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April 4th Playbook

Good Monday morning. Dave McCormick opens up on our podcast. PA Leadership Conference forums recap. Muhlenberg debate recap. Meet Pennsylvania’s billionaires. Here is the Playbook.
PA Weather
Apollo | Mostly cloudy, then chance showers, 49
Altoona | Partly sunny, then slight chance showers, 52
Allentown | Increasing clouds, 54
PA Sports
76ers | d. Cleveland, 112-108; TUE at Indiana
Flyers | d. NY Rangers, 4-3 (SO); TUE vs. Columbus
Penguins | TUE vs. Colorado
Union | d. Charlotte, 2-0
Villanova MBB | lost to Kansas, 81-65
News

Ups and Downs 4/1: No April Fool’s Day jokes here. Now that March is in the rearview mirror, we offer our salute to the final week of the third month of the year.

PA Governor Race: Recapping the PLC Governors’ Forums: One of the highlights of Friday’s sessions at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference was a pair of forums for the candidates for the GOP governor’s nomination.

  • The Pennsylvania Daily Star: Mastriano and McSwain Tie for First in Pennsylvania Leadership Conference Gubernatorial Straw Poll; Barnette Wins Senate Poll and Schillinger Takes First for Lieutenant Governor
  • Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The platforms are the same, but strategies differ for Pa. 2022 GOP governor hopefuls 
  • PennLive: Pa. GOP governor hopefuls share their views on issues at conservative gathering
  • The Times Leader: Barletta says his experience is key to winning GOP governor nomination
  • PennLive: Photos of the 9 GOP Gubernatorial candidates at the Pa Leadership Conference
  • ABC27: This Week in Pennsylvania: Kellyanne Conway
  • KYW Newsradio: A voter guide to the 2022 Pa. governor race

PA Senate Race: Podcast: Senate Co-Frontrunner Dave McCormick Opens Up: In the latest episode of the PoliticsPA Podcast: Dave McCormick, one of the two frontrunners in Pennsylvania’s Republican Senate primary, talks about his campaign.

  • Inquirer: John Fetterman skipped the first Pa. Senate debate. His rivals made it all about him anyway.
  • Morning Call: U.S. Senate candidates Kenyatta, Lamb blast Fetterman’s absence at Pa. Democratic primary debate in Allentown
  • Post-Gazette: Conor Lamb, Malcolm Kenyatta split on fracking, electability at U.S. Senate Democratic debate without John Fetterman
  • City & State PA: With Fetterman absent, Lamb and Kenyatta duel in Democratic Senate candidate debate
  • Pennsylvania Capital-Star: U.S. Senate Democratic candidates Lamb, Kenyatta face off in first debate in Fetterman’s absence
  • Fox News: Pennsylvania GOP Senate primary: Dr. Oz, other candidates swipe at absent McCormick during forum
  • National Journal: The star of the show doesn’t show at Pennsylvania Senate debate
  • CNN: Two Pennsylvania Senate candidates become top targets at events they didn’t attend
  • Associated Press: Lamb revives gun incident to attack Fetterman in Senate race
  • PennLive: Pa.’s Republican Senate hopefuls, minus one, bring primary campaign to a conservative Nirvana
  • PennLive: Latest Pa. poll shows Republican primary fields wide open; Fetterman leading in Dem Senate field 
  • Post-Gazette: For GOP Senate candidates, Pennsylvania is indeed a ‘border state’
  • CBS21: Face the State | U.S. Senate Candidate Jeff Bartos plus ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’
  • The Times Leader: GOP’s McCormick brings Senate campaign to Wyoming 
  • KYW Newsradio: A voter guide to the 2022 Pa. U.S. Senate race
  • Politifact: The race for the Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat: A guide

‘Now a defender of personal freedom, Mastriano wanted to lift privacy rules in pandemic’s early days’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “in a series of press releases, legislative memos and interviews throughout March 2020, Mastriano proposed the state and the federal government roll back medical privacy protections for COVID-19 patients.”

‘Pa.’s Toomey says he’s a ‘no’ on confirming Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said Sunday that he will vote against confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying he’s concerned about what he described as her “history of judicial activism,” while serving as a federal judge.”

‘Conor Lamb votes for federal marijuana decriminalization, after opposing it in 2020’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Mt. Lebanon, voted Friday to support a bill that would decriminalize marijuana on the federal level and allow for some marijuana-related convictions to be expunged.”

‘Republicans Lisa Scheller, Kevin Dellicker cite conservative credentials in first PA-7 debate for Congress; Lehigh Valley seat called ground zero in midterms’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “Republicans Lisa Scheller and Kevin Dellicker squared off Friday evening on topics ranging from Russia and China, to education and abortion, in the first debate of their campaigns for the chance to challenge two-term Democratic incumbent Congresswoman Susan Wild this November.”

‘Lawmakers introduce $2M aid package for Ukrainian refugees settling in Pa.’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf has thrown his support behind a bill introduced in the state house and senate that would use $2 million in state funds to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of their country.”

‘Bill to address turnpike V-tolls, uncollected tolls passes House committee’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “a bill to address lost Pennsylvania Turnpike revenues, and increase consumer E-ZPass transparency, passed the House Transportation Committee this week in a unanimous vote.”

‘Costa: ‘Enough is enough’ with state Senate election investigation’: City & State PA reports that “a state Senate committee investigating Pennsylvania’s elections sparked controversy during a March 31 hearing on ballot drop boxes when the committee’s Republican chairman refused to have witnesses testify under oath.”

‘Pennsylvania will see a $100 million increase in federal funds for transportation alternatives such as trails and bike paths’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Pennsylvania will receive nearly $100 million more in Transportation Alternatives funds from the Federal Highway Administration over the next five years, money that can be used to pay for projects such as bike lanes, trail expansion and creating safer routes for children to get to school.”

‘Wolf signs bill to extending waivers of some state regulations until at least June 30’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf once again signed into law this week an extension of the suspension of more than 240 state regulations.”

‘Experts worry lack of state school audits will lead to hidden problems’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “state audits of school districts have found mismanaged money, certification lapses and overspending on transportation. With the Department of the Auditor General ending routine school audits this month, some educators, lawmakers and advocates worry many issues will remain hidden.”

‘Kaufer to introduce legislation aiding crime victims in civil litigation’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “state Rep. Aaron Kaufer is seeking co-sponsors for a bill he plans to introduce that would make it easier for crime victims to get information from the police when initiating civil litigation against their assailants.”

‘Gov. Tom Wolf Says New Facility Will Bring Dozens Of Manufacturing Jobs To Lawrence County’: KDKA reports that “new manufacturing jobs are coming to Lawrence County as a local company expands into a new facility in New Castle.”

‘Voter registration, mail-in voting: Here are deadlines to know ahead of the May 17 primary’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports on “what you need to know before casting your vote.”

‘Meet Pennsylvania’s billionaires: The 17 richest people in the Keystone State and how they made their money’: PennLive details the “state’s richest men and women listed from lowest net worth to highest and included short profiles that give a look at how they have made their fortunes.”

Legislative Election Updates

‘Dillon out of Senate race, replaced by brother’: The Northeast Times reports that “Shawn Dillon on Sunday afternoon dropped out of the May 17 special election in the 5th Senatorial District and was replaced on the ballot by his younger brother, Jim.”

‘Benham, Kinkead criticize Allegheny Democratic committee after failing to win endorsements’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “Benham and Kinkead said they turned their endorsement snubs into opportunity, using them to help raise campaign donations in the days after the meeting. Both said they raised more than enough to cover the $1,500 fee required to seek the committee’s endorsement.”

‘Elections set for Tuesday to fill former state House seats of Ed Gainey and Jake Wheatley’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “voters in segments of Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg will decide on Tuesday who succeeds Ed Gainey and Jake Wheatley in the state House for at least the next few months.”

‘State delay prompts late mailing of 300 Luzerne County mail ballots for 116th special election’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “Luzerne County’s Election Board will be seeking court approval to accept 300 mail ballots after Tuesday’s special election for state representative in the 116th Legislative District due to a Pennsylvania Department of State technical issue, officials said.”

‘Here’s who is running for state office in the May 17 primary’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader provides “a list of the candidates in the Pennsylvania House and Senate that represent parts of Luzerne County.”

‘Hoover drops from crowded GOP primary in 98th District’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “the crowded GOP primary race in the 98th House district is down to three candidates after Logan Hoover announced he is withdrawing his name from the ballot.”

‘Allegheny County Office Building Open For Dropping Off Mail-In Ballots For Special Election’: KDKA reports that “voters can drop off their ballots today for this Tuesday’s special election impacting the 19th and 24th legislative districts.” 

Regional Spotlight: Southeast and Lehigh Valley
Express Times: A bill is targeting transgender kids in school sports. Where do Lehigh Valley legislators stand? 
Express Times: Lehigh Valley congressional debate features China accusations, differences on abortion
Philadelphia Citizen: The Citizen Voter Guide: Primary Election 2022
WHYY: $5.6 billion Philly budget officially introduced in City Council
Inquirer: Kenyatta Johnson trial: Day-by-day updates for federal bribery case 
Inquirer: A Philly wealth tax could raise more than $200 million, sponsors say. But critics call it a disaster.
Inquirer: Mayor Kenney’s proposed budget increases spending for police and antiviolence programs. Here’s what it would do.
Inquirer: Here’s what’s in Mayor Jim Kenney’s $5.6 billion budget proposal
Morning Call: Fentanyl involved in about 700 drug deaths in Lehigh Valley region in 2021, Morning Call analysis shows. Why isn’t more being done to stop the scourge?
Morning Call: Allentown City Council quickly, unanimously kills controversial pro-union contractor ordinance
Morning Call: Allentown City Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach admitted to first-time offender program in child endangerment case
Billy Penn: Tax the rich? A new bill in City Council would place a levy on stocks and bonds 
Billy Penn: Philadelphia will consider adding $10k in bonuses to recruit more police officers 
Billy Penn: Inside the new Philly police headquarters on North Broad Street, in the former Inquirer building 
WHYY: Philly lawmaker wants to resurrect community policing 
WHYY: A pair of firsts: Philly police commissioner Danielle Outlaw joins Obama-era AG Loretta Lynch in virtual chat 
WHYY: Philly police ‘can’t keep up’ with rising homicide rate, Outlaw says 
Inquirer: Philly street sweeping resumes next week, and you have to move your car — with $31 fines starting in May
Inquirer: Peco seeks second rate increase in two years for natural gas customers
KYW Newsradio: Philly schools superintendent testifies to contact with Chavous at Johnson bribery trial
KYW Newsradio: After having 9 months to ease in, Philadelphia retailers, customers adjust to plastic bag ban
KYW Newsradio: Councilmember introduces plan to strengthen relationship between community and police, bolster recruitment efforts
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia School District selects Tony Watlington as next superintendent
KYW Newsradio: Activists and allies honor Trans Day of Visibility with ceremony at City Hall
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly Mayor Kenney, City Council announce violence prevention hotline
NBC10: Marjorie Margolies on New Memoir, Experience With Adoption
Philly Voice: Philly lawmakers to consider bolstering police department in effort to prevent, reduce crime
Delco Daily Times: Delco Coalition for Prison Reform hosts rally celebrating the deprivatization of county prison
Daily Local News: Houlahan hosts town hall on economic development, infrastructure investment in Coatesville
Daily Local News: Chester County officials seek proposals for $102 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds
Daily Local News: Sen. Comitta, Pa. First Lady Frances Wolf join WCU students in calling for action to address college hunger
Daily Local News: Chester County Health Director Jeanne Franklin earns coveted J. Larry Boling Award
Daily Local News: Chester County judge reinstates West Chester School Board members
Daily Local News: Elections board approves satellite offices for 2022 primary
Bucks Local News: Pa. Secretary of Education visits New Hope-Solebury to highlight STEM education
Reading Eagle: Berks County to receive $16.3 million from national opioid settlement 
Reading Eagle: There’s a $40 million shortfall for Reading capital projects 
Reading Eagle: Berks officials learn that divesting county of Russian assets isn’t simple
Reading Eagle: $21 million-plus in state funding invested in Reading since 2020, and ‘we can get more’
Reading Eagle: Candidates on May ballot receive endorsements for office
WFMZ: Wolf administration visits LVHN health center to push for medication-based treatment for opioid use disorder 
WFMZ: Reading councilmembers want to take action against city violence 
WFMZ: Pat Toomey helps honor Vietnam War veterans in the Lehigh Valley 
WFMZ: Allentown holds flag raising ceremony to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility 
WFMZ: Reading City Council interviews candidates to fill vacancy 
WFMZ: Rep. Houlahan marks milestone of $9 million returned directly to Chester and Berks families
WFMZ: Brother remembers Jim Thorpe Borough Councilman who died from smoke inhalation following house fire
WFMZ: John Hayes of New Tripoli Bank nominated to succeed Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk as chairman of airport board 
Express Times: Transgender Day of Visibility: History made as Lehigh Valley cities fly the transgender flag 
Express Times: Do police really belong in the Lehigh Valley’s schools? An ‘uncomfortable’ question.
Northeast Times: Rhynhart addresses NE Chamber 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: U.S. House approves insulin price caps; Pa.’s Fitzpatrick among GOP crossover votes
Opinion  
Molly Parzen and Rick Bloomingdale: Pennsylvania can lead in conversion to electric vehicles
Salena Zito: Don’t underestimate John Fetterman
Mark S. Singel: We need more moderates like JFK and William Hurd 
Amanda Wheeler: Pennsylvania needs an honest conversation on tobacco harm reduction and vaping
Mireille Rebeiz: Hey Pennsylvania, it’s time to recognize April as the Arab American Heritage Month
Janelle Crossley: The Pa. House’s transgender sports ban will harm our youth — not help them
Larry Platt: Do We Need A Wealth Tax? 
Ernest Owens: Councilmember Cherelle Parker’s Plan to Fund the Police Is Wasteful and Regressive
Jon Geeting: What We Know About 2022’s Ward Elections 
John L. Micek: Targeting vulnerable transgender kids? A cruel and dangerous waste of time | Friday Morning Coffee
Jay Bookman: Private school vouchers provide students a better chance to excel? Prove it 
Becky Bennett: Across the Divide: Rural America clashed with elites as trucker convoy hit the Beltway
Helen Ubiñas: With new budget, city officials show they have no idea what life is like for real Philadelphians 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Too much college financial aid unused; low-income students are losing out 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Increase trust in future elections; Don’t obsess over past ones
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: NFL’s new diversity measures need action, enthusiastic backing
PennLive Editorial Board: That’s not how we should do it at the Oscars or anywhere else 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Smart growth summit addressed Lancaster County’s formidable land use issues. Now we need action. 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: A great weekend to honor and learn about the legacy of Thaddeus Stevens
Daniel Rossi-Keen: Community Matters: Commissioners lead growing connectivity
Jeffery Gerritt: Can we stop senseless police killings?
Rudy Miller: Stop locking prison doors and do something to help those with addiction in Lehigh Valley, beyond
Marian Baldini, Mary Graham, Sharon Mullings-Neilson, Leslie Spina, and Carol Wong: Early learning is vital to children’s development. Why is funding it such a struggle?
Ruth Ann Dailey: What about consent to talk sex with our kids?
Ken Burns and David Schmidt: Ken Burns on Ben Franklin’s legacy: It’s complicated
Quinn O’Callaghan: 5 people Philly should hype instead of Ben Franklin
Jenice Armstrong: Every Philly public library should be open on weekends 
Aarushi Dedhiya: Teenagers are worried Russia could start World War III | Youth View
Salena Zito: Global instability driving Americans to a new, old habit: self-reliance
Silica McMeans: From feminist to traditionalist
Kiersten A. Adams: How To Be A Trans Ally in Philly 
John Cole: The Pa. GOP: Bravely conquering one solution in search of a problem at a time | Editorial
Helen Ubiñas: Stop talking about The Slap. People with alopecia are the ones who deserve our attention. 
Chris Kelly: Oh deer! SSD busing contract defense dead in the ditch

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