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March 19th Playbook

Sabato’s Crystal Ball labels PA’s Governor’s race in 2022 as a Toss-Up, while the DLCC has placed PA’s state House and Senate as “battlegrounds” for the 2022 cycle. Here is the Playbook. 

Sabato’s Crystal Ball Labels 2022 PA Governor’s Race As A Toss-Up In Initial Ratings: Pennsylvania is one of five states included in the Toss-Up category.

DLCC Dubs PA House, Senate as ‘Battlegrounds’ For 2022 Cycle: Pennsylvania is one of five states to have both chambers included in the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee’s “state legislative battlegrounds” category.

Inky: PA Still Has A Mail Ballot Deadline Problem, Could Be Worse Than 2020: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Pennsylvania’s mail ballot deadline “problem hasn’t gone away,” and that it could be worse than 2020.  

WESA Highlight’s Fetterman’s Views on Fracking: WESA reports on Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s position on fracking and how it may impact his race for the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022. 

Casey and Toomey Introduce Nursing Home Reform Legislation: The Daily Local News reports that Sens. Bob Casey (D) and Pat Toomey (R) have introduced the Nursing Home Reform Modernization Act of 2021 that aims to reform nursing homes. 

SD22: Three Possible GOP Candidates: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, former first assistant DA in Lackawanna County Gene Talerico, and former 8th Congressional GOP hopeful Earl Granville have been mentioned as possible Republican candidates for the upcoming special election for the state Senate’s 22nd District. Democrats have nominated state Rep. Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna), while Republicans have yet to nominate a candidate. 

Carlisle Mayor Endorses Kenyatta’s Senate Bid: According to a press release from state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s (D-Philadelphia) U.S. Senate campaign, he has been endorsed by Carlisle Mayor Tim Scott, Carlisle Borough Council candidate Safronia Perry, and former state Senate candidate Shanna Danielson. 

Walton To Vote ‘No’ On Allegheny County Paid Sick Day Bill: WESA reports that the Allegheny County Council paid sick day bill “appears destined to die” two days after Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald vetoed the measure. Allegheny County Councilor DeWitt Walton, who originally voted in favor of the legislation, said he would not support the effort to override the veto, echoing Fitzgerald’s concerns with the bill. 

Lee Endorses Gainey for Pittsburgh Mayor: State Rep. Summer Lee (D-Allegheny), Allegheny County Councilwoman Liv Bennett, Pittsburgh School Board Director Devon Taliaferro, and Dr. Regina Holley have endorsed state Rep. Ed Gainey’s bid for Mayor of Pittsburgh, according to a release from his campaign. In response to the endorsements, Gainey said that he’s “honored to have the support of these incredible leaders, who are trailblazers in our community,” and that “Black women have been the power behind our most important political movements, so to have this support shows that our campaign has the vision and coalition that is going to take to unite and transform Pittsburgh.”

The Collective PAC Endorses Lane for Superior Court: The Collective PAC, which describes itself as “the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political representation across all levels of government,” has endorsed Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Timika Lane’s bid for the Democratic nomination for the PA Superior Court. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Levine pressed for answers on Pa.’s missing nursing home data as confirmation advances
AP: Agents found no evidence of backdated ballots, report says 
AP: Pennsylvania follows IRS in delaying tax deadline to May 17 
AP: Judge keeps election-related charges against 2 Virginia men 
Philly Clout: Ryan Costello campaigns against cancel culture as he threatens to sue Twitter critics
Inquirer: Pennsylvania still has a problem with mail ballot deadlines and it could be worse than 2020 
Inquirer: Pa. health officials accuse Philly collar counties of ‘wasting precious time’ over mass vaccination plan
Inquirer: More COVID-19 rental assistance is coming to tenants in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Patriot News: In wake of Georgia killings, Pa. officials speak out against violence targeting Asian Americans
Patriot News: Pa. says it’s starting to excel at COVID-19 vaccine distribution
Patriot News: Leader of Pa. state universities delivers blunt message: Reorganize or ‘dissolve the system’
Patriot News: Pa. Supreme Court to hold forum on drive to ensure justice for those with autism
Patriot News: Farmers markets encouraged to accept SNAP benefits with offer of free equipment to process transactions
USA Today: GOP lawmakers want to restrict voting rights. Here’s what happens next 
USA Today: Why Toomey voted against bill protecting stimulus from debt collectors
York Daily Record: Pennsylvania restaurants get bar service back, but the staff might be staying home
WESA: Fetterman Negotiates Difficult Terrain On Fracking Issue
WESA: Families Will Get Money To Make Up For Lost School Meals, But Not For Weeks
Post-Gazette: Pa. to provide over $1B in benefits for children who missed out on free, reduced-price meals
Post-Gazette: With focus on farmworkers and ‘dreamers,’ lawmakers hope to build momentum on long-stalled immigration reform
KDKA: Sens. Casey And Toomey Introduce Legislation Aimed At Nursing Home Reform 
The Hill: Postal Service: No evidence to support Pennsylvania worker’s fraud claims
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania, New Jersey’s gender wage gaps are worse than national average
PLSReporter: Beam touts ‘progress’ with more than 3.9 million vaccine doses administered
Citizens Voice: Pennsylvania ranks 2nd in COVID-19 vaccinations, improves provider map  

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Ryan Costello campaigns against cancel culture as he threatens to sue Twitter critics
Inquirer: Keir Bradford-Grey to resign as Philly’s chief public defender 
Inquirer: ‘Borderline illegal’: Courtesy tows remain Philly’s persistent parking nightmare
Inquirer: Philly Asian Americans have experienced a year of hateful acts, and fear it’s going to get even worse 
Billy Penn: Philly vaccine interest registry has built-in disparities, widening the racial divide 
Billy Penn: ‘The hate has to stop’: Philly mourns at Chinatown vigil for Atlanta spa shooting victims 
Billy Penn: Pa. opens new pandemic rent relief program, with no cap on assistance
Billy Penn: The minimum wage at all the supermarket chains in Philly
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Council changes mixed-income housing bonus rules for Southwest Center City 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly advances ban on shops selling pipes and other drug accessories
KYW Newsradio: Poll workers on election front lines but remain low vaccination priority
Philadelphia Tribune: As killings surge, Kenney has few solutions 
Philadelphia Tribune: Black clergy group unveils plan to address gun violence 
Philadelphia Citizen: “Putting Race At The Forefront” 

SEPA
Daily Local News: Comitta appointed to Senate Education Committee 
Daily Local News: Braceland likely scratched from mayoral ballot 
Daily Local News: West Chester police form task force to better diversify department
Inquirer: Pa. health officials accuse Philly collar counties of ‘wasting precious time’ over mass vaccination plan
KYW Newsradio: Exclusive: Bucks first assistant DA demoted after driving for DoorDash during office hours
Bucks County Courier Times: First Assistant DA demoted over DoorDash job
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks coroner claims funding will run out April 30
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks OKs $4.4 million courthouse project
Philly Voice: Bucks County prosecutor demoted over ‘stupid’ Doordash side gig
Montgomery Media: Ciresi, Young call for creation of PA education reform commission 
Montgomery Media: Rent and utility assistance program available to help Montgomery County residents 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County officials condemn discrimination against Asian Americans 
Montgomery Media: Thursday update: Montgomery County reports 135 new coronavirus cases 
Philadelphia Business Journal: John Elliott, litigator and Elliott Greenleaf founder, dies at 79
Pottstown Mercury: No-cost transportation to vaccine appointments available for Montgomery County residents
Pottstown Mercury: Federal stimulus packages provide funding relief for Montgomery County

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Walton Vows To Cast ‘No’ Vote On Allegheny County Paid Sick Days Bill, Likely Killing It
WESA: Later, Gators: Council Green-Lights Ban On Ownership Of Crocs, Other Species 
WESA: March 13-19 Explained: Vaccines For Prisoners, Help For Restaurants & Fetterman On Fracking  
WESA: Port Authority’s Fare Hike To $2.75 Could Actually Reduce Costs For Many Riders, But Not All 
WESA: Ross Township Police Wrestle With Division After ‘No Confidence’ Vote On Chief
Pittsburgh Business Times: Costa: ‘We’ve got $7.3 billion making its way to Pennsylvania. The question is what do we do with it?’ 
Pittsburgh Business Times: City of Pittsburgh extends income tax deadline in move that follows IRS and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
Tribune Review: Western Pa. community leaders fear mounting intensity of anti-Asian hate, xenophobia 
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Westmoreland counties covid cases, deaths stable; Pennsylvania surpasses 12% fully vaccinated
City Paper: Port Authority proposes increasing transit fares, but wants to eliminate transfer fees for some users 
City Paper: Pitt group joins daughters of missing scholars to sound alarm on China’s persecution of Uyghur people 
City Paper: Allegheny County expands COVID eligibility to residents 50-64 with underlying health conditions
KDKA: Port Authority Proposal Raises Fares, Waives Transfer Fees 
KDKA: State And City Follow IRS’s Lead, Push Back Tax Filing Deadline 
KDKA: Wolf Administration Doubles Down On Plan To Raise Minimum Wage For First Time Since 2009 
KDKA: New Program To Revitalize Monessen Forgives Back Taxes For Buyers Who Promise To Fix Blighted Buildings
KDKA: Around The Table: What Is H.R. 1?
KDKA: Pa. State House Passes Bike Lane Safety Bill
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 296 More Coronavirus Cases
Post-Gazette: Asians and Asian Americans living in Pittsburgh fear harassment and violence 
Post-Gazette: Ross woman charged in Capitol riot

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Councilman Manning’s candidacy in jeopardy after challenge
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 vaccine doses nearly double in Allegheny County
Beaver County Times: Western PA vaccination clinics continue to fill
Beaver County Times: Pa. lawmakers want answers on nursing home deaths
Beaver County Times: PA updates provider map to find vaccine appointments
Beaver County Times: GOP lawmakers want to restrict voting rights. Here’s what happens next
Tribune Review: Westmoreland commissioners select in-state company to handle mail-in ballots
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: PA follows federal move, shifts tax deadline to May 17
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Third day with 3,000-plus COVID-19 cases
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Pace of vaccine distribution accelerating but many seniors still feel left out

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Mullery is the top recipient of per diems in Luzerne County and says he will “compare the alternatives available”
Citizens Voice: Cartwright asks to save mine reclamation program 
Citizens Voice: Salavantis to file for court injunction in DA vacancy dispute 
Citizens Voice: 78 new COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths reported in county on Thursday
The Times Leader: Flynn is Democratic candidate 22nd Senatorial District; GOP yet to pick
The Times Leader: BREAKING: Luzerne County DA vacancy challenge to be filed Friday 
The Times Leader: 3 Luzerne County lawmakers received per diems during pandemic
The Times Leader: Baker’s Senate Judiciary Committee advances key legislation
The Times Leader: Yudichak: Legislation will help state’s distressed municipalities
The Times Leader: 78 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Thursday; 3 more deaths
Times-Tribune: Scranton poised to replace legacy IT systems with modern digital platform 
Times-Tribune: O’Malley subpoenas staff, forcing register of wills office to close today 
Times-Tribune: Scranton partners with Lackawanna College to help struggling restaurants get online 
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County sues Scranton to recoup $208,000 in fees paid for government center renovation 
Times-Tribune: Two weeks after case COVID-19 spike, Keystone College says it will resume in-person classes; NEPA surpasses 60,000 COVID-19 cases

South Central 
Patriot News: Harrisburg mayoral candidate Otto V. Banks hit with allegation he doesn’t live in the city
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle seeks volunteers to serve on its truth and reconciliation commission
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle Police officer running for district judge seat in South Middleton area
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 46 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Thursday 
York Dispatch: York NAACP mulling public forum, polling about city surveillance proposal
York Dispatch: 151 new COVID-19 cases reported in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Homeowners, businesses have longer to seek loans for damage from August floods 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pilot program will make mental health therapists available to Lancaster Co. police this weekend
LNP | LancasterOnline: Nearly 100,000 Lancaster County residents have been at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19

Lehigh Valley      
WHMZ: Bethlehem man campaigning for Northampton County Council seat
WHMZ: Former Allentown cop announces run for city council
WHMZ: Commissioners want to weigh in on idea of plastics ban in South Whitehall
WHMZ: Allentown City Council approves zoning change to allow riverfront development
WHMZ: Berks expecting to get $81.6M in federal stimulus money
WHMZ: Berks commissioners OK site for mass vaccination clinic
Reading Eagle: In his own words: Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera shares his experience with COVID
Reading Eagle: In his own words: State Rep. Barry Jozwiak shares his COVID experience
Reading Eagle: In his own words: State Rep. Manny Guzman shares his COVID experience
Morning Call: How will Allentown, Bethlehem other local governments spend massive influx of federal aid?
Morning Call: Prominent prosecutor demoted for making DoorDash deliveries during office hours
Morning Call: Pennsylvania sets goal to have everyone eligible for COVID-19 vaccine on May 1
Morning Call: As Allentown develops holistic approach to ending homelessness, tiny home proposal sparks debate
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: State ranks 2nd in nation for per capita vaccinations in last week; when Phase 1B could start | Pa. COVID vaccine map (03/18/21)
Express Times: Pa. personal income tax filing deadline extended to May
Express Times: Getting a mammogram? A COVID-19 vaccine shot could affect the timing, health officials say
Express Times: Tips from a COVID-19 vaccine hunter: Pa. prof’s bagged 200-plus appointments

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Postal Service: no ballot fraud in Erie probe
Erie Times-News: Erie County unemployment surges in January 
Erie Times-News: Residents to petition against Ravine Drive plan
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Regional councils to help promote health equity
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Pandemic redefines ‘public’ access to meetings
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Mayor wants front desk security before reopening City Hall

Opinion  
John Baer: What will it take to get Pennsylvania off ‘the wrong track’? 
Jessica Beard and Jim MacMillan: Mayor Kenney’s new gun briefings must be more than police press conferences 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Redistricting must include public 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Change how we choose lieutenant governor 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Capitol security must project strength, not fear 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: An end to the 1-year-old’s smash cake? No!
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Beware partisan websites masquerading as news sites. Newspapers such as LNP | LancasterOnline are far more reliable.
York Dispatch Editorial Board: GOP needs to get behind Violence Against Women Act
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Kudos for decades of service
Inquirer Editorial Board: City Council’s surprising new support for arts and culture deserves applause — and some questions 
Inquirer Editorial Board: As looming personal debt crisis emboldens collectors, Philly’s small claims court needs a bigger role 
Inquirer Staff: Should teachers crowdfund for supplies? | Pro/Con
Dr. Trude Haecker: Leaders need to support health of all students
Todd Shepherd: Do Philly Officials Have Confidence in Krasner? 
John L. Micek: ‘It is a heavy load to carry’: New Brookings report recommends pay hikes, labor reforms for essential workers | Friday Morning Coffee
Judy Grisel: How the stimulus plan still neglects our most vulnerable kids
Robert G Little, MD: Green energy is healthier for the environment and for humans
Jobert Abueva: Asian Americans must support each other after Atlanta attacks on our community
Will Bunch: A mass shooting in Atlanta stirs the toxic, apocalyptic stew of America after Trump, COVID-19 
Fletcher McClellan: Biden as the Anti-Obama: I didn’t see that one coming 
Tony Norman: Anti-Asian violence gets lost in translation
Roxanne Patel Shepelavy: 17+ Ways to Support Asian Americans in Philly
Trudy Rubin: Want civic education in U.S. schools? Look to Germany for lessons. 
Clifford A. Rieder: Why interest rates matter

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