purchases on agenda of commissioners
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Bike path map going before City Council
Centre Daily Times: Parks Miller attorney concedes DA race in federal court statement
Opinion
Inquirer: Philly’s ‘undocumented’ live in fear of deportation under Trump
Philly Voice: Mayor Kenney talks sanctuary cities on ’60 Minutes’ and people freak the heck out
Pottstown Mercury: TERRY MADONNA: Tide turning rapidly in Pa. in support for legalizing pot
Bucks County Courier Times: Independents denied voting rights
Bucks County Courier Times: More vision on extraction tax
Montgomery Media: Letter to the Editor: Local Democrats are feeling inspired
Beaver County Times: More information needed on state candidates
Altoona Mirror: District should be cautious with spending
Times Leader: Your View: Democrats need to offer solutions, not fight Trump
Times Leader: Our View: We all must stand against terrorism
Tribune Review: Filling the trough
Tribune Review: The Manchester concert bombing: An attack & a resolve
Bucks County Courier Times: Pride one moment, reality the next
Patriot News: Here comes the GOP bloodbath: Erick Erickson
Lancaster Online: Editorial: Unspeakable act of terror in Manchester won’t defeat Mancunians, or us
Daily News: Should Trump fandom end Congreso leader’s job?
Inquirer: Make education equity a reality in Pa.
Inquirer: Help us, plead the Narcan-administering Needle Park librarians
Inquirer: British terrorist attack targeting children worse than despicable