✅ Tuesday. This is the 120th day of the state budget impasse and the last day to request an absentee ballot.
🗞️ In today’s Guide. USDA Confirms: No Future SNAP Benefits. The demographic advantage in voter registration is shrinking. Conservative PAC endorsements have sparked controversy in suburban school board races. Flight delays are skyrocketing as controllers miss their first paycheck.
🎶 Your morning pick-me-up. Good thing. Great teenage cannibals
Weather in Pennsylvania
☀️ Erie | Sunny, 55
☀️ State Higher School | Sunny, 54
☀️ Allentown | Sunny, 57
Sports PA
🏀 Sixers (3-0) | Orlando 136-124 | Tuesday in Washington
🏒 Penguins (7-2-1) | Saint Louis 6-3 | Tuesday in Philadelphia
🏒 Flyers (4-3-1) | Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh
📅 What’s happening today. House of Representatives, 11:00 | State Senate, 1:00
🗞️ What we hear. Announced by HD-45 representative Anita Kulik will leave his position at the end of her term.
📰 PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
The most essential story
1. USDA Confirms: No Future SNAP Benefits
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed this morning what Pennsylvanians have feared since the federal government shutdown began.
No SNAP benefits will be available on November 1.” (PolitykaPA)
Elsewhere
McCormick talks government shutdown, SNAP and health insurance subsidies during visit to Harrisburg. “As the federal government shutdown reaches its 27th day, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick renewed his calls for a continuing resolution and pointed out to Democrats the ongoing gridlock.” (Penn Capital Star)
Yass became a donor to Trump’s $250 million White House ballroom. “Jeffrey Yass, Pennsylvania’s richest billionaire and a Republican Party megadonor, was one of more than 100 wealthy business owners and executives who appeared on President Donald Trump’s list of donors to his $250 million White House ballroom, according to CBS News.” (Key)
The Times says Shapiro’s view that America is ready for a Jewish president has not changed. “Pennsylvania’s governor stands by a statement he made last year that ‘broadly speaking, absolutely’ America could elect a Jewish president in his lifetime.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
How Department of Education cuts could impact students with disabilities in Pennsylvania. “Groups advocating for Pennsylvania public schools warn that steps to downsize and eliminate the U.S. Department of Education will mean less aid for students with disabilities.” (Erie Times-News)
Country
2. Democrat voter advantage in Pennsylvania is shrinking
“Ahead of next week’s elections in Pennsylvania, the voter registration gap between Democrats and Republicans has narrowed dramatically.
Big picture: Democrats have an advantage of about 59,000 energetic registered voters, according to the latest data from the Pennsylvania Department of State. This is significantly lower than the margin of approximately 517,000 in 2020.
Intrigue: Active registered voters in Pennsylvania who are not affiliated with either major party could be key to winning the upcoming election. (Axios Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
Republican voters escalate absentee ballot requests in Pennsylvania. “With one day left for Pennsylvanians to request a mail-in ballot, state data shows voters of both parties are choosing this method in record numbers, with Republicans seeing particularly strong growth.” (Vote for Pennsylvania)
$1 million of taxpayer money will be used to improve security at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private residence. “In a Friday letter to legislative leaders, administration officials said the improvements include “erecting physical and visual barriers on the property, installing enhanced security technologies and other steps.” They then noted that for security reasons they could not provide more details about the work being carried out at Shapiro’s private home.” (WITF)
PA health insurance rates have peaked. “Rates for insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act in Pennsylvania will increase significantly if Congress doesn’t pass tax breaks before the weekend. Pennie plans will increase by an average of 21.5%, according to the Department of Insurance. (Axios Pittsburgh)
What impact will data centers have on your electricity bill? Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commissioner Speaks Out. “Steve DeFrank says that ultimately data centers will consume 10% to 12% of all electricity consumption, and separation is critical to ensure demand doesn’t impact already rising energy bills.” (CBS Pittsburgh)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Conservative PAC endorsements sparked controversy in suburban school board races
“The 1776 Project PAC is spending money and working to support Republican candidates in Bucks and Montgomery counties. As Election Day approaches, the endorsements are drawing sharp rebukes from local Democrats and throwing a largely quiet school board election cycle into national politics.”
The PAC was founded to “fight indoctrination in schools,” the executive director said Stefan Forte.”(Questioner from Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
2025 election preview: Pittsburgh mayoral race. “In a largely Democratic city, Corey O’Connor may have faced his biggest test, winning the party’s nomination for mayor in May by defeating incumbent Ed Gainey. The Allegheny County controller still faces GOP candidate Tony Moreno on November 4. ” (PolitykaPA)
The Philly DA race is Krasner vs. Dugan again. With a week to go, only one appears to be campaigning. “Ignoring your Republican opponent is a time-honored strategy for Philadelphia Democrats that has become as reliable a fall tradition as Tailgate Eagles and Mischief Night.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Top universities step up lobbying amid Trump’s attacks on higher education. “Twenty-four top universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and one of the nation’s largest university systems, have already spent about $24 million on lobbying in Washington this year, more than double what they spent during the same period last year, according to federal disclosures.” (Hill)
A candidate for Erie County Council has died. Why it will still be on the ballot. “Renee Vendetti, the Republican Party’s candidate for the Erie County Council District 2 seat, has died. Because the Erie County Board of Elections had already approved the final ballot on October 2 – and printing began shortly thereafter – Vendetti’s name will remain on the ballot as the Republican candidate under state law.” (Erie Times-News)
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
1 item
5. Flight delays are skyrocketing as controllers miss their first paycheck on Tuesday
“More than 4,000 flights were delayed on Monday as bad weather and air traffic control deficiencies created a perfect storm for flight interruptions.
Why it matters: The second-longest government shutdown enters its fourth week with no end in sight, delays could impact winter break travel.
What we’re watching: The shutdown will deepen this week as we approach November 1, when workers’ rent and other bills will hit. However, these deadlines, combined with travel delays, could create enough pressure to bring Congress to the negotiating table.” (Axles)
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