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June 8th Playbook

The Hill places Pennsylvania on their most likely Senate seats to flip in 2022 list. Here is the Playbook. 

The Hill Puts PA on Most Likely Senate Seats to Flip in 2022 List: The Hill’s Max Greenwood writes that Democrats view it as “one of their best opportunities to flip a seat” in 2022, while “many Republicans” believe that former President Donald Trump’s “brand of conservative populism” can lead the GOP to victory in the Keystone State in 2022.

Major and Rossi Sworn-in: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that newly elected state Reps. Abby Major (R-Armstrong) and Leslie Rossi (R-Westmoreland) were sworn-into office on Monday in Harrisburg and that they “are the first women to represent” the 59th and 60th legislative districts.

Spotlight PA Highlights PA Guv Race: Spotlight PA reports on “what we know so far” about Pennsylvania’s 2022 race for governor. 

‘Pa. GOP lawmakers stay quiet on who paid for their trip to see Arizona audit. What’s the impact?’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Since returning from Arizona last week, Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, has called for increased transparency for a proposed audit of Pennsylvania’s election 2020 election results — even as he’s simultaneously ignored requests for more details about that trip.” 

‘With $10,000,000,000 to spend, advocates press Wolf, Pa. lawmakers to prioritize poor people’: Spotlight PA reports that “As Gov. Tom Wolf and the Republican-led legislature begin the final month of budget negotiations, a coalition of groups that serve the underrepresented marched to the steps of the Capitol to demand lawmakers prioritize working-class and low-income families.”

‘Fewer people, same passions at this year’s Capitol gun owners rights rally’: PennLive reports that “Rolling back permitting requirements for carrying a handgun and stopping the intermittent showers of city-level gun control ordinances are the top priorities for gun owners who converged on the Pennsylvania Capitol Monday for the annual Second Amendment rights rally.”

‘Education tax credit expansion passes committee despite opposition from public school advocates’: According to the PLSReporter, the state “Senate Education Committee passed legislation Monday that would greatly expand Pennsylvania’s education tax credit programs, which allow businesses to receive tax credits for contributing to participating scholarship funds or other education organizations.”

Arkoosh Talks Infrastructure in Pittsburgh: WESA reports that Val Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners and Democratic Party candidate for U.S. Senate, “visited Hazelwood Green Monday to learn about Allegheny County’s infrastructure plans and voice her support for President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package.”

‘Bill clarifying ethical standards for Act 47 officers moves out of Pa. Senate’: PennLive reports that “Legislation that requires coordinators and receivers appointed to assist financially distressed municipalities under Act 47 – which includes Harrisburg – to comply with state ethics statutes won state Senate approval on Monday. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.”

‘What happened in three mayoral primaries and what it means for cities’: City & State PA reports on the Democratic Mayoral incumbents losing their primaries last month in Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Harrisburg and “what it means for cities.” 

‘Medical marijuana law changes get through Pennsylvania House’: The Associated Press reports that the state House on Monday “approved a set of revisions to Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law, seeking to make permanent some of the changes put in place temporarily because of the coronavirus pandemic.” 

‘Pa. GOP gubernatorial hopeful McSwain using pre-checked box for extra donations’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that if you “Donate to Bill McSwain’s state-level political action committee once, and if you’re not careful, you could end up donating to him for months to come.” 

‘What you need to know about Pennsylvania’s new unemployment system’: WHYY reports on “what users can expect in the coming weeks” for Pennsylvania’s new unemployment system.

‘Zappala Backs Down From Plea Bargain Rule Targeting Lawyer Who Called DA’s Office Racist’: WESA reports that “In an apparent reversal, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. announced in a memo dated Sunday that he will require his staff to investigate allegations of discriminatory plea deals. The move follows the DA’s decision last month to deny plea offers to a lawyer who called his office systemically racist.” 

‘You wouldn’t need a license to carry a gun in Philly under a bill gaining steam in Harrisburg’: Billy Penn reports that “Law enforcement groups have come out against the proposal, saying it would make both officers and civilians unsafe,” while “Pro-gun groups and Republican backers of the legislation say the permit process is redundant, considering background checks are already required.”

‘Philly leaders negotiate anti-violence funding, federal aid, and tax cuts as budget deadline nears’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “As they negotiate next year’s budget behind closed doors, Mayor Jim Kenney and City Council members remain at odds over how much federal aid Philadelphia should tap in the coming year, whether to cut taxes, and how much to spend on violence prevention programs.” 

‘Krasner campaign manager Brandon Evans on Stacey Abrams, and what Krasner and Kenney share’: The Philadelphia Inquirer talked to Brandon Evans, who ran both of Larry Krasner’s campaigns for district attorney and Mayor Jim Kenney’s reelection, about “politics, his mentor, his hobby collecting historical artifacts, and what’s next for him.” The Inquirer writes that Evans “might be one of the least known, most influential behind-the-scenes players in Philadelphia politics.”

‘Former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter had surgery for prostate cancer. He especially wants Black men to hear about his experience.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who had surgery for prostate cancer, is “is advocating that men undergo regular screening for prostate cancer with the PSA blood test.” 

‘Philly socialist groups, unions protest proposed city business tax cuts’: WHYY reports that Tax the Rich PHL, “a coalition of left-leaning political groups and union members,” protested outside of City Hall to “decry proposed business and parking tax cuts, connecting them to larger economic inequity which the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated.” 

‘Philly DA Krasner planning community forums on gun violence, criminal justice reform’: WHYY reports that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is “planning a series of community forums seeking input from residents on how his office can continue changing the city’s justice system and improve public safety as the gun violence epidemic continues unabated.”

‘Participants rally against converting Reading building into center for immigrant women’: WFMZ reports that the “Shut Down Berks” coalition organized a rally outside the Berks County courthouse in Reading on Monday to speak out “against plans to convert the Berks Family Residential Center into a center for immigrant women.”

AFP-PA To Rally in Pittsburgh Against Biden’s Spending Plans: According to a press release, Americans for Prosperity-Pennsylvania (AFP-PA), the Koch-backed “free market activist” group, is hosting their kicking rally on Tuesday evening in Pittsburgh where AFP President Tim Phillips will be voicing his opposition to President Joe Biden’s $4 trillion spending plans. 

Dawson Joins Senate Budget GOP Staff: POLITICO reports that Kevin Dawson, who previously was senior legislative assistant for Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Butler), is now a professional staff member for the Senate Budget GOP.  

Harrisburg & DC   
Washington Post: ‘It was like this rogue thing’: How the push by Trump allies to undermine the 2020 results through ballot reviews started quietly in Pennsylvania
AP: Lawmakers return for June with big agenda, sharp differences
AP: Gun rights supporters rally outside Pennsylvania Capitol
AP: Medical marijuana law changes get through Pennsylvania House
Patriot News: Fewer people, same passions at this year’s Capitol gun owners rights rally 
Patriot News: Pa. lawmakers clash over bill expanding school choice and other reforms
Patriot News: Bill clarifying ethical standards for Act 47 officers moves out of Pa. Senate 
Patriot News: Telework, hybrid schedules here to stay for some Pa. state government employees
Patriot News: Pa. Capitol activity returning to its pre-COVID ways
Patriot News: Pa. has streak of sub-500 COVID-19 case counts: daily update
Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania’s 2022 race for governor: What we know so far 
Spotlight PA: With $10,000,000,000 to spend, advocates press Wolf, Pa. lawmakers to prioritize poor people 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. GOP lawmakers stay quiet on who paid for their trip to see Arizona audit. What’s the impact? 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. GOP gubernatorial hopeful McSwain using pre-checked box for extra donations 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Feds’ UFO report draws varied reactions from Pa. sky-watchers and scientists 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: As the pandemic raged, so did drug overdose deaths | The Numbers Racket
USA Today: As COVID wanes, state legislatures are limiting governors’ emergency powers. Why it matters
USA Today: Pennsylvania got $7B in federal stimulus money. How will state lawmakers, Wolf spend it?
USA Today: Pa. legislators set to pass concealed carry without a gun permit. Will it become law?
USA Today: As COVID wanes, state legislatures are limiting governors’ emergency powers. Why it matters
WHYY Newsworks: GOP advances bill in Pa. Senate that would further expand private school tax credits
WHYY Newsworks: What you need to know about Pennsylvania’s new unemployment system
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers poised to end key elements of Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 disaster declaration
WITF: COVID-19 killed their brother. Misinformation about the virus divided their family.
Reading Eagle: Pa. state university merger plan gets public hearing
City & State PA: What happened in three mayoral primaries and what it means for cities 
City & State PA: Senate GOP seeks to expand tax credits for educational scholarships 
KDKA: Pa. Lawmakers Return For June With Big Agenda, Sharp Differences 
PLSReporter: Education tax credit expansion passes committee despite opposition from public school advocates
NBC News: TV news stations become apparent target in next cyberattack 
WESA: Pennsylvania Must Dramatically Expand Access To Housing, Advocates Say
Pittsburgh Business Times: State plans new version of Covid-19 response to nursing homes
CNHI: Unfinished election certification postpones vote on emergency extension 
CNHI: Gun rights groups lobby for action to thwart gun control efforts
CNHI: Senate committee approves expansion of tax credits for school vouchers
The Conversation: Nearly 10% of youth in one urban school district identify as gender-diverse, new study finds 
Delaware Valley Journal: Garrity to John Kerry: Hands Off Our Energy Industries  

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘You have to ask yourself: When does the mayor resign?’: Philly critiques a struggling Kenney administration 
WHYY Newsworks: Council to Kenney: $100 million needed to combat historic surge in gun violence 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly socialist groups, unions protest proposed city business tax cuts 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly DA Krasner planning community forums on gun violence, criminal justice reform 
WHYY Newsworks: In liberal Philly, a year of anxiety over health and politics makes it hard to ditch the mask  
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Vaccine sweepstakes coming to Philly
Inquirer: Philly leaders negotiate anti-violence funding, federal aid, and tax cuts as budget deadline nears
Inquirer: Krasner campaign manager Brandon Evans on Stacey Abrams, and what Krasner and Kenney share
Inquirer: Former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter had surgery for prostate cancer. He especially wants Black men to hear about his experience.
Inquirer: A Supreme Court decision involving Philadelphia and religious rights is coming. Here’s what you need to know.
Inquirer: Philadelphia residents could now win as much as $50,000 for getting the COVID-19 vaccine
Billy Penn: You wouldn’t need a license to carry a gun in Philly under a bill gaining steam in Harrisburg
Billy Penn: Mumia Abu-Jamal 101: How he ended up in prison, and why MOVE wants him freed 
Philadelphia Magazine: Want a Shot at $50,000? All You Have to Do Is Get Vaccinated
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia launches $378K vaccine lottery to incentivize residents to get the shot
Philadelphia Business Journal: ‘I would certainly consider it’: Black Doctors’ Ala Stanford shows interest in Philadelphia health commissioner job

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Delco makes inroads with Emergency Rental Assistance program 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County and neighboring SE Pa. counties suppressing the coronavirus
Bucks Local News: COVID-19 numbers continue to improve in Bucks County; strong vaccination rate credited 
Bucks Local News: State senator delivers grant to Newtown Township to purchase new police vehicles
Pottstown Mercury: Garner resigns from New Hanover supervisors board, replacement sought 

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Zappala Backs Down From Plea Bargain Rule Targeting Lawyer Who Called DA’s Office Racist
WESA: In Senate Campaign Stop, Arkoosh Visits Hazelwood Green To Talk Infrastructure
WESA: Ethics Expert: Zappala’s No-Plea Rule Could Violate His Duty To Allegheny County Residents 
WESA: City School Board Expects Partnership With Gainey, Some Want To End Tax Diversion 
WESA: Fatal Drug Overdoses Increased Last Year, Following Two Years Of Decline  
WESA: New Committee To Explore Safer Housing For Transgender Inmates At The Allegheny County Jail
Post-Gazette: DA Zappala amends decision to halt plea deals with Black attorney 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh activists join call for U.S. Senate to pass immigration reform they say will help Pa. economy 
Post-Gazette: Opponents to testify against proposed power plant in Elizabeth Township 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Statewide positivity rate falls below 3%; Pa. cases trending under 1,000 per day
KDKA: Leader From Allegheny And Butler Counties Meet To Rebuild And Redevelop Communities In Southwestern Pa. 
KDKA: Allegheny County DA Stephen Zappala, Under Fire For Stopping Plea Deals With Black Attorney, Brings Plea Deals Back To The Table 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 3-Day Total Of 76 New Cases, No Additional Deaths
WTAE: DA Zappala releases new policy for plea offers but criticism continues
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s what House Bill 609 could mean for Pittsburgh’s geospatial tech companies
Pittsburgh Business Times: Consumer confidence in Pittsburgh region continues to climb while employment-related woes remain for many 
Tribune Review: Zappala updates policy on how prosecutors should deal with discrimination claims; rescinds policy against Raiford 
City Paper: DA Zappala rescinds policy halting plea deals to Black lawyer who called his office racist

SWPA 
Tribune Review: Leslie Rossi, Abby Major break records as they take office in Harrisburg
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Leslie Rossi first woman sworn into 59th District
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Nineteen subpoenaed for Black Lives Matter hearing in Bedford; Schellsburg man faces charges in shooting
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State reports fewest new cases since COVID-19 initial March 2020 surge  
Post-Gazette: As politicians tinker with taxes, Western Pennsylvania farmers worry about what that might mean for the next generation
Altoona Mirror: Blair asked to clear taxes

NEPA
The Times Leader: ‘Scattering’ of write-in votes questioned at Luzerne County Election Board meeting
The Times Leader: Cartwright announces $2.3M for the W-B/Scranton International Airport
The Times Leader: Luzerne County receives applicants for tourism head position
The Times Leader: Only two projects proposed as Luzerne County capital fund dwindles
The Times Leader: 10 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Monday; 1 death
Citizens Voice: County to start process for new manager search 
Citizens Voice: 10 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death reported in county
Times-Tribune: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airportgets COVID-19 relief money 
Times-Tribune: Officials tout completed stained-glass window project at Scranton City Hall
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 spread still declining in region, state

South Central 
Patriot News: Fewer people, same passions at this year’s Capitol gun owners rights rally 
ABC27: Gun Advocates Rally for 2nd Amendment Rights; LT Governor Says His 1st Amendment Rights Ignored
LNP | LancasterOnline: Martin proposes a charter school reform bill to increase education tax credits, legislative pull in charter approvals 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Where does Lancaster stand on policing commitments a year after social unrest tied to George Floyd’s killing?
York Dispatch: Despite pleas of candidate, York County certifies primary votes 
York Dispatch: York City gun violence study completed a year ago, revealed now, called ‘alarming’ and ‘extremely disturbing’
York Dispatch: Immigration advocates eye York County as ICE detention facilities close across country
Carlisle Sentinel: 5 Questions: Gregor reflects on first four years of Carlisle’s Human Relations Commission 
Carlisle Sentinel: Photos: Gun rights supporters rally in Harrisburg Monday
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 8 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Monday

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Proposed bill in Congress includes $20M for transportation, infrastructure projects in Lehigh Valley, Monroe County 
WFMZ: Participants rally against converting Reading building into center for immigrant women 
WFMZ: Berks/Lehigh Co. Representative approves package of bills protecting older adults 
Morning Call: Allentown police update hiring rules to loosen restrictions on past marijuana use, reject recruits who display ‘hate related ideologies’  

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: ‘A safe atmosphere’: A look at the enhanced safety measures in place at Erie City Hall
Erie Times-News: Will Blue Zones Project health initiative expand from Corry to Erie?
Erie Times-News: Erie County reports lowest daily COVID-19 case count since Sept. 30
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: DuBoistown hires tax collector
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Voting rights push meets state restrictions

Opinion  
Marci Hamilton: Sen. Ward: Stop protecting Pennsylvania’s hidden sexual predators
Jon Geeting: How Else To Spend $1.4 Billion 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Business as usual for PGW is bad for consumers, the climate, and even PGW  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: In praise of geezers: Elderly public figures making a difference
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The art of the barbecue
Barney Oursler and John Dodds: The 300K Pennsylvanians awaiting unemployment deserve payment now
Ni­cole Mo­linaro: Con­cealed-carry bill en­ables do­mes­tic abus­ers
Rob Perkins and Giuseppe Rosselli: Raiford spoke the truth about county’s criminal justice system
Jenice Armstrong: Yo, Mayor Kenney, hire Ala Stanford to be the next city health commissioner 
Fletcher McClellan: Once the beneficiaries of direct democracy, the GOP wants to kill it. Where should Pa. stand? 
Lauren Vidas: Philly’s Next Big Challenge 
Daniel Pearson: Philly should reject the parking tax cut
John L. Micek: Advocates for the poor call for a ‘just budget’: What would that look like? | Tuesday Morning Coffee
John L. Micek: Childcare, immigration, schools and more: 6 ways the Biden Budget helps American children | Monday Morning Coffee
Jim Snell: Hacking is just one threat to area’s fuel supply
Chichi Ilonzo Momah and Brian Nightengale: Millions of Americans might miss the benefits of a second vaccine dose. Community pharmacies can help.
Maria C. Ocasio: Biden’s American Jobs Plan means a healthier, cleaner, more economically sound future for the Lehigh Valley
Matt Lucey: Colonial Pipeline shutdown highlights importance of regional refineries
Jo Sheppard: Gov. Wolf saved lives by wisely using emergency powers during the pandemic 
Connor Harris: King of Prussia rail extension is an exemplar of bad planning
Mary Hickman: Here’s clarifying what Republicans stand for
Leah R. Berkowitz: I’m a rabbi and I believe religion should have no say in reproductive health laws
Inga Saffron: Lower Merion suddenly has a walkable riverfront, thanks to Pencoyd Landing development 
Charles D. Allen: For these U.S. Army War College students, a graduation like no other

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