Happy Wednesday Morning. It’s National Book Lovers Day. Enjoy a few pages of your favorite book, today!

PA Weather 
Dubois | Patchy Fog, Slight Chance of T-Storms, 80
Chambersburg | Sunny, 86
Radnor | Sunny, 85

PA Sports
⚾ Phillies (62-52) |  Washington 8-4, 4-5 | Wed-Thu vs. Washington
⚾ Pirates (51-62) | Atlanta 6-8 | Wed-Thu vs. Atlanta
⚽ Union | NY Red Bulls 1-1 (PK: 4-3) (Leagues Cup Rd of 16)

What We’re Hearing
“Universal free breakfast puts every kid on the same playing field, gives every kid that opportunity to succeed,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Jeanne McNeill. 

All The PA Political News You Need To Start Your Day
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Top Story

1. Vice President Kamala Harris came to Philadelphia to announce pay increases for construction workers.

“Vice President Kamala Harris visited Philadelphia on Tuesday to announce an increase in minimum wages for some construction workers, reflecting President Joe Biden’s focus on middle-class workers and the economy as he runs for a second term.

“These workers deserve recognition and appreciation and they deserve something more,” Harris said. “They deserve a raise.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Related

VP Harris’ latest visit to Pa. reinforces state as 2024 battleground. “Vice President Kamala Harris made a return trip to Pennsylvania on Tuesday, announcing steps to boost pay for 1 million construction workers and perhaps also bolstering President Joe Biden’s chances next year in the nation’s most populous battleground state.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Vice President Kamala Harris visits Philadelphia to announce a raise for more than 1 million construction workers. “Vice President Kamala Harris was in the city on Tuesday to announce changes to labor rules that could give a raise to more than 1 million construction workers across the country.” (KYW Newsradio)

Kamala Harris is the latest member of the Biden administration to visit I-95. “I-95 in Philadelphia is becoming a favorite photo op for President Joe Biden’s administration — and an emblem of his reelection campaign.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

In ‘a moment of urgency,’ construction worker pay and training take center stage in Pa.. “It’s been nearly two years since a $1 trillion federal infrastructure package became law. It promised the biggest burst of infrastructure spending the country had seen in decades, including billions of dollars for projects in the Philadelphia region.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

State

2. Gov. Shapiro touts universal free breakfast funding during Penn Hills visit.

“Students in Pennsylvania public schools will have access to free breakfast this year, regardless of their family income.

Gov. Josh Shapiro stopped at Penn Hills Elementary School on Tuesday to promote the program, which received a $46.5 million boost in the budget signed into law late last week.” (WESA)

Related

Shapiro visits Penn Hills Elementary School to tout universal free breakfasts. “Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Penn Hills Elementary School on Tuesday to tout funding in the new budget for universal free breakfasts for students.” (KDKA News)

In Penn Hills visit, Shapiro announces universal free breakfast program for Pa. public school students. “Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Penn Hills Elementary School on Tuesday to announce a new program to provide universal free breakfast to all public school students in Pennsylvania.” (Tribune-Review)

‘Today is a day to celebrate’: PA officials tout universal school breakfast program. “Flanked by Democratic lawmakers, members of his administration and elementary school students, Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday celebrated new funding for universal school breakfast in this year’s state budget, which he said will allow all public K-12 schools in the state to provide free meals beginning this academic year.” (City & State PA)

In Allegheny Co., Shapiro admin celebrates free breakfast funding for public school students. “Gov. Josh Shapiro, lawmakers and educators gathered at Penn Hills Elementary School in Allegheny County on Tuesday to commemorate the signing of the 2023-24 fiscal year budget, which allocates funds for universal free breakfast at public schools across the Commonwealth.” (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks with WGAL about state budget, education funding, and Pennsylvania politics. “WGAL is the only TV station in the Susquehanna Valley to sit down for an interview with Shapiro (D) and News 8’s Tom Lehman spoke with him about his time in office thus far, the state’s budget, and his role in upcoming elections as a top leader and Democrat in a battleground state.” (WGAL)

Gov. Shapiro in Allegheny County touts new budget, speaks 1-on-1 with WTAE. “Governor Josh Shapiro was in our area Tuesday touting the newly signed state budget — specifically, the funding for public education.” (WTAE)

Shapiro: School vouchers ‘unfinished business’. “Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday touted historic increases in spending on public education, and despite cutting additional dollars that would have kickstarted a proposed school voucher program, he reiterated his support for the concept.” (Johnstown Tribune-Democrat)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Pa. state workers ratify AFSCME contract with largest pay raises in years.

Members of state government’s largest union have ratified a proposed four-year contract with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ Council 13 represents approximately 27,000, or 48%, of all state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction. (PennLive)

Related

Congress, state Legislature grapple with how to regulate AI. “Artificial intelligence has captured the public’s attention, but Pennsylvania’s Legislature has not acted to regulate the technology, despite many lawmakers saying they’re worried about its potential for misuse.” (LNP | LancasterOnline)

Manufactured homeowners rally for lot rent caps. “Residents of manufactured home communities often face the same problem: constantly rising lot rental fees that some critics say “predatory” investors use to hold residents “hostage.” That’s why Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Reading, offered a simple solution that’s gained the approval of advocates long battling the issue: rent caps.” (The Center Square)

Pennsylvania starts public comment period for master plan on aging. “Pennsylvania has opened public comment for its master plan on aging, preparing the commonwealth as it turns into one of the oldest states in the nation.” (The Center Square)

Pa. lawmakers considering switch to electric vehicles. “Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a switch to electric vehicles.” (KDKA)

Feds support medication for opioid addiction; Pennsylvania expands jail treatment. “Pennsylvania has made an effort to expand medication access within its criminal justice system.” (The Center Square)

As Ohio votes on ballot threshold, western Pa. abortion providers brace for influx of patients. “At Chatham University in Pittsburgh last August, members of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus met to discuss what an influx of out-of-state patients, particularly those from Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, would mean for the commonwealth’s abortion providers.” (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Philly Republicans seek to remove Kendra Brooks and her City Council running mate from ballot. “A small detail portends a serious political and legal battle between the progressive Working Families Party and the city’s Republican Party over Philadelphia City Council at-large seats.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Two candidates running against 3rd District Councilmember Jamie Gauthier hit with ballot challenges. “Two candidates hoping to unseat City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier in her West Philly district were hit with legal challenges seeking to remove them from November’s general election ballot.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Small-business owners air their concerns to local congressman. “Around 50 small-business owners and leaders joined Congressman Dan Meuser on Tuesday to voice their concerns, joined by members of the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local politicians.” (WFMZ)

Judge sides with Harrisburg council candidate who will stay on ballot. “A lawsuit seeking to boot Harrisburg City Council candidate Lamont Jones from the November ballot was shot down Tuesday by a Dauphin County Common Pleas judge, who ruled against the plaintiffs’ motions after roughly an hour and a half of testimony and discussion.” (PennLive)

House GOP 2024 strategy memo: We have to win in blue states. “To win a majority in congress in 2024, the largest GOP super PAC told donors that the path to victory lies in blue states, according to a memo sent to donors and obtained by POLITICO.” (Politico)

Philadelphia Fed president sees economy on ‘flight path’ to soft landing, says rates could hold steady in September. “Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker expects GDP growth to slow slightly but believes the economy will be able to thread the needle and avoid a significant downturn.” (Philadelphia Business Journal)

Pennsylvania town experiencing problem of squatters in abandoned homes. “Jeannette, Pennsylvania Fire Department Chief Bill Frye on the growing problem of squatters in abandoned homes and the safety concerns that come with this.” (Fox News)

Mayor Cognetti gives birth to second daughter. “Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti gave birth to her and her husband Ryan’s second child on Wednesday.” (Scranton Times-Tribune)

Pa. man’s indictment in Jan. 6 riot case includes dangerous weapons counts. “An indictment that supersedes charges earlier filed accuses a Centre County man of using dangerous weapons during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol in Washington.” (PennLive)

Allegheny County Jail Warden Orlando Harper to retire in September. “Orlando Harper, the often-controversial warden of the Allegheny County Jail, will retire from his post at the end of next month, county officials announced Tuesday morning.” (WESA)

Dog (and cat) Days are the best days for these politicians. “Meet the animals behind the people in Pennsylvania politics.” (City & State PA)

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

• Between Biden’s baggage and Trump’s indictments, the country needs a fresh start (Kyle Sammin)
• The next register of wills should keep up the good work in fixing ‘tangled titles’ (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• Trump tried to take away my vote (Irv Halter)
• Dear Donald, Stop begging to be jailed. (Gene Therapy)
• Sunshine Act abuse should not be tolerated (William M. Cotter)

1 Thing

5. Keystone State Park nominated as one of the nation’s best fall foliage destinations.

“Westmoreland County’s Keystone State Park is in the running to be named one of the nation’s best destinations for fall foliage.

The 1,200-acre park in Derry Township was one of 20 fall foliage destinations nominated for the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice award.” (KDKA)

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