Sen. Pat Toomey delivered an address on Monday to the PA Press Club. Here is the Playbook. 

Toomey Rips Biden Agenda, While Expressing Optimism Over Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal at PA Press Club: The GOP Senator, who isn’t seeking reelection next year, accused President Joe Biden of abandoning his unifying message during the 2020 presidential campaign and claimed he’s modeling his presidency after Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson.

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.

‘Pa. GOP circumvented Wolf on pandemic rules by ballot measure. Next up? Voter ID’: WHYY reports that while “facing a veto on their sweeping plan to overhaul state election laws, Pennsylvania Republicans have set in motion a plan to circumvent the Democratic governor and create a mandatory voter ID requirement.

PennLive Highlights PA Budget Funding for Schools: PennLive reports on “How much state funding is coming to your school district.”

Gisele Fetterman Talks to PennLive: Second Lady of Pennsylvania Gisele Fetterman talked to PennLive in a “fast-paced” 20 question Q&A. 

‘Aid for schools, overtime rule were key trade in budget deal’: The Associated Press reports that “a key trade that sealed a budget deal between Gov. Tom Wolf and Republicans who control the Legislature was a $100 million injection of cash into Pennsylvania’s poorest public schools in exchange for the governor backing off a regulatory expansion of eligibility for overtime pay.”

‘Pa. senator takes a shot at bringing back cocktails to-go’: PennLive reports that state Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) “sent a letter to Senate leadership urging it to call senators into session before a rule permitting them to vote remotely expires on Wednesday to consider legislation that would allow restaurant and bar owners to once again be allowed to sell takeout mixed drinks.”

‘New law makes it easier for Pa. motorists to contribute to breast cancer research’: PennLive reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday signed into law a bill that allows motorists to make voluntary donations to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition whenever they renew their vehicle registration or identification card electronically.”

‘Pennsylvania drops mask mandate’: The Associated Press reports that “Pennsylvania lifted its mask mandate on Monday, more than 14 months after the administration of Gov. Tom Wolf began requiring people to wear face coverings whenever they left home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

‘Former Pa. Gov. Ridge discharged from hospital, recovering from stroke’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Former Gov. Tom Ridge has been discharged from a nearly two-week-long hospitalization due to a stroke.”

‘Toomey pushes back on Biden, warns of inflation in southcentral Pa. visits’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports on Sen. Pat Toomey’s address on Monday at the “Lancaster Chamber’s first in-person “Wake Up With the Issues” event since the pandemic.” 

‘Smucker required to pay $5,000 fine for bypassing House security, following rejected appeal’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster) “will be required to pay a $5,000 fine for bypassing security on his way to the House floor last month.”

‘Pa.’s poorest school districts will get more money next year. Public education advocates say the budget still falls short.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “The $300 million increase for K-12 schools marks the largest increase in the state’s main education subsidy under Gov. Tom Wolf. Republicans warn against overspending the state surplus.”

‘Lawmakers who represent Berks County share their perspective on Pennsylvania budget’: The Reading Eagle reports on the “members of the General Assembly who represent Berks County” who “shared their views with the Reading Eagle on the spending plan.”

‘Local legislators like the look of 2021-22 state budget’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that Northeast PA elected officials in the state legislature “like the look” of the recently passed $40.8 billion state budget. 

‘City Of Pittsburgh Outlines How It Plans To Administer $335M In COVID Relief’: WESA reports that “a task force convened to help administer some $335 million in COVID relief for the city of Pittsburgh has released a draft proposal that allocates millions of dollars for affordable housing and other programs — though its biggest focus is on shoring up the city’s own workforce and its financial health.”

‘Wilkinsburg Moves Closer To A Vote On Merging With The City Of Pittsburgh’: KDKA reports that “If Pittsburgh City Council votes to annex Wilkinsburg, then Wilkinsburg residents get the final say in a referendum.”

‘Elected officials, clergy applaud increased funding for violence prevention in Philly’: WHYY reports that “a day after another violent weekend in Philadelphia, elected officials and religious leaders gathered in Center City to applaud a funding deal that will see the city spend $155 million on anti-violence efforts during the fiscal year that starts July 1 — far more than the amount listed in Mayor Jim Kenney’s initial budget proposal in April.”

‘Pennsylvania GOP proposes creating election audit bureau’: The Hill reports that “Pennsylvania Republicans are pushing to create a new office to oversee election audits in the latest push to address doubts sown by former President Trump and his supporters about the integrity of last year’s elections.”

Bucks County Courier Times Details Which Colleges and Universities Require Vaccines: The Bucks County Courier Times reports on which colleges and universities in Pennsylvania are requiring vaccines.  

Wakabayashi Talks to Pennsylvania Kitchen Table Politics Podcast: The Pennsylvania Kitchen Table Politics Podcast talks with Anne Wakabayashi, Chair of Gov. Tom Wolf’s Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, about “her background in grassroots organizing and the work of this first in the nation commission.”

Barletta To Campaign in 3 Counties: Former Congressman Lou Barletta, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, will be campaigning in Potter, Tioga, and Columbia counties today, according to a press release from his campaign. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Aid for schools, overtime rule were key trade in budget deal
AP: Pennsylvania drops mask mandate
AP: In Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Amish put faith in God’s will and herd immunity over COVID-19 vaccine
Spotlight PA: Failure by Pa. officials to clarify rules around medical marijuana, addiction treatment had serious consequences
Patriot News: Pa.’s 2021-22 budget: How much state funding is coming to your school district?
Patriot News: 20 questions with Gisele Fetterman, who’s a lot more than Pa.’s second lady
Patriot News: Pa. senator takes a shot at bringing back cocktails to-go 
Patriot News: New law makes it easier for Pa. motorists to contribute to breast cancer research 
Patriot News: Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge leaves hospital, begins rehab therapy following stroke 
Patriot News: Pa. is lifting its mask mandate, but you’ll still need to wear them in some places
Patriot News: Gov. Wolf orders flags to half-staff to honor Westmoreland County firefighter 
Patriot News: Pa. reaches 60% of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. GOP circumvented Wolf on pandemic rules by ballot measure. Next up? Voter ID
Erie Times-News: Tom Ridge update: Former governor discharged from hospital, begins rehab therapy
Inquirer: Pa. Republicans say the new budget funds a new election audit bureau. Democrats say no way.
Inquirer: Pa.’s poorest school districts will get more money next year. Public education advocates say the budget still falls short.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Toomey: Tax hikes are off the table to pay for bipartisan infrastructure deal 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Former Pa. Gov. Ridge discharged from hospital, recovering from stroke 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Survey: Young Americans want more action on addressing climate change | The Numbers Racket
York Daily Record: Who they are: 49 Pennsylvania residents arrested for involvement in Capitol insurrection
York Daily Record: FBI: Pennsylvania resident encouraged attack on a journalist during U.S. Capitol riot
York Daily Record: Pennsylvania ends COVID-19 mask mandate today: What it means for you
Post-Gazette: Cal U trustees seek delay in Pa. state university mergers now set for mid-July
Post-Gazette: Expansion of Pa.’s film incentive program not included in new state budget
Post-Gazette: Biden administration looks to expand methadone vans to fight rise in overdose deaths
City & State PA: Toomey blasts Biden and Democratic efforts to end the filibuster 
City & State PA: Introducing City & State Pennsylvania’s Advisory Board 
City & State PA: UPDATE: Wolf to sign $39.8 billion budget approved by lawmakers
Tribune Review: Advocates for changes to reapportionment and the statute of limitations vow to fight on
KDKA: Students, Faculty Rally Against PASSHE Merger Plans
Delaware Valley Journal: Charlie Gerow Answers the Call, Enters Race for PA Governor
Delaware Valley Journal: High Inflation May Be Temporary With Some Lasting Aspects
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania state senator pushes for cocktails-to-go bill vote by Wednesday
Philadelphia Business Journal: Lawmaker calls on Pennsylvania Senate to immediately reconvene to pass to-go cocktail bill
WFMZ: Pa. mask mandate lifted, with some exceptions
StateImpactPA: Carbon tax, jobs and China’s emissions: Experts answer your questions about Biden’s climate plan
Bucks County Courier Times: Heading back to campus? Check out which colleges and universities in PA, NJ require vaccines
The Hill: Pennsylvania GOP proposes creating election audit bureau 
The Hill: Pennsylvania lifts mask mandate
The Hill: House Ethics panel upholds $5,000 metal detector fine against GOP lawmaker
The Hill: Capitol rioter accused of encouraging assault of NYT photographer arrested
WTAE: Libre’s Law signed by Gov. Wolf 4 years ago

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: Elected officials, clergy applaud increased funding for violence prevention in Philly  
KYW Newsradio: PHL workers get $20 minimum wage — union calls it a win; employers say it’s a step too far
Philadelphia Tribune: Residents urged to claim child tax credit

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: As mask mandates end, Delco continues offering vaccine 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records lowest coronavirus positivity rate in SE Pa. 

Pittsburgh 
WESA: City Of Pittsburgh Outlines How It Plans To Administer $335M In COVID Relief 
WESA: With Text Messages, Flyers, And Outreach To Social Service Groups, Advocates Push To Get The Word Out On Child Tax Credit Payments 
WESA: New Study Links Increase in Asthma Hospital Visits To 2018 Fire At U.S. Steel’s Clairton Plant 
WESA: Inclusionary Zoning Becomes Permanent In Lawrenceville, Some City Officials Eye Expansion 
Post-Gazette: Peduto administration releases spending proposal for $335 million in American Rescue Plan funds
KDKA: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto Unveils Spending Plan For $355 Million In COVID-19 Relief Funds
KDKA: Wilkinsburg Moves Closer To A Vote On Merging With The City Of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Business Times: City of Pittsburgh outlines plan to spend $335M in pandemic relief funding
Pittsburgh Business Times: Recently passed bill could accelerate 5G deployment across Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Business Times: New president to take helm of Allegheny County Bar Association
Tribune Review: Peduto, Pittsburgh council release proposed plan for $335 million in federal relief
City Paper: “We Quit”: Several Pittsburgh workplaces have faced dramatic worker shortages

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Pa. budget: Schools, nursing homes, college student-athletes big winners
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Former Gov. Tom Ridge discharged from hospital, family says
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State reports fewest COVID-19 cases since March 2020; mask mandate lifted
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Local COVID-19 case rate continues slide; deaths reported in Westmoreland, Clearfield counties
Observer-Reporter: Few new cases and no new deaths from coronavirus in Washington, Fayette and Greene

NEPA
The Times Leader: Local legislators like the look of 2021-22 state budget
The Times Leader: Manager search committee activation tops Luzerne County Council’s agenda this week
The Times Leader: New Luzerne County 2020 audit explained
The Times Leader: 4 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday; 104 statewide
The Times Leader: More than half of eligible Luzerne County residents vaccinated
Citizens Voice: W-B Area gets some extra state funding, adopts budget with no tax hike
Citizens Voice: Mask mandate still applies to LCTA and other public transportation 
Citizens Voice: More than 100 added to county’s fully vaccinated list
Times-Tribune: NEPA records four new COVID-19 cases Monday

South Central 
Patriot News: Pa. senator takes a shot at bringing back cocktails to-go  
LNP | LancasterOnline: Toomey pushes back on Biden, warns of inflation in southcentral Pa. visits
LNP | LancasterOnline: Smucker required to pay $5,000 fine for bypassing House security, following rejected appeal
LNP | LancasterOnline: On-campus statue of Franklin & Marshall College namesake vandalized
Carlisle Sentinel: Two seek Democratic nomination to challenge 87th district statehouse seat
Carlisle Sentinel: Mechanicsburg woman faces multiple charges related to Capitol riot on Jan. 6
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 2 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Monday
York Dispatch: Poor water quality, lack of medical care alleged by ICE detainees at York County Prison

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Lawmakers who represent Berks County share their perspective on Pennsylvania budget
Reading Eagle: Berks County adds 1 new COVID case
Morning Call: It’s about safety, not speed traps: Lehigh Valley police say radar would be useful tool, and Pa. Legislature might finally give it to them 
Express Times: Pa. drops its mask mandate Monday. What does it mean for Lehigh Valley residents? 
WFMZ: LANTA to continue enforcing CDC mask mandate

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Tom Ridge update: Former governor discharged from hospital, begins rehab therapy
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Candidates address Lycoming County Democratic Women

Opinion  
Mary Erdman: Your View by League of Women Voters Lehigh County: How to reduce hyperpartisanship in Harrisburg
Brian King, Andrea Rishworth, and Ruchi Patel: Opioid overdoses spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, data from Pennsylvania show
John L. Micek: ‘Your silence is deafening’: Here’s who came away empty-handed in this year’s Pa. budget vote | Monday Morning Coffee
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Sweeping reform needed
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Problem passengers
Michael E. Mann: Amid climate change crisis, Pa.’s science curriculum falls short
Joseph N. DiStefano: China-based WuXi AppTec wins $19M from taxpayers for giant Delaware drug plant
Elizabeth Wellington: We need city pools, and how to find a pool in Philly this summer 
Dick Polman: With debate over communion: Yet another reason for the Catholic church to lose members
Roberta Bright: Milton Hershey School is being targeted
Nancy Costello: The Supreme Court’s free speech verdict in Pa. cheerleader case won’t help declining civil discourse