Gov. Tom Wolf delivered a budget address calling for an income tax increase and more funding for education. Here is the Playbook. 

Is There a 2022 Lane for a Trump Critic?: Ryan Costello is looking to find out. As he considers a Senate bid, the former ChesCo congressman made the case for a “center right” Republican — despite Donald Trump’s popularity with the state GOP.

PA Gov: Wolf Budget Calls for Increasing Income Tax and Boosting Education Funding: Gov. Tom Wolf’s $37.8 billion budget proposal calls for raising the state’s personal income tax from 3.07% to 4.49% for the state’s top-third earners, according to the Wolf administration.

Boockvar To Resign After DOS Fails To Advertise Constitutional Amendment: Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar will be resigning from her position effective Feb. 5.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Wolf launches a budget fraught with deficits, uncertainty
AP: Highlights of Gov. Tom Wolf’s spending plan for 2021-22 
AP: Pennsylvania: No plan for centralized COVID vaccine signup 
AP: Punxsutawney Phil’s town misses Groundhog Day boost
The Caucus: Scarnati and new lobbying partners tied to $432,000 political war chest
Patriot News: As Pa. budget shows, the governor is from Venus, the Legislature is from Mars 
Patriot News: Pa. budget overview: Income tax hike, aid for schools, a higher minimum wage and a lot of opposition 
Patriot News: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf introduces his budget, pitches plan to raise income tax: Video 
Patriot News: Pa. budget: Gov. Tom Wolf calls for historic funding increase for public schools 
Patriot News: Pa. budget: Gov. Tom Wolf calls for no increase to state House and Senate operations 
Patriot News: Pa. budget: Colleges would get no increase, or cut, in Gov. Wolf’s plan 
Patriot News: Pa. Budget: Wolf proposes record personal income tax increase, along with tax cuts for some 
Patriot News: Pa. budget would increase funding for human services, addressing public health emergencies 
Patriot News: Pa. budget: Gov. Tom Wolf calls for state police fee for municipalities … again 
Patriot News: Pa. Budget: Wolf calls for minimum wage hike, natural gas tax to pay for economic recovery projects
Patriot News: Pa. budget: Wolf plan funnels environmental fees and taxes into workforce aid 
Patriot News: Pa. budget: Gov. Tom Wolf proposes small increase to state government workforce 
Patriot News: Pa. budget: Museum funding is reduced in 2021 spending plan
Patriot News: Pa. budget: Another year of flat funding for public libraries
Patriot News: Pa. Department of Health to open temporary COVID-19 testing sites in 6 counties, including York 
Patriot News: Pa. taverns and clubs in ‘survival mode’ as they seek relief amid coronavirus pandemic
Patriot News: New COVID-19 cases drop again in Pa., although state reports 143 more deaths 
WHYY Newsworks: Former U.S. Attorney McSwain tests waters for higher office at meetings with GOP leaders
WHYY Newsworks: Wolf budget gives huge boost to schools in Philly, Allentown, Reading and other cities 
Inquirer: A Never Trump Republican from Philadelphia is eyeing next year’s U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Governor’s budget proposal could ‘destroy’ Pa. horse racing, but reduce student debt 
Inquirer: Comcast will postpone new data fees for Northeast internet customers, AG Shapiro says
Inquirer: National Labor Relations Board vetoes unionization of workers at a Chester marijuana grower
Inquirer: With 13,000 infected, 100 dead of COVID-19 in Pa. prisons, advocates urge faster releases
Spotlight PA: Wolf asks for tax increase on Pa.’s top earners amid pandemic, GOP pans proposal as ‘irresponsible’ 
Spotlight PA: You’re invited! A live reader Q&A on Pa.’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution and the latest variants
WESA: PA Data Shows Republican Voters Leaving Party After Jan. 6 Insurrection
WESA: Pennsylvania Ranks 17th Among States Gearing Up For Shift To Electric Vehicles  
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf calls for income tax increase to close looming state deficit, fund education
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How Pa. lawmakers, interest groups reacted to Wolf’s 2021-2022 budget proposal 
Morning Call: New Pennsylvania Health Department leader says limited vaccine supplies going to most efficient providers first; Republicans vow to get National Guard involved
Morning Call: Two Pennsylvanians, one from Bucks County, charged with assaulting officers during Capitol attack. One was present when police shot rioter dead
The Times Leader: Sen. Casey named to Senate Select Intelligence Committee
PLSReporter: Budget Breakdown: Wolf proposes $37.8 billion budget, tax policy changes
PLSReporter: Wolf’s pandemic-era budget proposals met with criticism from GOP lawmakers
PLSReporter: WATCH: Gov. Tom Wolf gives 2021-22 budget address
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania joins feds in reopening online health insurance marketplace
Post-Gazette: Sen. Bob Casey named to Senate Intelligence Committee   
Fox News: Pennsylvania GOP blasts Gov. Wolf’s proposed tax hike, demands better coronavirus response
Fox News: Biden: ‘Vast majority’ of law enforcement ‘decent, honorable people’
USA Today: PA GOP leaders scoff at Wolf’s budget proposal
KYW Newsradio: Former Montco DA leading impeachment defense says Trump blameless for supporters’ riot at Capitol
National Journal: 2018 Lt. Gov. Nominee Jeff Bartos Heads Toward Senate Bid
The Hill: Supreme Court will hear case on PennEast pipeline
CNN: House Republicans vote to keep Liz Cheney in leadership after she defends her impeachment vote
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Restaurants Ask Lawmakers To Loosen Restrictions
KDKA: Comcast Commits To Delay Data Overage Charges In Agreement With Pa. Attorney General  
StateImpactPA: Climate change doesn’t get a mention in Wolf’s budget address
StateImpactPA: U.S. Supreme Court to hear PennEast pipeline eminent domain case

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: A Never Trump Republican from Philadelphia is eyeing next year’s U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Wolf’s school funding plan would help Philly. It would give big increases to some wealthier suburban districts, too.    
Inquirer: Philadelphia hotel occupancy plummeted nearly 60% during pandemic, city says
Inquirer: Philly’s rough COVID-19 vaccine rollout adds challenge to reaching skeptical Black residents: ‘Our reticence is sacred’
Inquirer: City opens vaccine clinic at former Philly Fighting COVID site | Coronavirus Newsletter
WHYY Newsworks: Wolf budget gives huge boost to schools in Philly, Allentown, Reading and other cities  
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Mad or Nah?’: Philly residents react to school district’s reopening and ventilation plan 
WHYY Newsworks: City begins giving vaccine boosters to the 6,900 people who got first doses through Philly Fighting COVID 
KYW Newsradio: Philly begins process of repairing trust in vaccine program with mass clinic at Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia Business Journal: Former Mayor Michael Nutter launches public affairs firm in Philadelphia 
Philadelphia Business Journal: SBA eastern Pennsylvania director not deterred by slower PPP demand in Round 2 (Video)

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Castor says it’s ‘an honor’ to represent Trump at impeachment trial
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County official chides social media users for sharing links to vaccine
Bucks County Courier Times: Warren in the race for Bucks County controller
Bucks County Courier Times: Montgomery County fears running out of vaccines
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County still waiting on vaccine supply
KYW Newsradio: Former Montco DA leading impeachment defense says Trump blameless for supporters’ riot at Capitol
WHYY Newsworks: Montco officials bemoan vaccine supply, ‘line-jumpers’ as Pa. urges patience
Daily Local News: Chester County coroner won’t seek second term, expressing frustration

Pittsburgh 
WESA: It Costs $8,000 To File For Endorsement. Some County Democratic Candidates Are Rejecting The Process
Tribune Review: Local lawmakers sound off on Gov. Wolf’s budget proposal
Tribune Review: Brookline man announces bid as Green Party candidate for Pittsburgh City Council seat
Tribune Review: Public education advocates hail Wolf’s school budget; Republicans balk at tax proposal
Tribune Review: Fox Chapel councilwoman lobbies local governments to ban coal tar
Post-Gazette: FBI seeks information on Western Pa. woman seen in Capitol riot video
Post-Gazette: Anne Feeney, folk singer and political activist, dies at 69
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: State focus on finishing Phase 1A vaccinations
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County Health Department sees dip in vaccine deliveries
KDKA: ‘The Hunger Games’: People Scrambling After Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Cancels COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Total Coronavirus Cases Now Top 70K In Allegheny Co.; 33 More Deaths Reported
City Paper: United Steelworkers want anti-union efforts against Pitt faculty and grad students to end

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Democratic committee chairman announces candidacy for county controller
Observer-Reporter: State urges patience in wait for COVID-19 vaccine
Altoona Mirror: Altoona man seeks office
Altoona Mirror: State’s vaccine efforts criticized
Pittsburgh Business Times: Washington County legislator’s bill would call on National Guard for vaccine distribution
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County shows signs of covid cases dropping
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID drug touted by Trump offered for use in Johnstown
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria adds 24 new COVID-19 cases and no deaths as state numbers ease

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Winners and losers under Wolf’s proposed 2021-22 budget
Times-Tribune: Wolf proposes new budget with tax hike; Republicans say it’s DOA
Times-Tribune: Local unemployment rate rises for first time since April
Times-Tribune: Lowest one-day increase in coronavirus cases reported in NEPA since November
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre reports on federal funding for projects and programs
The Times Leader: 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Wednesday
Citizens Voice: Wolf wants to add $1.3B in basic-ed funding, distribute with fair formula
Citizens Voice: County election board chair Tait resigns; turnover in county elections leaders continues
Citizens Voice: 42 new COVID-19 cases in county on Wednesday

South Central 
Patriot News: Former City Councilman Otto Banks reenters Harrisburg politics, announces bid for mayor 
Patriot News: HMAC general manager announces he’s a candidate for Harrisburg mayor 
Patriot News: Pa. Department of Health to open temporary COVID-19 testing sites in 6 counties, including York 
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle proposes truth and reconciliation commission to explore racial injustice
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 59 cases of COVID-19, three new deaths for Cumberland County Wednesday
York Dispatch: Republican lawmakers call Wolf’s draft budget ‘tone deaf’
York Dispatch: COVID-19 kills three more in York County

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Gov. Wolf’s proposed changes to education funding would boost state money coming to Berks 
Reading Eagle: Berks County gets 114 new COVID cases
Morning Call: What Allentown School District could do with an extra $109 million
Morning Call: Bethlehem residents, council members praise proposed South Side student housing district 
Morning Call: What’s taking so long? Slow process of massive snow removal causes aggravation for municipalities and residents
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: 3K new cases, 143 more deaths push toll near 22K; 1.5% of Pa. fully vaccinated | Coronavirus updates for Pa. and the Lehigh Valley (2/3/21)

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Wolf’s budget earmarks $4.5M for Erie community college
Erie Times-News: Wolf announces funding for Erie County project
Erie Times-News: Pa. vaccine slots still scarce
Erie Times-News: Criminal charges filed against Bradford County DA
Erie Times-News: Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2021-22 PA budget address
Erie Times-News: PA GOP leaders scoff at Wolf’s budget proposal
Erie Times-News: PA-run health insurance marketplace to reopen
Erie Times-News: PA ships just 27K vaccine doses to pharmacies
Centre Daily Times: Feb. 3 update: Centre County adds 82 cases of COVID-19; Pa. reports 3,128 new positives
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Bradford County District Attorney accused of sexual assaults
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Pennsylvania reaches 200,000 completed vaccinations
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Governor seeks big increase in school funding, tax increase
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners OK agreement for levee
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Major League Baseball and Crosscutters agreement recommended for approval
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: State awarded $340,000 for suicide prevention hotline
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Body cams, radios for Williamsport police reviewed

Opinion  
Mary Jo Daley: Mutual respect, honesty and decency must guide our public words and deeds
Maria Panaritis: Sex-abuse law blunder on Kathy Boockvar’s watch is a titanic mess for Pa. child victims 
Nicole Weisensee Egan: With former Montco DA Bruce Castor poised to represent Trump, prepare for a rollercoaster ride
John L. Micek: Wolf broke the fourth wall with his budget speech. Will Pa. tune in?
Paul Muschick: Now isn’t the time to raise income taxes, Gov. Wolf
Paul Muschick: Allentown school superintendent: Resignation is indictment of Pennsylvania’s unfair education funding
Todd Shamash: Here’s how we can end COVID-19 in 2021
Susan Spicka: Gov. Wolf’s 2021 budget offers new opportunity to hold cyber charters accountable 
Solomon Jones: The ‘twice as good’ rule for Black leaders brings unfair scrutiny to Danielle Outlaw 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Pennsylvania’s GOP makes state a national leader in voter suppression efforts
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Amendment screw up will have far-reaching effects
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Patrons must follow the rules, even if businesses won’t
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: China tries to discredit vaccines
Joyce M. Davis: Here’s how you can help PennLive salute Black Excellence in Central PA | Social Views
Chris Freind: Republicans need to cancel their own ‘cancel culture’
Dre Reed: Editorial cartoon: Waiting for the jab
Rashad Grove: John Chaney was more than a coach. He was an advocate for Black youth. 
Helen Ubiñas: One-person protests upend a tired trope that Philadelphia residents don’t care
Gene Therapy: Impeachment II no Electric Boogaloo
Angry Grammarian: Did Trump incite violence on Jan. 6? Depends which dictionary you use. 
Norman Perlberger: Trump was not America’s Hitler