September 8: The Clock Is Ticking
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September 8, 2023
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PA Weather
☁️ Grove City | Mostly Cloudy, 74
⛈️ Chambersburg | PM Storms, 89
⛈️ West Chester | PM Storms, 90
PA Sports
⚾ Phillies (77-62) | Fri-Sun vs. Miami
⚾ Pirates (65-75) | Fri-Sun vs. Atlanta
🏈 Penn State (1-0) | Sat vs. Delaware
🏈 Pitt (1-0) | Sat vs. Cincinnati
🏈 Temple (1-0) | Sat vs. Rutgers
🏈 Eagles | Sun vs. New England
🏈 Steelers | Sun vs. San Francisco
What We’re Hearing
“Everybody wants to put their tent project on (the bill package). We’re running low on time.” – Rep. Guy Reschenthaler
Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Melissa Shusterman (Sat.) and Sen. Mike Regan (Sun.)
Subscribe Today. Did I Mention It’s Free?
Get your Pennsylvania political news emailed to you at the start of every day. Sign up for your free subscription to the PoliticsPA Playbook.
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“As Chief Deputy Whip, U.S. Rep Guy Reschenthaler has his finger on the pulse on where lawmakers stand on every major Republican bill in Congress.
But even Reschenthaler said he can’t predict how – or when – the government will find a spending solution to avoid a looming federal shutdown.
“Anybody who tells you how this is going to play out, they’re lying,” Reschenthaler told The Tribune-Democrat on Thursday after a lunch session with the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce at Oakhurst Grille.” (Johnstown Tribune-Democrat)
Related
How the Health Care Industrial Complex Could Torpedo Trump’s Chances in Pennsylvania. “The Republican party’s reputation as anti-science has hurt it badly in places where healthcare is a leading employer.” (POLITICO)
Presidential Centers From Hoover To Bush And Obama Unite To Warn Of Fragile State Of U.S. Democracy. “Concern for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization has prompted the entities supporting 13 presidential libraries dating back to Herbert Hoover to call for a recommitment to the country’s bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs.” (AP)
Casey Bill Would Expand Social Security Benefits. “Sen. Bob Casey Jr. has introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act, which would fix outdated and arbitrary restrictions on Social Security benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses.” (Times Leader)
Summer Lee Kicks Off Her Re-Election Campaign As A Possible Primary Challenge Looms. “Lee may not have clear sailing to renomination. Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel, who quickly dropped plans to run for the seat last year, is considering challenging Ms. Lee in next year’s Democratic primary over her stance on Israel.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
PA-01: Houck Campaign Off To A Rocky Start With FEC. “Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District Mark Houck has run afoul of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) just days after announcing his challenge for the seat held by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.” (PoliticsPA)
“On Nov. 7, Pennsylvanians will select a new judge for Commonwealth Court and two for Superior Court — and all of these new judges will immediately wield the power to referee legal disputes over state law and decide major criminal cases.
The commonwealth’s two intermediate appellate courts can affirm or reverse decisions made in lower courts. Their rulings can be appealed to the state Supreme Court, Pennsylvania’s court of last resort.
The person who wins the open seat on Commonwealth Court could help shape Pennsylvania’s laws on everything from elections to firearms, while the two candidates who win seats on Superior Court could decide the outcomes of high-profile criminal cases and set precedents that impact everyone within the criminal justice system. ” (Spotlight PA)
Related
Lawmaker Proposes Banning Puberty Blockers For Minors. “Despite the fact that medications are well studied and have been used safely since the late 1980s, Rep. Brad Roae wants to legislate against gender change surgery and puberty blockers for minors.” (PoliticsPA)
Ups and Downs. “The new NFL season kicks off tonight and fall is just around the corner. Although this week’s heat wave around the Commonwealth belies that fact. We are just 12 days away from a special election that could turn the majority in the state House, while we still await the final pieces of the state budget puzzle to be solved. Who had a good week? Who had a bad week? That’s why we’re here.” (PoliticsPA)
Penn State Poised To Ask State For Millions More Next Year While Awaiting Current Funding. “A university trustees’ committee on Thursday voted to recommend the full board consider requesting $368.1 million from the state to support university operations. The board is scheduled to meet on Friday.” (PennLive)
School Funding Overhaul Is A Chance To Fix Old Flaws In An Inequitable System, Advocates Say. “Public education advocates said Thursday that to succeed in drafting a blueprint for an equitable funding system, the General Assembly’s Basic Education Funding Commission must expand its scope and correct past flaws in its work.” (PA Capital-Star)
Senate Fiscal Code Bill Could Benefit Philadelphia 2026 FIFA World Cup. “A $10 million amount to help Pennsylvania prepare for an international sporting event like the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia is included in one of the Fiscal Code bills passed by the Senate last week. House Bill 1300 also provides $15 million for statewide tourism marketing.” (Capitolwire)
Crisis Pregnancy Centers Rake In Dark Money Despite Shapiro’s Funding Cut. “At the end of 2023, Pennsylvania’s abortion landscape will shift again — just not for the reasons progressives have feared in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s 2022 overruling.” (Pittsburgh City Paper)
Mental Health Issues Subject Of House Republican Policy Committee Hearing. “Two sets of panelists addressed the committee targeting areas that are affected by the difficulties people in rural settings have in seeking help for mental health problems.” (Williamsport Sun-Gazette)
“A local labor leader said this week that his union would “absolutely” support a challenger to Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey in the next election, saying a politician his members long supported has “turned his back on labor.
Philip Ameris, president of the Laborers’ District Council of Pennsylvania, said Wednesday on KDKA radio that Mr. Gainey is “not the mayor we want.”” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Related
Will Public Safety And Crime Be Key Issues In Innamorato-Rockey Race For Allegheny County Executive? “The week after Labor Day means a couple things. For starters, it’s the time when things start getting real for candidates in this fall’s off-year elections, starting with Allegheny County executive candidates Republican Joe Rockey and Democrat Sara Innamorato.” (WESA Politics)
Why A Philly Union Leader Was Missing From His Own Stage As President Biden Visited Monday. “If you lead a local union with serious political juice you want a spot on stage in your own hall when the president shows up to speak, right?” (Philadelphia Inquirer Clout)
Democratic Bucks County Commissioners Are Running On Their Record Of Accomplishments And Bipartisanship. “Bob Harvie and Diane Marseglia, lifelong residents of Bucks County, are running for reelection as County Commissioners. We spoke with them about why they are running and why this election is so critical.” (Bucks County Beacon)
Who Should Replace Danielle Outlaw? “Philly’s police commissioner announced her resignation this week. Here, some candidates the next mayor should consider, and why.” (Philadelphia Citizen)
Luzerne County Election Board Rejects Ballot Referendum. “During a special meeting Thursday, Luzerne County’s Election Board unanimously rejected the placement of county council’s referendum on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. The five volunteer citizen board members cited multiple concerns with the referendum, which would reconstitute the election board.” (Times Leader)
Judge Assigning Special Prosecutor To Investigate Greene DA. “A special prosecutor is being assigned to investigate Greene County District Attorney David Russo over his decision to file charges against two county officials following complaints about the ballot placement for candidates in the May primary.” (Observer-Reporter)
“Looking to elevate your game day experience when the Steelers take on the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday with some craveable new eats? Aramark, the stadium’s food and beverage provider, says “Game on!” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Thanks for starting your day with us.
What did you think of today’s newsletter?
Please invite your colleagues
to subscribe to the PoliticsPA Playbook
🥳 Yes! It’s Friday. Thank you for being a subscriber to the PoliticsPA Playbook.
PA Weather
☁️ Grove City | Mostly Cloudy, 74
⛈️ Chambersburg | PM Storms, 89
⛈️ West Chester | PM Storms, 90
PA Sports
⚾ Phillies (77-62) | Fri-Sun vs. Miami
⚾ Pirates (65-75) | Fri-Sun vs. Atlanta
🏈 Penn State (1-0) | Sat vs. Delaware
🏈 Pitt (1-0) | Sat vs. Cincinnati
🏈 Temple (1-0) | Sat vs. Rutgers
🏈 Eagles | Sun vs. New England
🏈 Steelers | Sun vs. San Francisco
What We’re Hearing
“Everybody wants to put their tent project on (the bill package). We’re running low on time.” – Rep. Guy Reschenthaler
Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Melissa Shusterman (Sat.) and Sen. Mike Regan (Sun.)
Subscribe Today. Did I Mention It’s Free?
Get your Pennsylvania political news emailed to you at the start of every day. Sign up for your free subscription to the PoliticsPA Playbook.
Follow Us
On the platform formerly known as Twitter | On Facebook | On LinkedIn
“As Chief Deputy Whip, U.S. Rep Guy Reschenthaler has his finger on the pulse on where lawmakers stand on every major Republican bill in Congress.
But even Reschenthaler said he can’t predict how – or when – the government will find a spending solution to avoid a looming federal shutdown.
“Anybody who tells you how this is going to play out, they’re lying,” Reschenthaler told The Tribune-Democrat on Thursday after a lunch session with the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce at Oakhurst Grille.” (Johnstown Tribune-Democrat)
Related
How the Health Care Industrial Complex Could Torpedo Trump’s Chances in Pennsylvania. “The Republican party’s reputation as anti-science has hurt it badly in places where healthcare is a leading employer.” (POLITICO)
Presidential Centers From Hoover To Bush And Obama Unite To Warn Of Fragile State Of U.S. Democracy. “Concern for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization has prompted the entities supporting 13 presidential libraries dating back to Herbert Hoover to call for a recommitment to the country’s bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs.” (AP)
Casey Bill Would Expand Social Security Benefits. “Sen. Bob Casey Jr. has introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act, which would fix outdated and arbitrary restrictions on Social Security benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses.” (Times Leader)
Summer Lee Kicks Off Her Re-Election Campaign As A Possible Primary Challenge Looms. “Lee may not have clear sailing to renomination. Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel, who quickly dropped plans to run for the seat last year, is considering challenging Ms. Lee in next year’s Democratic primary over her stance on Israel.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
PA-01: Houck Campaign Off To A Rocky Start With FEC. “Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District Mark Houck has run afoul of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) just days after announcing his challenge for the seat held by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.” (PoliticsPA)
“On Nov. 7, Pennsylvanians will select a new judge for Commonwealth Court and two for Superior Court — and all of these new judges will immediately wield the power to referee legal disputes over state law and decide major criminal cases.
The commonwealth’s two intermediate appellate courts can affirm or reverse decisions made in lower courts. Their rulings can be appealed to the state Supreme Court, Pennsylvania’s court of last resort.
The person who wins the open seat on Commonwealth Court could help shape Pennsylvania’s laws on everything from elections to firearms, while the two candidates who win seats on Superior Court could decide the outcomes of high-profile criminal cases and set precedents that impact everyone within the criminal justice system. ” (Spotlight PA)
Related
Lawmaker Proposes Banning Puberty Blockers For Minors. “Despite the fact that medications are well studied and have been used safely since the late 1980s, Rep. Brad Roae wants to legislate against gender change surgery and puberty blockers for minors.” (PoliticsPA)
Ups and Downs. “The new NFL season kicks off tonight and fall is just around the corner. Although this week’s heat wave around the Commonwealth belies that fact. We are just 12 days away from a special election that could turn the majority in the state House, while we still await the final pieces of the state budget puzzle to be solved. Who had a good week? Who had a bad week? That’s why we’re here.” (PoliticsPA)
Penn State Poised To Ask State For Millions More Next Year While Awaiting Current Funding. “A university trustees’ committee on Thursday voted to recommend the full board consider requesting $368.1 million from the state to support university operations. The board is scheduled to meet on Friday.” (PennLive)
School Funding Overhaul Is A Chance To Fix Old Flaws In An Inequitable System, Advocates Say. “Public education advocates said Thursday that to succeed in drafting a blueprint for an equitable funding system, the General Assembly’s Basic Education Funding Commission must expand its scope and correct past flaws in its work.” (PA Capital-Star)
Senate Fiscal Code Bill Could Benefit Philadelphia 2026 FIFA World Cup. “A $10 million amount to help Pennsylvania prepare for an international sporting event like the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia is included in one of the Fiscal Code bills passed by the Senate last week. House Bill 1300 also provides $15 million for statewide tourism marketing.” (Capitolwire)
Crisis Pregnancy Centers Rake In Dark Money Despite Shapiro’s Funding Cut. “At the end of 2023, Pennsylvania’s abortion landscape will shift again — just not for the reasons progressives have feared in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s 2022 overruling.” (Pittsburgh City Paper)
Mental Health Issues Subject Of House Republican Policy Committee Hearing. “Two sets of panelists addressed the committee targeting areas that are affected by the difficulties people in rural settings have in seeking help for mental health problems.” (Williamsport Sun-Gazette)
“A local labor leader said this week that his union would “absolutely” support a challenger to Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey in the next election, saying a politician his members long supported has “turned his back on labor.
Philip Ameris, president of the Laborers’ District Council of Pennsylvania, said Wednesday on KDKA radio that Mr. Gainey is “not the mayor we want.”” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Related
Will Public Safety And Crime Be Key Issues In Innamorato-Rockey Race For Allegheny County Executive? “The week after Labor Day means a couple things. For starters, it’s the time when things start getting real for candidates in this fall’s off-year elections, starting with Allegheny County executive candidates Republican Joe Rockey and Democrat Sara Innamorato.” (WESA Politics)
Why A Philly Union Leader Was Missing From His Own Stage As President Biden Visited Monday. “If you lead a local union with serious political juice you want a spot on stage in your own hall when the president shows up to speak, right?” (Philadelphia Inquirer Clout)
Democratic Bucks County Commissioners Are Running On Their Record Of Accomplishments And Bipartisanship. “Bob Harvie and Diane Marseglia, lifelong residents of Bucks County, are running for reelection as County Commissioners. We spoke with them about why they are running and why this election is so critical.” (Bucks County Beacon)
Who Should Replace Danielle Outlaw? “Philly’s police commissioner announced her resignation this week. Here, some candidates the next mayor should consider, and why.” (Philadelphia Citizen)
Luzerne County Election Board Rejects Ballot Referendum. “During a special meeting Thursday, Luzerne County’s Election Board unanimously rejected the placement of county council’s referendum on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. The five volunteer citizen board members cited multiple concerns with the referendum, which would reconstitute the election board.” (Times Leader)
Judge Assigning Special Prosecutor To Investigate Greene DA. “A special prosecutor is being assigned to investigate Greene County District Attorney David Russo over his decision to file charges against two county officials following complaints about the ballot placement for candidates in the May primary.” (Observer-Reporter)
“Looking to elevate your game day experience when the Steelers take on the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday with some craveable new eats? Aramark, the stadium’s food and beverage provider, says “Game on!” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Thanks for starting your day with us.
What did you think of today’s newsletter?
Please invite your colleagues
to subscribe to the PoliticsPA Playbook
🥳 Yes! It’s Friday. Thank you for being a subscriber to the PoliticsPA Playbook.
PA Weather
☁️ Grove City | Mostly Cloudy, 74
⛈️ Chambersburg | PM Storms, 89
⛈️ West Chester | PM Storms, 90
PA Sports
⚾ Phillies (77-62) | Fri-Sun vs. Miami
⚾ Pirates (65-75) | Fri-Sun vs. Atlanta
🏈 Penn State (1-0) | Sat vs. Delaware
🏈 Pitt (1-0) | Sat vs. Cincinnati
🏈 Temple (1-0) | Sat vs. Rutgers
🏈 Eagles | Sun vs. New England
🏈 Steelers | Sun vs. San Francisco
What We’re Hearing
“Everybody wants to put their tent project on (the bill package). We’re running low on time.” – Rep. Guy Reschenthaler
Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Melissa Shusterman (Sat.) and Sen. Mike Regan (Sun.)
Subscribe Today. Did I Mention It’s Free?
Get your Pennsylvania political news emailed to you at the start of every day. Sign up for your free subscription to the PoliticsPA Playbook.
Follow Us
On the platform formerly known as Twitter | On Facebook | On LinkedIn
“As Chief Deputy Whip, U.S. Rep Guy Reschenthaler has his finger on the pulse on where lawmakers stand on every major Republican bill in Congress.
But even Reschenthaler said he can’t predict how – or when – the government will find a spending solution to avoid a looming federal shutdown.
“Anybody who tells you how this is going to play out, they’re lying,” Reschenthaler told The Tribune-Democrat on Thursday after a lunch session with the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce at Oakhurst Grille.” (Johnstown Tribune-Democrat)
Related
How the Health Care Industrial Complex Could Torpedo Trump’s Chances in Pennsylvania. “The Republican party’s reputation as anti-science has hurt it badly in places where healthcare is a leading employer.” (POLITICO)
Presidential Centers From Hoover To Bush And Obama Unite To Warn Of Fragile State Of U.S. Democracy. “Concern for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization has prompted the entities supporting 13 presidential libraries dating back to Herbert Hoover to call for a recommitment to the country’s bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs.” (AP)
Casey Bill Would Expand Social Security Benefits. “Sen. Bob Casey Jr. has introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act, which would fix outdated and arbitrary restrictions on Social Security benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses.” (Times Leader)
Summer Lee Kicks Off Her Re-Election Campaign As A Possible Primary Challenge Looms. “Lee may not have clear sailing to renomination. Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel, who quickly dropped plans to run for the seat last year, is considering challenging Ms. Lee in next year’s Democratic primary over her stance on Israel.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
PA-01: Houck Campaign Off To A Rocky Start With FEC. “Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District Mark Houck has run afoul of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) just days after announcing his challenge for the seat held by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.” (PoliticsPA)
“On Nov. 7, Pennsylvanians will select a new judge for Commonwealth Court and two for Superior Court — and all of these new judges will immediately wield the power to referee legal disputes over state law and decide major criminal cases.
The commonwealth’s two intermediate appellate courts can affirm or reverse decisions made in lower courts. Their rulings can be appealed to the state Supreme Court, Pennsylvania’s court of last resort.
The person who wins the open seat on Commonwealth Court could help shape Pennsylvania’s laws on everything from elections to firearms, while the two candidates who win seats on Superior Court could decide the outcomes of high-profile criminal cases and set precedents that impact everyone within the criminal justice system. ” (Spotlight PA)
Related
Lawmaker Proposes Banning Puberty Blockers For Minors. “Despite the fact that medications are well studied and have been used safely since the late 1980s, Rep. Brad Roae wants to legislate against gender change surgery and puberty blockers for minors.” (PoliticsPA)
Ups and Downs. “The new NFL season kicks off tonight and fall is just around the corner. Although this week’s heat wave around the Commonwealth belies that fact. We are just 12 days away from a special election that could turn the majority in the state House, while we still await the final pieces of the state budget puzzle to be solved. Who had a good week? Who had a bad week? That’s why we’re here.” (PoliticsPA)
Penn State Poised To Ask State For Millions More Next Year While Awaiting Current Funding. “A university trustees’ committee on Thursday voted to recommend the full board consider requesting $368.1 million from the state to support university operations. The board is scheduled to meet on Friday.” (PennLive)
School Funding Overhaul Is A Chance To Fix Old Flaws In An Inequitable System, Advocates Say. “Public education advocates said Thursday that to succeed in drafting a blueprint for an equitable funding system, the General Assembly’s Basic Education Funding Commission must expand its scope and correct past flaws in its work.” (PA Capital-Star)
Senate Fiscal Code Bill Could Benefit Philadelphia 2026 FIFA World Cup. “A $10 million amount to help Pennsylvania prepare for an international sporting event like the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia is included in one of the Fiscal Code bills passed by the Senate last week. House Bill 1300 also provides $15 million for statewide tourism marketing.” (Capitolwire)
Crisis Pregnancy Centers Rake In Dark Money Despite Shapiro’s Funding Cut. “At the end of 2023, Pennsylvania’s abortion landscape will shift again — just not for the reasons progressives have feared in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s 2022 overruling.” (Pittsburgh City Paper)
Mental Health Issues Subject Of House Republican Policy Committee Hearing. “Two sets of panelists addressed the committee targeting areas that are affected by the difficulties people in rural settings have in seeking help for mental health problems.” (Williamsport Sun-Gazette)
“A local labor leader said this week that his union would “absolutely” support a challenger to Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey in the next election, saying a politician his members long supported has “turned his back on labor.
Philip Ameris, president of the Laborers’ District Council of Pennsylvania, said Wednesday on KDKA radio that Mr. Gainey is “not the mayor we want.”” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Related
Will Public Safety And Crime Be Key Issues In Innamorato-Rockey Race For Allegheny County Executive? “The week after Labor Day means a couple things. For starters, it’s the time when things start getting real for candidates in this fall’s off-year elections, starting with Allegheny County executive candidates Republican Joe Rockey and Democrat Sara Innamorato.” (WESA Politics)
Why A Philly Union Leader Was Missing From His Own Stage As President Biden Visited Monday. “If you lead a local union with serious political juice you want a spot on stage in your own hall when the president shows up to speak, right?” (Philadelphia Inquirer Clout)
Democratic Bucks County Commissioners Are Running On Their Record Of Accomplishments And Bipartisanship. “Bob Harvie and Diane Marseglia, lifelong residents of Bucks County, are running for reelection as County Commissioners. We spoke with them about why they are running and why this election is so critical.” (Bucks County Beacon)
Who Should Replace Danielle Outlaw? “Philly’s police commissioner announced her resignation this week. Here, some candidates the next mayor should consider, and why.” (Philadelphia Citizen)
Luzerne County Election Board Rejects Ballot Referendum. “During a special meeting Thursday, Luzerne County’s Election Board unanimously rejected the placement of county council’s referendum on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. The five volunteer citizen board members cited multiple concerns with the referendum, which would reconstitute the election board.” (Times Leader)
Judge Assigning Special Prosecutor To Investigate Greene DA. “A special prosecutor is being assigned to investigate Greene County District Attorney David Russo over his decision to file charges against two county officials following complaints about the ballot placement for candidates in the May primary.” (Observer-Reporter)
“Looking to elevate your game day experience when the Steelers take on the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday with some craveable new eats? Aramark, the stadium’s food and beverage provider, says “Game on!” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Thanks for starting your day with us.
What did you think of today’s newsletter?
Please invite your colleagues
to subscribe to the PoliticsPA Playbook
🥳 Yes! It’s Friday. Thank you for being a subscriber to the PoliticsPA Playbook.
PA Weather
☁️ Grove City | Mostly Cloudy, 74
⛈️ Chambersburg | PM Storms, 89
⛈️ West Chester | PM Storms, 90
PA Sports
⚾ Phillies (77-62) | Fri-Sun vs. Miami
⚾ Pirates (65-75) | Fri-Sun vs. Atlanta
🏈 Penn State (1-0) | Sat vs. Delaware
🏈 Pitt (1-0) | Sat vs. Cincinnati
🏈 Temple (1-0) | Sat vs. Rutgers
🏈 Eagles | Sun vs. New England
🏈 Steelers | Sun vs. San Francisco
What We’re Hearing
“Everybody wants to put their tent project on (the bill package). We’re running low on time.” – Rep. Guy Reschenthaler
Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Melissa Shusterman (Sat.) and Sen. Mike Regan (Sun.)
Subscribe Today. Did I Mention It’s Free?
Get your Pennsylvania political news emailed to you at the start of every day. Sign up for your free subscription to the PoliticsPA Playbook.
Follow Us
On the platform formerly known as Twitter | On Facebook | On LinkedIn
“As Chief Deputy Whip, U.S. Rep Guy Reschenthaler has his finger on the pulse on where lawmakers stand on every major Republican bill in Congress.
But even Reschenthaler said he can’t predict how – or when – the government will find a spending solution to avoid a looming federal shutdown.
“Anybody who tells you how this is going to play out, they’re lying,” Reschenthaler told The Tribune-Democrat on Thursday after a lunch session with the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce at Oakhurst Grille.” (Johnstown Tribune-Democrat)
Related
How the Health Care Industrial Complex Could Torpedo Trump’s Chances in Pennsylvania. “The Republican party’s reputation as anti-science has hurt it badly in places where healthcare is a leading employer.” (POLITICO)
Presidential Centers From Hoover To Bush And Obama Unite To Warn Of Fragile State Of U.S. Democracy. “Concern for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization has prompted the entities supporting 13 presidential libraries dating back to Herbert Hoover to call for a recommitment to the country’s bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs.” (AP)
Casey Bill Would Expand Social Security Benefits. “Sen. Bob Casey Jr. has introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act, which would fix outdated and arbitrary restrictions on Social Security benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses.” (Times Leader)
Summer Lee Kicks Off Her Re-Election Campaign As A Possible Primary Challenge Looms. “Lee may not have clear sailing to renomination. Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel, who quickly dropped plans to run for the seat last year, is considering challenging Ms. Lee in next year’s Democratic primary over her stance on Israel.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
PA-01: Houck Campaign Off To A Rocky Start With FEC. “Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District Mark Houck has run afoul of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) just days after announcing his challenge for the seat held by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.” (PoliticsPA)
“On Nov. 7, Pennsylvanians will select a new judge for Commonwealth Court and two for Superior Court — and all of these new judges will immediately wield the power to referee legal disputes over state law and decide major criminal cases.
The commonwealth’s two intermediate appellate courts can affirm or reverse decisions made in lower courts. Their rulings can be appealed to the state Supreme Court, Pennsylvania’s court of last resort.
The person who wins the open seat on Commonwealth Court could help shape Pennsylvania’s laws on everything from elections to firearms, while the two candidates who win seats on Superior Court could decide the outcomes of high-profile criminal cases and set precedents that impact everyone within the criminal justice system. ” (Spotlight PA)
Related
Lawmaker Proposes Banning Puberty Blockers For Minors. “Despite the fact that medications are well studied and have been used safely since the late 1980s, Rep. Brad Roae wants to legislate against gender change surgery and puberty blockers for minors.” (PoliticsPA)
Ups and Downs. “The new NFL season kicks off tonight and fall is just around the corner. Although this week’s heat wave around the Commonwealth belies that fact. We are just 12 days away from a special election that could turn the majority in the state House, while we still await the final pieces of the state budget puzzle to be solved. Who had a good week? Who had a bad week? That’s why we’re here.” (PoliticsPA)
Penn State Poised To Ask State For Millions More Next Year While Awaiting Current Funding. “A university trustees’ committee on Thursday voted to recommend the full board consider requesting $368.1 million from the state to support university operations. The board is scheduled to meet on Friday.” (PennLive)
School Funding Overhaul Is A Chance To Fix Old Flaws In An Inequitable System, Advocates Say. “Public education advocates said Thursday that to succeed in drafting a blueprint for an equitable funding system, the General Assembly’s Basic Education Funding Commission must expand its scope and correct past flaws in its work.” (PA Capital-Star)
Senate Fiscal Code Bill Could Benefit Philadelphia 2026 FIFA World Cup. “A $10 million amount to help Pennsylvania prepare for an international sporting event like the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia is included in one of the Fiscal Code bills passed by the Senate last week. House Bill 1300 also provides $15 million for statewide tourism marketing.” (Capitolwire)
Crisis Pregnancy Centers Rake In Dark Money Despite Shapiro’s Funding Cut. “At the end of 2023, Pennsylvania’s abortion landscape will shift again — just not for the reasons progressives have feared in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s 2022 overruling.” (Pittsburgh City Paper)
Mental Health Issues Subject Of House Republican Policy Committee Hearing. “Two sets of panelists addressed the committee targeting areas that are affected by the difficulties people in rural settings have in seeking help for mental health problems.” (Williamsport Sun-Gazette)
“A local labor leader said this week that his union would “absolutely” support a challenger to Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey in the next election, saying a politician his members long supported has “turned his back on labor.
Philip Ameris, president of the Laborers’ District Council of Pennsylvania, said Wednesday on KDKA radio that Mr. Gainey is “not the mayor we want.”” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Related
Will Public Safety And Crime Be Key Issues In Innamorato-Rockey Race For Allegheny County Executive? “The week after Labor Day means a couple things. For starters, it’s the time when things start getting real for candidates in this fall’s off-year elections, starting with Allegheny County executive candidates Republican Joe Rockey and Democrat Sara Innamorato.” (WESA Politics)
Why A Philly Union Leader Was Missing From His Own Stage As President Biden Visited Monday. “If you lead a local union with serious political juice you want a spot on stage in your own hall when the president shows up to speak, right?” (Philadelphia Inquirer Clout)
Democratic Bucks County Commissioners Are Running On Their Record Of Accomplishments And Bipartisanship. “Bob Harvie and Diane Marseglia, lifelong residents of Bucks County, are running for reelection as County Commissioners. We spoke with them about why they are running and why this election is so critical.” (Bucks County Beacon)
Who Should Replace Danielle Outlaw? “Philly’s police commissioner announced her resignation this week. Here, some candidates the next mayor should consider, and why.” (Philadelphia Citizen)
Luzerne County Election Board Rejects Ballot Referendum. “During a special meeting Thursday, Luzerne County’s Election Board unanimously rejected the placement of county council’s referendum on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. The five volunteer citizen board members cited multiple concerns with the referendum, which would reconstitute the election board.” (Times Leader)
Judge Assigning Special Prosecutor To Investigate Greene DA. “A special prosecutor is being assigned to investigate Greene County District Attorney David Russo over his decision to file charges against two county officials following complaints about the ballot placement for candidates in the May primary.” (Observer-Reporter)
“Looking to elevate your game day experience when the Steelers take on the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday with some craveable new eats? Aramark, the stadium’s food and beverage provider, says “Game on!” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
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