The state legislature passed a $40.8 billion state budget on Friday. Here is the Playbook. 

June 25th Ups and Downs: A report from Spotlight PA and The Caucus shows how much taxpayers have covered a Lawrence County Democrat, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate scores a “big endorsement,” plus a number of journalists receive promotions. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Reader Poll: Who Should Republicans Nominate for Governor in 2022?: Republicans have already begun lining up for the 2022 open statewide seat, while chatter on the Democratic side has been quiet.

‘Lawmakers vote to bank pandemic funds, boost schools funding’: The Associated Press reports that “a state budget that dumps billions in federal coronavirus money into savings, boosts spending on education and provides aid to nursing homes easily passed the Legislature on Friday. Gov. Tom Wolf’s office said he plans to sign it.”

Spotlight PA and the Caucus Detail How Much Lawmakers Spent Since 2017: Spotlight PA and The Caucus write that they have “found out how much lawmakers have spent on food, travel, lodging and others perks since 2017. Hint: It’s a lot.”

Pennsylvania Capital-Star Provides Voter Registration Update: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that Pennsylvania Democrats have “bounced back from 2020 lull” in their latest voter registration update.  

‘Video Shows GOP Rep. Comparing Democrats to Nazis: ‘They Want to Destroy the Country’: VICE News reports that Rep. Scott Perry (R-York) “recently gave an extended tirade that argued Democrats are disloyal, unpatriotic, dangerous traitors to America—and twice invoked Nazis to make his point.”

‘The political rhetoric over Pa. Republicans’ election bill obscures the truth: It’s complicated’: The Philadelphia Inquirer highlights the GOP backed bill that “would overhaul Pennsylvania’s elections” that Gov. Tom Wolf is set to veto.

Parnell Joins Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News To Talk About Critical Race Theory: Sean Parnell, a combat veteran who is seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, joined Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News to respond to Gen. Mark Milley’s statement on ‘white rage,’ while also warning that “implementing critical race theory will destroy the military.” 

Gerow Talks to Delaware Valley Journal Podcast: Charlie Gerow, CEO of Quantum Communications and Vice Chairman of CPAC and the American Conservative Union who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, talked to the Delaware Valley Journal’s podcast about his campaign for governor. 

‘County commissioners support keeping Bucks in single congressional district’: The Bucks Local News reports that Bucks County Commissioners approved a resolution “condemning the idea” of the possibility of splitting Bucks County into two congressional districts.  

Kenyatta Talks to MSNBC About Filibuster Reform: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022, joined American Voices on MSNBC to discuss “the push for federal action on voting protections” as “grassroots activists demand filibuster reform in the fight for voting rights.”

Houlahan Talks to MSNBC About Military Funding: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) joined MSNBC to “slam conservatives talking about defunding the military” as “the U.S. military has become a target of leading conservatives over race studies, with some suggesting defunding the military over anything related to information wrongly labelled Critical Race Theory.”

‘State Judiciary Committee unanimously passes resolution calling for investigation of Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage’: WFMZ reports that Pennsylvania’s House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed a resolution on Friday to “open an investigation as to whether an impeachment or removal from office is required due to alleged misbehavior in office and violation of public trust,” after Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage was accused of “violating sexual harassment and discrimination policies.”

Hearn Endorses Fetterman for Senate: According to a press release, Warren City Councilmember Doug Hearn has endorsed Lt. Gov John Fetterman’s campaign for the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate. 

HER TIME 2020 Endorses Wild: HER Time 2020, a group started by former Congresswoman Katie Hill (D-CA) that aims to “help elect women and young people,” named Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) as one of the group’s “frontline candidates” in 2022. 

Barletta to Host Carbon County Meet and Greet: Former Congressman Lou Barletta, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, will be campaigning in Carbon County this afternoon, according to a press release from his campaign.

Meuser Interested in Serving on House Financial Services Committee: POLITICO reports that Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) is one of at least six GOP lawmakers seeking an open spot on the House Financial Services Committee. 

Richey Campaigns In Indiana County: The Indiana Gazette reports that Jason Richey, a partner at Pittsburgh’s K&L Gates law firm who is seeking the Republican Party nomination for Governor in 2022, campaigned in Indiana County.

‘An effort to merge Wilkinsburg with Pittsburgh is brewing’: Public Source reports that “a signature drive, if successful, would set off a legal process that could end with 2.2 square miles and 15,000 people added to the city. But not before Pittsburgh City Council has a say.”

Morning Call Highlights How Lehigh Valley Pols Voted Last Week: The Allentown Morning Call details “How Lehigh Valley-area legislators voted in U.S. House, Senate last week.”

Keller to Host Town Hall: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that Rep. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) is slated to host a town hall on Monday evening.  

‘NEPA mayors want power to regulate fireworks, bill pending in Harrisburg’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that a group of Mayors from Northeastern Pennsylvania “want to use their collective voice to call for changing the state law responsible for fireworks free-for-alls in their communities” and sent a letter to legislators requesting the repeal of Act 43.

‘A dozen applicants to be interviewed for Luzerne County manager search committee’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “twelve prospective Luzerne County Manager Search Committee members are scheduled to be publicly interviewed by council Tuesday, according to a list compiled for council.”

‘Luzerne County Council candidates ponder their potential involvement in new manager decision’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “the anticipated timing of Luzerne County Council’s next top manager hiring in late November or December falls into the “lame duck” period, prompting council candidates to wonder what, if any, involvement they will have if they are elected.”

‘City Council bill streamlines youth curfew, removes punitive fines for violations’: Philly Voice reports that Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed “a new bill that streamlines the city’s youth curfew laws and creates evening resource centers for teens in an effort to keep them safe and off the streets.”

‘Franklin & Marshall College not considering a new name despite namesake’s participation in slavery’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “Franklin & Marshall College insists it is not considering changing its name despite an article in The Atlantic magazine that stated the liberal arts college in Lancaster is “weighing a new name” due to one of its namesake’s participation in slavery. Now the article’s author — Paul Finkelman, president and history professor at Gratz College, located just outside Philadelphia — is apologizing without taking full responsibility for the error.”

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Lawmakers vote to bank pandemic funds, boost schools funding
AP: GOP lawmakers send governor election bill he’s vowed to veto
AP: Explainer: Will Pennsylvania evictions spike despite rental help?
Patriot News: Pennsylvania lawmakers pass $40.8 billion state budget; Gov. Tom Wolf says he’ll sign it 
Patriot News: Pa. lawmakers unveil $40B spending plan with more money for schools, saving most federal relief aid
Patriot News: Pa. received $7.3 billion in federal COVID-19 rescue aid. The new state budget spends $1 billion of that money.
Patriot News: No tax cuts for all, but tax breaks for some in Pennsylvania budget package
Patriot News: Pa. election overhaul bill is headed to Gov. Tom Wolf, who said his veto pen is ready
Patriot News: Selling cocktails-to-go is a no-go for restaurants and bars, as lawmakers put it on hold until fall 
Patriot News: New Pa. budget lessens nursing home concerns, but doesn’t immediately quell possible strikes    
Patriot News: After 14 months Pennsylvania mask mandate to end Monday
Spotlight PA: Pa.’s $40 billion budget includes more money for poorest school districts, saves bulk of federal relief funding
Spotlight PA: How the state’s richest charity spends its money: The Milton Hershey School, by the numbers
Spotlight PA and The Caucus: We found out how much lawmakers have spent on food, travel, lodging and others perks since 2017. Hint: It’s a lot.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf to sign $40.8B budget that spends on education, saves billions for the future
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: $40B Pa. budget revealed in Harrisburg; saves $5B in federal aid for future
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Senate sends election law rewrite to Wolf, who promises veto over Voter ID language
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: College athletes in line to gain control over image, likeness in Pa. budget bill
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Bill cleaning up Pa.’s medical marijuana law, without home growing provision, heads to Wolf
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Voter Registration Update: Pa. Dems bounce back from 2020 lull | Analysis
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. hits national vaccine milestone, Wolf admin. to lift masking orders next week
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Trading one pest for another: Goodbye, cicadas; Begone, spotted lanternflies! | Five for the Weekend
VICE News: Video Shows GOP Rep. Comparing Democrats to Nazis: ‘They Want to Destroy the Country’
MSNBC: Rep. Houlahan slams conservatives talking defunding military: ‘Our enemies are listening’
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Senate gives final approval to sweeping election reform bill that includes voter ID; Gov. Tom Wolf plans veto
Morning Call: Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 mask mandate will be lifted Monday. Here’s what you need to know
Inquirer: The political rhetoric over Pa. Republicans’ election bill obscures the truth: It’s complicated
Inquirer: For beleaguered pension fund, mixed messages from a $400,000 consultant
Inquirer: Pa. to lift universal mask mandate on Monday, with 60% of adults fully vaccinated
City & State PA: State lawmakers unveil a $39.8 billion budget plan
City & State PA: State health department lifts universal mask mandate on Monday
Delaware Valley Journal: PA Politicians Spar Over Voter ID Requirements
Delaware Valley Journal: PODCAST: From Warminster to Harrisburg? Charlie Gerow Talks About His Race For Governor
Delaware Valley Journal: UPDATE: Pennsylvania’s Voting Rights Protection Act Heads to Governor
KDKA: Changes To Medical Marijuana Law Passes Pa. Legislature, Awaits Gov. Tom Wolf Approval
KDKA: College Athletes In Pennsylvania Could Receive Compensation With New Proposal In Harrisburg
Erie Times-News: Pa. budget passes with more money for schools, nursing homes and no tax increases
Erie Times-News: Pa. budget passes with more money for schools, nursing homes and no tax increases
Fox News: Sean Parnell warns implementing critical race theory will destroy military
Pittsburgh Business Times: Universal mask mandate lifts Monday, but businesses and others can still require them
National Journal: Charlie Cook’s 2022 Look Ahead: Governor Races
KYW Newsradio: Busy legislative week leaves multiple bills on Gov. Wolf’s desk
KYW Newsradio: Tenants, landlords urged to apply for rental assistance before eviction moratorium ends
LNP | LancasterOnline: The legacy of Libre’s Law: Animal cruelty cases skyrocketed in courts, dwindled in animal shelters
Politico: House Dems head off retirement crisis — for now
CNN: Police tell ‘Mare of Easttown’ fans to stop trespassing where the series was filmed

Philadelphia 
Philly Voice: City Council bill streamlines youth curfew, removes punitive fines for violations
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia school board takes a stand to protect immigrant students
Inquirer: Reaching immigrants was the goal of this Philly vaccination pop-up, but others lined up, too
WHYY Newsworks: Regional Roundup – 06/28/21

SEPA
Bucks Local News: County commissioners support keeping Bucks in single congressional district
Bucks Local News: Pennsylvania lifting universal masking order on June 28; urging residents to follow guidance where required
Delco Daily Times: Riverfront march focuses on environment; industry says misguided
Daily Local News: Longtime public defender trades in county office for solo practice
Delaware Valley Journal: Update: Delco GOP Sheriff Candidate Drops Out of Race
Pottstown Mercury: Chester County’s COVID fight pays dividends; no more masks or public updates

Pittsburgh 
Public Source: An effort to merge Wilkinsburg with Pittsburgh is brewing
Tribune Review: Congregation asks new U.S. Attorney General to strike plea deal with accused synagogue shooter
Tribune Review: As Pa. mask mandate is set to end, some rejoice, while others will keep masking up, they say
Post-Gazette: Jewish congregation in Tree of Life massacre asks Attorney General Merrick Garland to forgo Bowers death penalty
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh celebrates the Jubilee of Freemen Parade with vaccines and voters rights forum
Post-Gazette: Despite mask mandate ending in Pa., Port Authority riders still required to wear one
Post-Gazette: Funding charge: Port Authority receives $5.15 million federal grant for electric bus stations
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pitt won’t require Covid-19 vaccinations this fall
City Paper: Port Authority approves fare increase, along with free transfers starting in 2022
City Paper: Squabble over new White Whale mural has some accusing original design of being “too communist”
KDKA: State Senate Approves Bill Allowing Local Police To Catch Speeding Drivers With Radar
KDKA: Pittsburgh Activist Reflects On Derek Chauvin Receiving 22.5 Years For Killing George Floyd
KDKA: Juneteenth Celebrations Continue Throughout Pittsburgh
WESA: Jewish Congregation Again Asks DOJ To ‘Abandon Its Quest For The Death Penalty’ In Tree of Life Case
WESA: Port Authority To End Card Discount, But Ease Transfer Policy Next Year

SWPA 
Indiana Gazette: CAMPAIGN 2022: Richey brings gubernatorial hopes to Indiana
Post-Gazette: Beaver County looking to educational opportunities as key to economic development
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: How they voted: Actions taken last week in the state Legislature
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State legislators send $39.8B budget to Wolf; plan holds back $5B in ARP funds
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Eye on the Capitol: Congressional votes for the week of June 21-27
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County restaurants lean on combination of self, government help
Altoona Mirror: Blair salary board adopts pay policy
Altoona Mirror: Blair County Court adjusts for 2022
Altoona Mirror: Voters could decide on new ballot rules
Observer-Reporter: Greene awarded $900K in state grants for housing projects
Observer-Reporter: Uniontown man denied bond while awaiting trial in U.S. Capitol attack

NEPA
WFMZ: State Judiciary Committee unanimously passes resolution calling for investigation of Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage
Citizens Voice: Kokura Kravitz raises most funds in judge race again; Toohil has most cash on hand
Citizens Voice: County to interview 12 people for manager search committee
Citizens Voice: Skepticism remains high over state police funding model
Citizens Voice: Some Democrats say bank overdraft fees should be scrapped
Citizens Voice: Griffin ready to take the reins as chamber’s first woman president
Citizens Voice: Back Mountain municipality ranked second safest in state
Citizens Voice: Journalist named to lead county visitors bureau
Citizens Voice: Five new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
Times-Tribune: Only one Democrat applies for Flynn’s House seat
Times-Tribune: State police fee proposal would increase local spending by nearly $2 million
Times-Tribune: Push on to scrap overdraft fees
Times-Tribune: NEPA mayors seek repeal of state fireworks sales law
Times-Tribune: Journalist named to lead Luzerne County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 death rates drop sharply as spread eases some more
The Times Leader: A dozen applicants to be interviewed for Luzerne County manager search committee
The Times Leader: NEPA mayors want power to regulate fireworks, bill pending in Harrisburg
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council candidates ponder their potential involvement in new manager decision
The Times Leader: Kayden’s Law passes Pennsylvania State Senate; now goes to House
The Times Leader: WB Council sets special meeting to reduce meter rates, bag costs
The Times Leader: COVID-19 ZIP code cases continue to dwindle
The Times Leader: 5 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Sunday; 1 death

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster’s 3 poorest school districts will get bump under $100 million investment in Pa. budget
LNP | LancasterOnline: Elizabethtown resident questions council’s lack of action on racial justice commitment
LNP | LancasterOnline: Franklin & Marshall College not considering a new name despite namesake’s participation in slavery 
York Dispatch: State Sen. Mike Regan pleads guilty to traffic citations after March motorcycle accident
York Dispatch: York County begins investigation of troubled primary election, excludes public
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle manager explains panel process for hirings, promotions in Carlisle Police Department
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 2 new COVID-19 cases reported over weekend in Cumberland County

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Allentown, Bethlehem schools get big boost in state funding as lawmakers endorse Schlossberg proposal to help poor districts
Morning Call: ‘Jan. 6 changed everything for everybody’: After the Capitol riots, members of Congress increase security for meet-and-greet events
Morning Call: How Lehigh Valley-area legislators voted in U.S. House, Senate last week
Morning Call: From the editor: A glorious reunion, more work to be done
Reading Eagle: GOP leader criticizes Albright College student’s poster, believing it was made by the IRS 
Reading Eagle: The 14-day average of new Berks County COVID cases ties pandemic low
WFMZ: New bill gives children the option to repeat a year due to COVID, some schools have doubts
WFMZ: Moratorium extended as millions nationwide face eviction
WFMZ: Restaurant reacts as PA is set to lift mask mandate on June 28th
Express Times: Allentown, Bethlehem schools would get ‘Level Up’ funding in budget heading to Pa. governor’s desk
Express Times: Pa. weekly COVID update: New cases, hospitalizations hit record lows with mask mandate about to expire

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Keller to hold town hall
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Officials decry permit process for parades
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Legislation removes municipalities hosting parades from obligation
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport City Council awards elevator, door contracts
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter joins others in call for firework legislation reform
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Republicans unveil budget that puts pandemic funds in bank
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: DCNR secretary visits new canoe launch site in Avis
Centre Daily Times: With PA’s mask mandate set to end, COVID-19 cases continue to fall in Centre County, state
Erie Times-News: COVID-19 numbers continue to fall in Pennsylvania and Erie County

Opinion  
Pam Snyder: Broadband expansion is vital to Pa. students, economy and health care
Tony DeLuca: Republican voting legislation restricts voters’ access, rights
Mark S. Singel: Compromise moves us forward, but cowardice sets us back
Calvin Clements: SB 1 must be defeated 
Hunter Tower: Like most pension scandals, PA teachers’ fund has a union problem
Steve Dixel: SBA is helping Pennsylvania get back in business
Salena Zito: A labor dispute in which no one can win
Paul Muschick: Pennsylvania’s mask rule expires Monday. Now there’s a new public health threat.
Paul Muschick: ‘Bring Amtrak. There IS a need’: Reaction to my column denouncing rail from Allentown to New York
Nathan Benefield: With $7 billion windfall, entice hiring and end student waitlists 
Della Clark: Lawmakers should commit to an equitable recovery by investing in small businesses 
Phil Gianficaro: Kayden’s Law rooted in tragedy as judge ignored red flags
Ettore Angelo: How school funding creates educational apartheid in Lehigh County
Lisa Scheid: Can we grow greener again in Pennsylvania?
Joe McClure: ‘Police violence tends to inflame community violence’: author of new history of racial uprisings
PennLive Editorial Board: Congress should pass the Equality Act to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ Americans anywhere in the country 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Election probe should be public
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: IUP should consider mask options
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pride in inclusion
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Enough?
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: American original
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We must continue education, advocacy about health benefits of messenger RNA
Keith C. Burris: Lost shepherds
Nancy Eshelman: It’s a sin that the Catholic church is even thinking of punishing Joe Biden 
The Rev. William Jones: The Roman Catholic Church is justified in ex-communicating anyone who supports abortion
The Rev. Eileen Smith, RN: Harrisburg must invest in safer communities
Sala Udin: A hope for Mayor-to-be Ed Gainey
Helen Ubiñas: Growing calls for accountability of Philly’s taxpayer-funded antiviolence programs giving me hope 
Susan Rimby: Harrisburg needs more funding for its schools, not another charter school
Will Bunch: The real crisis for American democracy is our cowardly inability to tax the rich 
Alison McCook: About 1 in 5 Pennsylvania adults are caregivers, and they’re not OK
Naiymah Sanchez: Philly’s LGBTQ community can become inclusive now that Pride organization has disbanded 
Malik Pickett: The Juvenile Justice Task Force report gave us a roadmap to reform. Now it’s up to lawmakers to finish the job
Noah Feldman: Students can speak freely, thanks to a Pennsylvania cheerleader
Nicholas Z. Muller and Luke R. Dennin: Closing Cheswick Generating Station will produce benefits
Susan Babbitt: Ask your state representative to oppose Senate Bill 119 
Sandy Segal: Invest in the school safety & security grant program and divest in violence
Ruth Ann Daily: Welcome signs of happiness among military
David M. Shribman: Celebrating with the neighbors
Abraham Gutman and Sarah Gutman: Free Britney, and all people, from reproductive coercion
Maria Panaritis: Putting down the cold coffee to say goodbye.
Ray E. Landis: How do we stop a slide into autocracy? By always remembering that facts matter 
Chris Kelly: Exorcising the roots of evil
Tim Hartman: Here’s $1.8M worth of reasons to hate politics | Editorial Cartoon