Vice President Kamala Harris talked about infrastructure and the child tax credit during her visit to Pittsburgh on Monday. Here is the Playbook. 

Gerow Announces Bid for Governor: The long-time communications executive said that “the time is right for a sensible, solid, conservative who can build coalitions to win to run on the Republican side.”

Reader Poll: Who Should Democrats Nominate for U.S. Senate in 2022?: Sen. Pat Toomey’s decision to not seek a third term opened the floodgates of Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls. The field is still forming, but chatter about the pivotal seat is well underway among politicos.

Harris Visits Pittsburgh: KDKA reports that Vice President Kamala Harris “talked infrastructure” and “pushed child tax credit” during her visit to Pittsburgh on Monday. 

‘Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge’s condition upgraded to stable’: PennLive reports “Former Gov. Tom Ridge was reported on Monday as having been upgraded from critical to stable condition at a Washington, D.C.-area hospital after suffering a stroke on June 16.”

‘Val Arkoosh just scored a big endorsement in Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate race’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that EMILY’s List, “an influential women’s group that plays a major role in Democratic politics,” has endorsed Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh’s campaign for U.S. Senate. 

‘How one Pennsylvania lawmaker billed taxpayers $1.8 million in expenses’: Spotlight PA and The Caucus report that state Rep. Chris Sainato (D-Lawrence), since being “elected to the state House in late 1994 to mid-January of this year, spent or has been reimbursed personally for more than $1.8 million in mileage, meals, lodging, travel, and office-related costs — including nearly $640,000 in per diems — all charged to taxpayers.”

‘Save it or spend it? Flush with money, Pa.’s state budgeteers wrestle with this rare dilemma’: PennLive reports “Pennsylvania is sitting on a pile of money and Gov. Tom Wolf and state lawmakers face the tough decisions on how to best use it as they work to finalize a 2021-22 state budget.”

City & State Previews Budget Week: City & State PA reports on “what to watch for” during budget week in Pennsylvania.  

‘Rachel Levine answers Sen. Rand Paul’s criticism in CBS interview’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “In one of her first on-camera interviews with a national news outlet since being confirmed as U.S. assistant secretary of health in late March, Rachel Levine discussed Sen. Rand Paul’s criticism of her during her confirmation hearing,” in an interview on “60 Minutes Plus” on CBS’s streaming service Paramount Plus. 

‘Stage is set for debate on Pa. House’s contentious election reform bill’: KYW Newsradio reports that the “Pennsylvania House is expected to take up the massive election reform bill on Tuesday.”

‘Burns named co-leader of House Steel Caucus’: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that state Rep. Frank Burns (D-Cambria) “has been named to the Democratic leadership of the House Steel Caucus, which focuses on policy and issues connected to Pennsylvania’s steel and metals industry.”

‘Rally takes aim at Sen. Bob Mensch, urging him to support fair school funding’: The Pottstown Mercury reports that “more than 120 people attended a rally Monday at Pottstown Middle School to call on state Sen. Bob Mensch to support using part of the $3 billion surplus to “fully fund” public education.”

‘What would Amtrak’s proposed Lehigh Valley-NYC route look like? A new report has details.’: Lehigh Valley Live reports about Amtrak’s 2035 Vision plan and details the proposed Lehigh Valley route.  

‘Allentown rally attendees push for fair education funding’: WFMZ reports that a “rally was held Monday in front of State Senator Pat Browne’s office in Allentown. Those in attendance say it’s time to change the state’s entire funding formula.”

‘Pennsylvania To Lift Mandatory Mask Mandate Next Week’: KDKA reports that “One week from Monday, Pennsylvania will lift its mandatory mask mandate.”

Sims Talks to MSNBC About Anti-Discrimination Bill: State Rep. Brian Sims (D-Philadelphia), who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Lt. Governor, talked to MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart about “a bill he helped introduce that would provide sweeping anti-discrimination protections for queer Pennsylvanians.”

Scheller To Host Campaign Kickoff Event on June 30: Lisa Scheller, a former Lehigh County Commissioner and businesswoman who lost to Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) by just under 4 points in 2020 for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and has filed to run again in 2022, will be holding her campaign kickoff event next Wednesday. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: How one Pennsylvania lawmaker billed taxpayers $1.8 million in expenses
Inquirer: Val Arkoosh just scored a big endorsement in Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate race
Inquirer: Pennsylvania Republicans have a path to victory in 2022. Pro-Trump candidates may not follow it.
Patriot News: Save it or spend it? Flush with money, Pa.’s state budgeteers wrestle with this rare dilemma
Patriot News: Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge’s condition upgraded to stable
Patriot News: PHEAA trims workforce by 37 positions through early retirement offer
Patriot News: Three-quarters of Pa. adults opt for COVID-19 vaccine
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Despite questions on process, Senate committee advances proposed constitutional change on Voter ID 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Nursing home workers authorize strikes statewide; extra funding on Harrisburg priority list 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘That is how we will lift up our nation’s middle class’: In Pgh, VP Harris touts child tax credit 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Broadband became unaffordable for some during the pandemic | The Numbers Racket 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania House advances bill to reform Pennsylvania elections, setting up possible final vote Tuesday
USA Today: A bill overhauling Pa.’s election law could soon pass the House. What’s the fight over?
USA Today: Abortion, gun-rights bills stall in Pa.’s General Assembly. What’s next
Post-Gazette: Poll: State residents back shifting casino tax subsidies away from the horses 
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania’s interstates need major improvements, national report shows
WFMZ: VP Harris visits PA, talks about child tax credit
WFMZ: AG Josh Shapiro calls on USPS to stop service cuts
City & State PA: It’s budget week in Pa. Here’s what to watch for.
Tribune Review: Rachel Levine answers Sen. Rand Paul’s criticism in CBS interview
PLSReporter: Franklin & Marshall survey finds public support for Nellie Bly Scholarship Program proposal 
PLSReporter: The Capitol Recap: Constitutional amendments change emergency declarations
WESA: A State Tax Generates Millions For Affordable Housing, But State Law Prevents It From Generating Millions More 
Fox News: Former Bush admin official upgraded to stable from critical condition after stroke 
Fox News: Israeli removed from Philadelphia event, prompting claims of caving to anti-Semitism
KYW Newsradio: Stage is set for debate on Pa. House’s contentious election reform bill
KYW Newsradio: Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge in stable condition after suffering stroke
The Hill: EMILY’s list endorses Val Arkoosh in Pennsylvania Senate race 
The Hill: Pennsylvania Senate GOP edges toward Arizona-style election audit 
Delaware Valley Journal: PA State Senator Calls for 2020 Election Audit
KDKA: Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge Now In Stable Condition After Suffering Stroke
KDKA: Pennsylvania To Lift Mandatory Mask Mandate Next Week  

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly to announce first winners of COVID vaccine sweepstakes this week
WHYY Newsworks: Study names Temple University Hospital the most racially inclusive in Pa.; many urban hospital markets lag behind
KYW Newsradio: New child tax credit may help 100,000 Philly families, but they must apply
KYW Newsradio: Philly reaches 70% of adults with first COVID-19 vaccine, but city expands vaccination push
Inquirer: A Philly group that supplies lawyers for immigrants facing deportation is poised for greater funding
Inquirer: COVID-19 cases have plummeted in Philly, but vaccinating the holdouts remains a struggle
Inquirer: Philly hits a vaccine milestone: 70% of adults have received at least one dose
Philadelphia Citizen: Bridging The Wealth Gap 
Billy Penn: Philly hits 70% partially vaxxed, higher than other cities — despite health department setbacks

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Rally takes aim at Sen. Bob Mensch, urging him to support fair school funding 
The Center Square: Ciresi introduces bill to achieve fair funding for all school districts 
Delaware Valley Journal: Barletta Touts Experience on Campaign Visit to Delaware County
Delaware Valley Journal: Court Rules School District Can Keep Native American Nickname and Imagery, Activists Plan Next Steps
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records lowest coronavirus positivity rate among SE Pa. counties
KYW Newsradio: Pa. moves closer to setting safe drinking water standard for PFAS
WHYY Newsworks: ‘We’re seeing the need’: Chesco reminds residents to apply for rent assistance as eviction moratorium nears expiration
Bucks Local News: Yardley Borough applying for funding through the American Rescue Plan 

Pittsburgh 
WESA: VP Harris Promotes Anti-Poverty Program During Pittsburgh Visit
WESA: As Allegheny County COVID Cases Slow, A Look At How We Got Here And What Happens Next 
Post-Gazette: VP Kamala Harris, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visit Pittsburgh to promote expanded child tax credit and pro-union advocacy
Post-Gazette: Brookline community excited by vice president’s visit 
Post-Gazette: Does 1970-built symbol of urban renewal in East Liberty deserve ‘historic’ designation? 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh transferring some public safety facilities to former veterans hospital property
KDKA: Vice President Kamala Harris Talks Infrastructure In First Visit To Pittsburgh
KDKA: Vice President Kamala Harris Pushes Child Tax Credit During Visit To Pittsburgh
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 31 New Coronavirus Cases, No Additional Deaths
WTAE: Vice President Kamala Harris visits Pittsburgh amid infrastructure push
Pittsburgh Business Times: Vice President Harris, labor secretary visit Pittsburgh, discuss child tax credit
Pittsburgh Business Times: Analyst sees potential peril for Appalachian plastics industry
City Paper: In Pittsburgh, Vice President Kamala Harris touts child tax credit
Tribune Review: Vice President Kamala Harris visits Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: Republican National Committee lambasts VP Harris for visiting Pittsburgh instead of border 

SWPA  
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Burns named co-leader of House Steel Caucus
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | VP Harris calls child tax credit in American Rescue Plan ‘historic’ measure for families, communities  
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: How they voted: Actions taken last week in the state Legislature 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Eye on the Capitol: Congressional votes for the week of June 4-10 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Region has four new COVID-19 cases and one death
Observer-Reporter: Washington county officials, residents come together for city Juneteenth celebration
Observer-Reporter: Pennsylvania records nine new deaths from coronavirus over the weekend
Beaver County Times: Beaver County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 39% of people fully vaccinated

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Activists travel from Dunmore to Scranton to protest environmental concerns
Times-Tribune: More local police departments to use body cameras
Times-Tribune: U.S. defense official seeks manufacturing insights at South Scranton plant
Times-Tribune: Region’s new COVID-19 cases drop to early pandemic lows
Citizens Voice: More than 200 added to county’s fully vaccinated list 
The Times Leader: 5 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday; 129 statewide

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: John Bey tapped as Lancaster’s new police chief
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 2 new probable cases of COVID-19 reported in Cumberland County Monday
Patriot News: Susquehanna University will require students to be vaccinated

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: What would Amtrak’s proposed Lehigh Valley-NYC route look like? A new report has details.
Morning Call: Could rail service between New York and the Lehigh Valley become reality?
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: State and Valley significantly below U.S. case rate
WFMZ: Allentown rally attendees push for fair education funding 
WFMZ: Senate approves bill to fund demolition of blighted buildings
Reading Eagle: Berks hits a COVID milestone by moving into low risk of community spread category for the first time
Reading Eagle: Pediatricians raise alarms over lead poisoning in Berks County children
Reading Eagle: Berks County surpasses 170,000 completed COVID vaccinations

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Update on Tom Ridge: Former governor’s condition has been upgraded to stable
Erie Times-News: COVID-19 cases drop significantly in Erie County, latest state data shows
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport community celebrates new federal holiday, Juneteenth
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Brought on by critical race theory, race teaching laws draw focus nation, statewide
Centre Daily Times: Happy Valley Adventure Bureau hands out more than $461,000 in grants to promote tourism
Centre Daily Times: How the COVID-19 pandemic changed how Centre County governments, school boards are meeting

Opinion  
Seth Grove: Improving Pa. elections through access, security, modernization
Austin Davis: Republican voting legislation a solution in search of a problem
Jon Geeting: Will State Legislators Roll Back Voting Access? 
Patricia Rooney: How to create fair voting districts in Pennsylvania
Jennifer Stefano: Banning ideas in schools isn’t enough — parents must be active citizens
Ezra Thrush: Pennsylvania should invest federal COVID relief funds in clean water projects
Salena Zito: Homeschool parents and others are turning to hands-on educational experiences 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Increase dog license fees
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Policing fake Amazon reviews
John L. Micek: Poll: Pa. should use stim funds to help low-income Black, Brown & white households | Monday Morning Coffee
Emilie Kao: Supreme Court decision is a win for religious freedom
John Culhane: Supreme Court was wrong. Religious beliefs can’t be a free pass for discrimination. 
Michele Livingston: Cumberland County should not abandon its neediest people
Don Braceland: Resumption of rail service to West Chester just a pipe dream
Nic Esposito: Philly trash delays require an explanation, not more weak excuses 
Jerry Ratcliffe: Adding millions to violence prevention efforts is a waste without evaluation 
Joseph N. DiStefano: DuckDuckGo draws $100M from Internet pioneers, but don’t expect a fancy HQ
Joan Maya Mazelis: It’s time to give Pa. a raise: Lawmakers, Wolf should not wait to increase the minimum wage
Krystal Hill: Salons and barbershops can help get COVID-19 vaccines into arms
Richard W. Jones: It’s good Republicans are now engaging on climate change
Dick Polman: Journalists can’t be neutral in the war on American democracy