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April 28th Playbook

The White House announced that President Joe Biden will be visiting Philadelphia on Friday, while Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick raised $360K in Q1. Here is the Playbook. 

Biden to Visit Philly on Friday: According to a release from the White House Press Office, President Joe Biden will visit Philadelphia on Friday as part of the “Getting America Back on Track Tour” to attend an event celebrating Amtrak’s 50th Anniversary.

PA1: Fitzpatrick Raises $360K in Q1: The Bucks County Republican entered April with slightly over $350,000 cash on hand.

Inky Details What To Watch After PA Redistricting: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the “stakes are really high” in Pennsylvania and lays out what to watch as the state loses a congressional seat after reapportionment.  

Multiple Potential 2022 GOP Statewide Candidates Speak at Berks County GOP Spring Dinner: The Reading Eagle reports that state Sen. Doug Mastriano, Jason Richey, Bill McSwain, Congressman Dan Meuser, Charlie Gerow, Kathy Barnette, Jeff Bartos, and Everett Stern participated in the Berks County GOP Spring Dinner.  

Pennsylvania Capital-Star Provides 2021 Voters’ Guide: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star provides a voter guide for the 2021 primary that includes analysis on the statewide judicial races, primary ballot questions, and more.  

State Senate Advances Bill To Change The Way Lt. Governor is Chosen: PennLive reports that the state Senate approved of a bill by a 43-4 vote on Tuesday to pass “a proposed constitutional amendment that would have a party’s gubernatorial nominee choose the candidate to be their lieutenant governor, subject to political party or political body approval, prior to the general election.” If this passes the state House by this summer, the proposed constitutional amendment couple go on the ballot by November 2021. 

State Senate OKs bill to Halt Plans to Toll Bridges: The Associated Press reports that the state Senate approved a bill on Tuesday by a 28-19 vote that would “require the state Department of Transportation to undergo a new process that includes approval from the state Legislature.”

Dem Group Files Redistricting Lawsuit: The Hill reports that The National Redistricting Action Fund, which is run by former Attorney General Eric Holder, filed “what’s known as “impasse litigation” in Pennsylvania” and two other states on Monday. 

State Senate Moves Bill to Keep PA out of RGGI Without General Assembly’s OK: StateImpactPA reports that the state Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee passed Senate Bill 119, which “requires legislative approval to enter a program that puts a price on carbon emissions, like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI),” along party lines. 

State Officials Accuse Boback, Grove, and Moul Of Spreading PPE Conspiracy Theories: The York Dispatch reports that Gov. Tom Wolf’s office is accusing state Reps. Karen Boback (R-Luzerne), Seth Grove (R-York) and Dan Moul (R-Adams) of spreading conspiracy theories after they held a news conference last week outside of the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, where the state holds its PPE stockpile. 

DNC Unveils Biden Billboard in Scranton, Updates one in Luzerne County: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that the Democratic National Committee announced that it is unveiling a new billboard in Scranton and updating one in Luzerne County that thanks President Joe Biden for “vaccines in arms, checks in hands and more than one million jobs,” since being sworn-in. 

Harrisburg City Council Candidates to Debate: PennLive reports that PennLive’s Outreach and Opinion editor Joyce Davis will be questioning Harrisburg city council candidates on Wednesday evening in a virtual debate.  

Allegheny County Council Approves Police Review Board Legislation: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the ordinance to form an independent police review board passed on Tuesday evening by a 9-5 vote. 

Poll Shows Majority in Pittsburgh Approve of City’s Dedicated Bike Lanes: KDKA reports that a new poll conducted by Lake Research Partners shows that 71% of city residents, who were surveyed, agreed that “separate bike lanes create more safety and less stress for everyone on the roadways.”

Doyle Requests $21 Million for 4 Pittsburgh Transportation Projects: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Allegheny) filed requests for $21 million for four transportation projects in his district.  

Pittsburgh City Council Introduces Legislation to Help LGBTQIA+ Businesses: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Pittsburgh City Councilmembers Erika Strassburger and Bruce Kraus have introduced legislation to help LGBTQIA+ businesses.  

The Hill to Make Virtual Stop in Philly For Small Business Recovery Tour: On Thursday afternoon, The Hill will be hosting their first virtual stop of their Small Business Recovery tour in Philadelphia. Speakers for the event include Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery) and Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne), Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke, Richard Vague, PA Secretary of Banking & Securities, Jim Burnett, CEO of VestedIn, Andrea Custis, President & CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia, and Sunny Phanthavong, Chef & Owner, Vientiane Bistro.

SD48: Krebs Talks to LebTown About Candidacy: Former state Rep. Ed Krebs talked to LebTown about his Independent campaign for the state Senate’s 48th District and how he believes his previous experience in Harrisburg would be beneficial for the district.  

Dozens Of Elected Dems Endorse Beck for PA Superior Court: According to a press release from Jill Beck’s campaign, she has been endorsed by Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), five state reps, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, and dozens of other local elected officials for her bid for the PA Superior Court. 

HD59: Guenst To Phonebank for Fisher: State Rep. Nancy Guenst (D-Montgomery) will be making phone calls for Mariah Fisher’s campaign for the 59th House District on Wednesday evening as part of a virtual phone bank. 

Titus Releases 1st TV Ad: Dr. Tyler Titus, who is running for the Democratic Party nomination for Erie County Executive, released his campaign’s first TV ad titled “Future,” which will run on broadcast and cable networks. 

PBS39 to host Bethlehem Mayoral Debate: The Allentown Morning Call reports that Bethlehem’s Democratic mayoral candidates will participate in a virtual, televised hour-long live debate that will air on PBS39 and 91.3 WLVR at 7 p.m. on May 13. 

National Radio Host C.L. Bryant to Be 2021 PLC Kick-Off Speaker: According to a press release, Rev. C.L. Bryant of FreedomWorks and host of the CL Bryant Show will be the kick-off speaker at the 2021 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference that’s scheduled to take place on June 11-12 at the Radisson Penn Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill. 

Johnson Joins SEC As Director of Media Relations: POLITICO reports that Aisha Johnson, who currently serves as the national press secretary for Sen. Bob Casey, is joining the SEC as director of media relations.  

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Anticipating ‘partisan’ impasse, Democrats ask court to prepare to draw Pa. congressional map
AP: Pennsylvania Senate OKs bill to halt plans to toll bridges
AP: Some push to kill off PA regulations halted during pandemic
Inquirer: What to watch as Pennsylvania loses a congressional seat: ‘The stakes are really high’
Inquirer: How a Steelers owner wrote big campaign checks days after $100 million investment from Pa.’s largest pension fund
Patriot News: Bill advances to change the way Pa.’s lieutenant governor is chosen
Patriot News: South Bridge tolling plan could screech to a halt
Patriot News: Proposed Pa. state university consolidations could result in 871 job cuts: Report
Patriot News: Ranking every US high school in 2021: Here’s how Pa. schools did
Patriot News: COVID-19 in Pa.: Fewer people are being treated in hospitals 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The Capital-Star’s 2021 Voters’ Guide: Everything you need to know about Pa.’s May 18 election
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: What you need to know about Pa.’s 2021 statewide judicial races
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: What you need to know about the 2021 Pa. primary ballot questions
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How to cast your vote in Pa.’s May 18 election
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With an eye toward improving vaccine equity, Pa. Health Dept. rolls out expanded vaccine demographic data
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘The first of many’: Democratic redistricting group files preemptive lawsuit in Pa. court
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Biden to order $15-an-hour minimum wage for federal contract workers
PLSReporter: Senate advances effort to change how lieutenant governor is elected
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers, businesses frustrated as New Jersey loosens COVID-19 restrictions on verge of wedding season
Morning Call: MAP: How much did Pennsylvania’s population change in 2020 Census and where does it rank among the states?
Morning Call: COVID-19 forces another delay in Real ID requirement for air travel
Morning Call: MAP: Where coronavirus is in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Business Times: Proposed amendment to Endless Frontier Act could speed up autonomous vehicle testing
StateImpactPA: Senate moves new bill to keep Pa. out of RGGI without General Assembly’s OK
StateImpactPA: In RGGI fight escalation, GOP blocks Wolf’s nominations to utility regulator 
StateImpactPA: StateImpact Pennsylvania invites public to documentary screening, discussion on Pa.’s environmental rights amendment
National Journal: 2020-2021 redistricting outlook
Citizens Voice: Forum raises awareness of autism in criminal justice system 
Post-Gazette: Nearly a half-billion dollars in debt could saddle State System plans to rescue universities
Post-Gazette: Judge hears argument for release of accused Capitol rioters, defers decision 
The Hill: First redistricting lawsuits filed by Democratic group
The Hill: Lawmakers brace for battles with colleagues as redistricting kicks off
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania’s ‘Move Over’ law now in effect for motorists
WESA: ‘Move Over Law’ Requires Motorists Steer Clear Of Emergency Responders
KDKA: Census Numbers Will Impact Pennsylvania’s Clout And Money In Decade Ahead
KYW Newsradio: Pa., NJ reach top of ADL’s list for most anti-Semitic incidents in 2020
CNN: ‘Amtrak Joe’ Biden to visit Philadelphia train station Friday
CNN: Cheerleader punished for a Snapchat takes her case to the Supreme Court

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Biden is coming to Philly to celebrate Amtrak’s 50th anniversary 
Inquirer: As Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office moves to online sales, City Council doubts deepen 
Inquirer: Philly’s Health Department budget shows that COVID-19 is here to stay 
Inquirer: Homes in Black neighborhoods are valued less than similar homes in white areas 
Inquirer: Philly OKs indoor weddings and catered events, further easing coronavirus restrictions
Billy Penn: Philly launches a real-time tracker for crimes against LGBTQ people
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Philly to roll back dining and event restrictions next week
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia to expand occupancy limits on indoor dining, catered events
KYW Newsradio: About 4,000 Philly COVID-19 vaccines could go bad if unused this week
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia to further relax Covid-19 restrictions for dining and events beginning May 7  
Philly Voice: Philly changes course, plans to ease restaurant restrictions as COVID-19 cases decline 
Philly Voice: Terry Gross shares how COVID-19 has impacted her ‘Fresh Air’ interviews 
Philly Voice: Philly’s middle-wage job growth has been ‘essentially flat,’ Pew study finds

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County adds ballot drop box, but advocates say more needed
Delco Daily Times: Shapiro cracking down on ‘hang tag’ law violations
Delco Daily Times: Activists rally for education and environment
Daily Local News: Chester County announces steps for May 18 Primary Election
KYW Newsradio: Bucks County health official: CDC mask guidance ‘could have gone a bit further’
Delaware Valley Journal: Vaccine Demand Falling Across Delaware Valley, Data Show 
Delaware Valley Journal: In Delaware Valley, Mixed Reviews for Biden’s First 100 Days
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Board of Elections adds fourth ballot drop box location 
Bucks Local News: J & J vaccinations resume this week in Warwick; new cases drop 20 percent in Bucks County

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County Council passes police review board legislation
Post-Gazette: Rep. Doyle requests $21 million for four Pittsburgh transportation projects
Post-Gazette: Peduto aims to fill gap in state hate crime law with bill to protect sexual orientation 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh police: 2020 was ‘challenging’ as crime report reveals spike in homicides
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Latest: Allegheny County reports no new deaths; CDC expected to relax outdoor mask guidelines
KDKA: Allegheny County Council Votes To Approve Police Review Board
KDKA: Poll: Majority Of Pittsburghers In Favor Of City’s Dedicated Bike Lanes
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 260 New Cases, No Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Allegheny County Council creates police review board
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh council introduces legislation to help LGBTQIA+ businesses 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh region jobs rise in March, still behind 1 year ago  
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Westmoreland covid hospitalizations down more than 15% from last week

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Absentee, mail-in ballots sent to voters in Washington and Greene counties 
Observer-Reporter: Jobless rates decline across Southwestern PA 
Observer-Reporter: Three COVID-19 deaths reported in Fayette County
Observer-Reporter: Teal ribbons tied in Waynesburg for sexual assault victims
Tribune Review: State Attorney General Josh Shapiro condemns Vandergrift police officer’s conduct
Tribune Review: Mail-in ballot drop box locations approved in Westmoreland County
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Westmoreland covid hospitalizations down more than 15% from last week
City Paper: Pa. Attorney General criticizes Vandergrift cop accused of harassing diner patron
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: CDC: Fully vaccinated may free their faces outdoors
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Civil case dropped against Cambria County candidate for sheriff, Stonycreek Township, board of elections

NEPA
Times-Tribune: A look at the May 18 primary election
Times-Tribune: Dupont man named Cartwright’s ‘virtual guest’ for Biden address to Congress
Times-Tribune: Carbondale council candidates hope to improve neighborhoods
Times-Tribune: State health official says third COVID-19 wave still a threat
Citizens Voice: County solicitor: DA needs council approval to give raises
Citizens Voice: Mail-in ballots in the mail to Luzerne County voters this week
Citizens Voice: 86 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday
The Times Leader: DNC unveils Biden billboard in Scranton; updates one in Luzerne County
The Times Leader: 86 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday; 2 deaths

South Central 
Patriot News: GOP candidate for Harrisburg mayor denounces gays on social media, awaits trial in child abuse case
Patriot News: South Bridge tolling plan could screech to a halt
Patriot News: Virtual debate to focus on Harrisburg City Council candidates on Wednesday
Patriot News: Primary election ballots can be dropped off in Dauphin County; some polling places change
Leb Town: Meet Edward H. Krebs, Independent candidate for 48th Senate District seat
York Dispatch: State accuses Grove, colleagues of spreading PPE conspiracy theories
York Dispatch: Tuesday update: Four new COVID-19 deaths in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pollution reduction work on Lancaster County farms could get boost in proposed bill
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County Community Vaccination Center closing a month earlier than planned, commissioner says
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 54 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Tuesday

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Trump spirit alive and well at annual Berks Republican dinner
Reading Eagle: What you need to know about voting by mail in Berks County
Reading Eagle: Except for deaths, Berks County COVID statistics point to waning surge
Reading Eagle: Plan to redesign Pa.-owned universities will damage education and the economy, report claims
Morning Call: PBS39 to host Bethlehem mayoral debate
Morning Call: Bethlehem historic commission rejects 10-story building that would bring affordable housing to South Side, declaring it too tall
WFMZ: Reading announces 2-year, $10M plan to improve streets
WFMZ: Health care officials seeing increase of missed second dose vaccine appointments
WFMZ: Berks mass vaccination clinic now booking appointments
Express Times: PBS39 to host Bethlehem mayoral hopefuls in live debate 5 days ahead of primary election
Express Times: Bethlehem historic board pans 10-story building pitched for Southside over height concerns
Express Times: Pa. crosses 26K lives lost to COVID same day it hits 48% of population with at least 1 vaccine shot

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lawmaker falls victim to identify theft
Patriot News: Lycoming commissioners ask judge to hold county controller in contempt as feud continues
Centre Daily Times: April 27 update: Centre County adds 43 cases of COVID-19; Pa. reports 3,333 new positives
Erie Times-News: Sheriff candidate blasts ‘illegals’ in Facebook posts
Erie Times-News: COVID vaccine orders decrease in Erie County

Opinion  
Seth Grove: Easy to vote, hard to cheat
Scott Martin: Watch out for more misinformation on Constitutional amendments
Salena Zito: Coal workers union doesn’t always represent coal worker values
Rosemary Brown: New bill targets distracted driving, would mandate hands-free cellphone use while driving
Patrick K. Nightingale: Why is the Pa. GOP keeping us stuck in cannabis prohibition?
John L. Micek: Never-Trump group gives Pa. GOP congressmen mostly Fs for supporting democratic norms | Tuesday Morning Coffee 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The U.S. should consider the possibility of an Olympic boycott to protest Chinese human rights violations
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Those suffering COVID-19 symptoms long after contracting the virus can get specialized treatment here
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: United States must show international leadership in battling COVID-19 
Rich Askey: For Pa. schools, a light at the end of the tunnel
Tony Norman: Stop calling the cops. Call for help instead
Alison McCook: Pa.’s venerated tradition of volunteer firefighting is in deep trouble
Kathy Beckett and Samantha Phillips Beers: How corporations can support environmental justice
Solomon Jones: A Supreme Court ruling on 2nd Amendment could lead to more deaths of Black people 
Robert Hill: Voting strife in America reminiscent of South African apartheid
Helen Ubiñas: In the age of reckonings, beware apologies without action 
Gene Therapy: Keep your eyes on the road your hands upon the wheel (and your cell in the trunk)
Chris Freind: Giving police A black-and-blue mark Is shooting blanks
Trudy Rubin: Biden’s first 100 days of foreign policy deserve good grades 
Will Bunch Newsletter: The protest that changed America, 50 years later

2 Responses

  1. Governor, a whistleblower called the media about PPE being stored at the Farm Show. I wonder who? Management at the Farm Show?

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