Happy birthday, America. Tomorrow we’re going to celebrate. I wish you a peaceful and cheerful 250th birthday. See you on Monday

Headlines. The budget is slow for the fifth year in a row. Shapiro takes center stage in America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Faced with shortages, teachers’ pensions cite private equity as the biggest obstacle. How Hershey shaped Christian Pulisic

Your morning, pick me up. God bless America. Kate Smith

Weather in Pennsylvania
Pittsburg | Sunny, heated, 97
Harriburg | Sunny, heated, 104
Philadelphia | Sunny, heated, 103

Sports PA
Phillies (49-38) | Pittsburgh 10-6 | Thu vs. Pittsburgh
Pirates (43-44) | Philadelphia 6-10 | Thu in Philadelphia
USMNT | Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 | Mon. vs. Belgium

What we hear. Ex Senator Joe Manchinthe Democrat who won independence from West Virginia recommends it Senator John Fetterman follow his path and I will leave the Democratic Party.

Tips. PoliticsPA is Pennsylvania’s leading source of unbiased political news and analysis. Tips and press releases can be submitted [email protected].

PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here.

---

The most critical story

1. Pennsylvania’s budget is slow for the fifth year in a row

“Pennsylvania’s budget is slow for the fifth year in a row.

Republicans who control the state Senate sent their members home without an agreement on Tuesday, and in a statement said the weeks of talks gave them “needed clarity on many of the outstanding issues that are delaying the completion of this year’s budget.”

They estimated an agreement would be close “in the days following July 4” and said they would return to session once final language was ready. | PA reflector

Elsewhere

America’s Birthday on July 2, Philadelphia style. “As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Congress embarks on a journey back to where it all began – Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Members, led by Pennsylvania Democratic Senator Brendan F. Boyle, will gather for a celebratory event Thursday in his hometown, an endeavor that Boyle said has been two years in the making. ” | Roll call

Bipartisan support of the U.S. House of Representatives Panel to Study Private Capital in Youth Sports. “Some Democrats have promoted a bill sponsored by Pennsylvania Republican Chris DeLuzio that would ban private equity in youth sports.” | Penn Capital Star

‘Dark Money’ Group Paid Democrat Janelle Stelson to Disappear Podcast. “Janelle Stelson, the former local news anchor who Democrats hope will unseat Republican Rep. Scott Perry in November in one of the nation’s hottest House races, was paid by a ‘gloomy money’ group to produce a podcast that federal records show no longer exists on the Internet.” | known

The forgotten (un)signatory of the Declaration: John Dickinson’s lost 1776 signature haunts his legacy. “For a quarter of a century, Jane Calvert pursued a mission shared by few scholars of the Revolutionary War era. She supported a founder who is remembered mainly, if at all, as the man who would not have signed the Declaration of Independence – the lawyer and statesman John Dickinson.” | AP

---

Country

2. Congress arrives in Philadelphia and Shapiro takes center stage at the America 250 celebration

(*5*)

“Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has a message for members of Congress as they gather at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Thursday:

It is the birthplace of democracy, and with it the responsibilities left by America’s founders.

“The Founders made clear that our true responsibility is to do the work of continually improving our union,” Shapiro said in an interview this week ahead of his speech before a ceremonial meeting of Congress commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the same building. “And that the United States Congress has the unique responsibility of exercising control over the executive branch.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

AP Legislature grapples with data center expansion. “Lawmakers have largely resisted any comprehensive regulation, instead focusing on piecemeal, largely bipartisan efforts.” | Penn Capital Star

With data centers in mind, Pennsylvania House votes to close Sunshine Act loophole following court ruling. “It’s 10 p.m. Do you know where the city officials are? Maybe they’re voting on something you don’t know about? They could be.” | PennLive

House passes college funding, but has problems with the School Choice Act. “The state started the new fiscal year without a budget on Wednesday, and events in the House — a thorny confrontation over one education-related bill but bipartisan passage of another — made it unclear whether an agreement would be reached any time soon.” | Central Square

What does the PA House gaming chair see in terms of arcade games. “The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling in June that arcade games meet the state’s definition of a slot machine and are therefore operating illegally in dozens of storefronts across the state does not mean we have seen the last of them.” | USA Today Network

Mastriano supports Garrity, claims he did not reach an agreement regarding the ambassador. “Just a week before the election, President Donald Trump nominated state Sen. Doug Mastriano to be U.S. ambassador to the Slovak Republic. Some wondered if his nomination was a reward for avoiding a bitter primary fight with Treasurer Stacy Garrity.” | abc27

---

Around the Republic of Poland

3. Facing a $41 Billion Shortage, Teachers’ Pension Lists Private Equity as Biggest Obstacle

“Pennsylvania’s public school employees’ pension fund is $41 billion short of what it needs to pay promised benefits. It fell short of officials’ investment grade last year, a result they said was due “primarily to private equity performance.”

The $41 billion shortfall is more than the accounting figure.’ | Central Square

Elsewhere

Lehigh County Commissioner Jon Irons announces his resignation. “The first-term Democrat will step down after the July 8 meeting. He and his family plan to move to Atlanta.” | Lehigh Valley Public Media

Police remove anyone questioned in Amazon data center case. “Police removed former state Rep. Todd Eachus from a public hearing on a proposed data center Tuesday night at McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary/Middle School.” | Standard loudspeaker

The future of artificial intelligence in Pittsburgh depends on who controls the changing nature of work. “Two hundred and fifty years ago, a new country was founded with the idea that ordinary people could shape their future. Now new technology raises questions about how much control people will have in making a living for the next 250 years. ” | Public source

A $50 million downtown revitalization plan raises questions about where the money is going. “A plan to borrow tens of millions of dollars to spur downtown redevelopment projects has drawn skepticism from some city officials and residents over a lack of details on how the money will be spent.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

---

Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

---

1 item

5. From Chocolate Alley to the World Cup: How Hershey Shaped Christian Pulisic

(*2*)

“Hershey may be known as the “sweetest place on earth” due to its chocolate-soaked origins, but the Pennsylvania community is also home to Christian Pulisic — the most renowned and most successful player of the American national team, which has massive dreams of co-hosting the World Cup.

The team advanced on Wednesday, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina and preparing for a round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.

“Hershey is everything to me – this is where my family is from, this is where I grew up,” Pulisic recently said on his Instagram account, promoting Hershey Company’s limited-edition Pulisic milk chocolate bars, which feature custom packaging with his signature. “This is where I learned to play. It’s just home.” | AP

---

Thank you for starting your Thursday with us.
Happy birthday America! See you on Monday.

The U.S. Supreme Court has entered another legal battle over transgender inclusion policies, upholding state laws prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.

In a 6-3 decision that was consistent with conservative and liberal principles, the court ruled against two transgender students from West Virginia and Idaho who had challenged the restrictive regulations.

In his 29-page opinion, Judge Brett Kavanaugh wrote that “[c]Under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, we hold that States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females. They can determine women’s and girls’ sports eligibility based on biological sex. The Constitution and Title IX do not require sweeping changes to women’s and girls’ sports across America.”

All nine justices agreed that the ban was permitted under Title IX, but disagreed on whether it was constitutional.

Judge Clarence Thomas stated: “The Court correctly finds that neither Title IX nor the Equal Protection Clause prohibits States from offering athletics segregated by sex. A man has no right to compete with women simply because he believes he is a woman.”

Judge Sonia Sotomayorin the opinion he joined Judges Elena Kagan AND Ketanji Brown Jacksonstated that “the majority shows great compassion for those it favors: young cisgender girls and women who play sports. I share that sympathy. Playing sports can lead to immeasurable benefits, and many people are understandably invested in ensuring that competition remains fair and safe. However, since the majority causes hardship for those it despises by not giving them the fair and full opportunity required by the Constitution to adjudicate their claims, I respectfully dissent.”

“Because of the Court’s decision today,” Sotomayor concluded, “West Virginia and any other state entity can deprive BPJ and other entities like it” of the benefits of sports “simply because it believes they have an inherent athletic advantage, even if the facts show that they do not. Ultimately, for the Court,” Sotomayor argued, “the facts do not matter, even though the consequences are serious.”

While the ruling only directly affects West Virginia and Idaho, it will likely have an impact 25 other states with similar prohibitions. Pennsylvania lawmakers are currently arguing over the bill, while among neighboring states, only Ohio and West Virginia have gender identity-specific sports bans.

While this ruling does not directly apply to private schools that do not receive federal funding, it still provides useful context, particularly for K-12 private elementary and middle schools subject to state and local sex discrimination laws.

“BIG VICTORY: THE U.S. Supreme Court Just RULED AGAINST MEN ELIGIBLE WOMEN ATHLETES.” President Donald Trumpwhose administration supports bans, – he said on Truth Social.

Representatives of John Joyce (R-13) i Mike Kelly (R-16) agreed with Trump.

“A great victory for America’s daughters and granddaughters.” he tweeted Joyce. “I commend the Supreme Court for today’s ruling protecting biological female athletes and their right to compete fairly. Bottom line: men do not belong in women’s sports. Common sense prevailed today.”

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling confirms a truth that so many Americans have always known,” Kelly said in a statement. “Prior to serving in Congress, I spent years as a youth sports coach. I know the real benefits sports can bring to both boys and girls, both on and off the field. Protecting girls’ and women’s sports is essential, and today’s ruling does just that.”

Country Senator Judy Ward (R-Blair/Fulton/Huntingdon/Juniata/Mifflin), the lead sponsor of the Pennsylvania Senate-passed Save Women’s Sports Act, said the ruling was based on common sense.

“The court confirmed what the plain language of Title IX has always made clear: the law refers to biological sex and allows separate sports teams for men and women,” Ward said. “The court also ruled that the Equal Protection Clause gives states the ability to limit women’s participation in women’s sports on the basis of biological sex, allowing states to protect the safety, fairness and competitive opportunities of women and girls. Pennsylvania is long overdue to enact legislation protecting these same principles. Once again, the Supreme Court has affirmed that states have the right to protect their citizens. Pennsylvania must act now.”

Senate bill 9 passed the GOP-controlled Senate with a 32-18 bipartisan vote, but stalled in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, where yesterday it was moved from the Judiciary Committee to the Health Committee for the third time.

“Despite yesterday’s SCOTUS ruling, House Democrats are resorting to the same game to avoid taking a position on protecting women’s sports,” AP Republicans wrote in a social media post. “Now the question is how many times will they resend the bills before they just admit they are afraid of voting?”

Montgomery County Rep. Joe Webster he said the decision focused vulnerable youth on political debate in search of an issue.

“To transgender students and those who love them who are following this latest development in the law, please know that your allies in the AP House continue to work for a better Pennsylvania for all its residents,” he wrote in a social media post. “We will continue to defend and uplift human rights and equality in every case. We will continue to work with advocacy groups and committed nonprofit organizations that support our transgender youth. We see you, we support you, and we will continue to fight for you.”

The Education Law Center-PA disagreed with the ruling, saying that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, develop and participate fully in school life.

“School sports provide students with important opportunities to build self-confidence, develop leadership skills, form meaningful relationships and experience belonging,” she said Krystyna Moonsenior attorney at Education Law Center-PA. “Excluding transgender students from these opportunities undermines these goals and sends a harmful message that some young people do not belong and do not have the right to participate fully in school. We will continue to fight to ensure that all transgender students enjoy welcoming and inclusive schools across Pennsylvania.”

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania called the decision “disgusting.”

“These rulings, even those that we believe are constitutional and uphold democratic principles and norms, reflect a systematic attempt by the Supreme Court to deprive Americans of their most basic, fundamental and long-established freedoms,” he said. Amy Widestromexecutive director of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.

President of the NCAA Charlie Baker does not believe that the organization will have to change its policies regarding transgender athletes in featherlight of the ruling.

“After I got this job, I told people, Democrats and Republicans in Washington, that we needed some clarity on what the national standard would be on this issue, so we adopted and followed the standard proposed by the Trump administration,” Baker said. “I think what happens at the state level is a different issue.”

The National Education Association said the decision would cause real and lasting harm to students of all genders.

“As a nation, we decided long ago that discrimination is wrong and that everyone, regardless of gender, race or location, deserves an equal opportunity to succeed,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “This commitment must include transgender youth who, like all students, deserve the opportunity to participate fully in school, develop and prepare for the future. Sports teach juvenile people leadership, self-confidence, self-discipline and teamwork; lessons that should not be denied to any child because of who they are. Today’s Supreme Court decision in BPJ and Hecox ignores the voices of educators who understand the value of access to school sports and the importance of inclusion and belonging.”

Since July 4 falls on a Saturday, the federal holiday for government employees and many businesses will be observed on Friday, June 3 this year.

It appears that Republicans and Democrats in the Pennsylvania Senate have different ideas about when their summer break should start and what their remaining tasks are.

Due to the statutory deadline for completing work on the state budget on Tuesday at 11:59 p.m., both sides have prepared alternative plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Pennsylvania Senate Interim President Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Jefferson/Indiana/Westmoreland) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin (R-Berks/Lancaster) issued a statement after completing the state budget for 2026-27:

“We gained needed clarity this week on many of the outstanding issues that have delayed the completion of this year’s budget. We now believe we are on track to reach a full budget agreement in the days following July 4. At the conclusion of today’s session, the Senate will recess at the call of the President Pro Tempore and will reconvene when the final budget language is ready.”

All 27 Republican members of the Senate voted for the adjournment.

All 23 Democratic Senate members voted against the motion.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) spoke out against the break.

“I strongly opposed the Senate Republicans’ decision to adjourn without a final budget agreement,” he said – wrote in a post on social media. “Pennsylvanians deserve elected leaders who will do the hard work and get the job done. Let’s buckle up and get on with it, not on pause.”

Senator Vincent Hughes (Philadelphia), Minority Appropriations Chairman, said: “We are all here in Harrisburg ready to get to work and finalize the budget. But Senate Republicans are taking the ball in their own hands and going home. The Pennsylvania House is in session until Thursday. The Governor is in Harrisburg ready to work. Senate Democrats are here ready to pass the budget.”

Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) – wrote in a post on social media that “My Democratic Caucus colleagues and I were frustrated to see the Senate majority adjourn without passing a budget. We voted NO – instead, we voted to stay in session and get the job done. When Harrisburg misses its deadline, services suffer and people get hurt.”

Democrats in the House of Representatives have already passed an appropriations bill that would fund these goals Governor Josh Shapiro requested budget of $53.3 billion in general fund spending, the state’s overnight operating account.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Joanna McClinton (Delaware/Philadelphia) said Pennsylvanians deserve better in a social media post.

“It was blocked before the work was done. June 30 came and went… and instead of passing a budget, @PASenateGOP interrupted for the holiday weekend.”

McClinton then canceled Thursday’s House voting session, noting the Senate’s absence.

The only good news – taxes will still be collected, government workers will still be paid, and programs from Medicaid to environmental permits to unemployment insurance will continue to operate.

During a recent interview, Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) offered his views on: SAVE America Act, currently under consideration in the Senate and what it might take to change its mind on eliminating the filibuster.

The SAVE America Act requires voters to have identification to prove they are a voting citizen. About 80 percent of Americans support this; however, many Democratic politicians oppose this.

Lately, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.N.Y.) stated that it would “disenfranchise over 20 million American citizens.”

Sen. John Cornyn (Texas) responded by clapping.

“Here’s a bill that would require only American citizens to vote and would require photo ID to vote,” Cornyn said. “Well, of course, our colleagues in the Democratic Party are doing what they usually do in these circumstances and claiming that this legislation will disenfranchise voters.”

“It will disenfranchise non-citizens. That’s the point. And they don’t want to do it? Well, again, you have to wonder why? Is it because they want foreigners, illegal immigrants, to be able to vote?” – added Cornyn.

And Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania supports voter ID but he also wants to keep mail-in ballots, which is why he opposes the SAVE America Act in this form.

‘It’s been frustrating’ McCormick said the SAVE America Act remains in the Senate. “Probably no one has been on the Senate floor as often as I have, giving speeches on this topic. I feel this very personally because I lost my first race [to Dr. Mehmet Oz] by a majority of 900 votes. And I won the second one [against former Sen. Bob Casey Jr.] by 15,000 out of 7 million. That’s why every vote must count.”

“And in Pennsylvania, Democrats say very few illegal immigrants vote,” McCormick said. “Well, it doesn’t take much when the races are so close.”

In March, Philadelphia resident Mahady Sacko was arrested for illegal voting.

“He’s been in this country for 25 years and has been in five or six presidential elections, he’s a registered Democrat, and that’s what we’re trying to protect against,” McCormick said.

“We need to put the Democratic Party on the spot and force them to defend why they don’t support this. Eighty percent of Americans, Democrats and Republicans, support it.”

Republicans have 51 votes for the SAVE America Act, but need 60 because of the filibuster.

“So we can’t do it without some Democrats, and I think that can be done by focusing on them and putting pressure on them and making them defend (their position),” he said.

President Trump has called for an end to the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act.

McCormick said he “understands that frustration. I kind of empathize with it because we don’t continue that frustration.”

“There just aren’t the votes for it,” McCormick said. “Republicans need to have 51 Republicans voting to overturn a filibuster, and there are plenty of Republicans, at least 10 or 14, who wouldn’t do that.”

– And you’re one of them, right? he asked Fideri news network.

“Well, I don’t know,” McCormick said. “When I was on the campaign trail, I said we should never eliminate the filibuster. I was particularly concerned about Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico [becoming states] and the arrangement of the Supreme Court. That’s why I would oppose ending the filibuster.”

But people say Democrats will do it anyway if they take control, “which is probably true,” McCormick said.

“But I wouldn’t support eliminating the filibuster unless I knew we were going to do really substantial and significant things, because this type of thing. Once you do it, there’s no way to undo it.

“So it would have to be more than just the SAVE America Act,” McCormick said. “It has to enable reform. It has to be a really important program because it would invalidate a precedent that has created checks and balances for majorities and minorities.”

“It’s tempting, but practically speaking, it won’t happen,” he said.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday, stopped in the Lehigh Valley at the Mack Truck plant in Macungie.

While the president talked about many things and introduced many people, one major figure from the state of Pennsylvania was left out. The one he supported.

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.

The Republican candidate for governor had the opportunity to speak before Trump arrived. But at the same time, the president recognized Republican congressmen Dan Meuser (R-09), Lloyd Smucker (R-11), John Joyce (R-13), as well as Lehigh Valley union officials and UFC brawlers, made no mention of Garrity pursuing the incumbent Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro by 22 points in a recent Franklin & Marshall College poll.

“We need a governor in Harrisburg who will be President Trump’s partner in Washington, not an adversary in the courtrooms,” she said before Trump took the stage. “We need a governor who will fight for jobs in Pennsylvania, just like he did here at Mack Trucks.”

Trump has avoided candidates who haven’t shown positive momentum in the past. In South Carolina, he supported the lieutenant governor. Pamela Evette on the GOP nomination for governor. Evette, who finished first in a crowded primary two weeks ago, saw her support decline before the second roundprompting Trump to issue a infrequent double endorsement of the Attorney General Alan Wilson also.

Wilson is projected to win Tuesday’s runoff.

It took Trump nearly an hour into his 83-minute speech to formally recognize the 7th Congressional District Representative Ryan Mackenzie. Although the president occasionally mentioned the importance of re-electing a “congressman,” Mackenzie was one of the last guests invited to the stage to speak.

“I’m not here for them,” Trump said, referring to the other three Keystone State representatives. “I’m here for him,” telling Mackenzie to “come over here (to the stage).”

Of course, Trump asked him to summarize his remarks.

Mackenzie is trying to keep the seat he won in 2024, displacing the previous one Rep. Susan Wildbut it faces a tough challenge Bob Brookspresident of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association. Brooks also has the support of the People’s State Governor Josh Shapiro in search of him.

Trump urged the crowd to support Mackenzie, saying of his trip: “I’m not doing this for my health.” But he has devoted more energy to issues like the U.S.-Mexico border, opposing transgender rights and denouncing “Marxist” judges while referring to his administration’s efforts to lower prescription drug prices.

“Career politician Ryan Mackenzie is no friend of working people,” Brooks said in a statement. “He’s a liar who campaigned on promises to cut costs, but instead voted with his boss, Donald Trump, to raise prices, destroy health care and spend billions of dollars on an unnecessary war abroad. No speech by Mackenzie will change the fact that his time in Congress has been an absolute disaster for the hardworking residents of the Lehigh Valley.”

The president tried to reassure voters that costs were falling and that they were in a better situation than two years ago. He said the administration has added 32,000 fresh jobs in Pennsylvania, and pharmaceutical, medical device and other companies are building manufacturing plants in the area. He cited his tax cuts and efforts to lower prescription drug prices, saying it’s up to everyone “to make sure we get to vote in the midterm elections.”

Trump listed long-standing political grievances and made only passing mention of promoting Republicans ahead of Election Day, spending more time bragging about the UFC fight he held on the White House lawn to celebrate his 80th birthday than on the economics.

“We all appreciate that the President joined us to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on the same land in Pennsylvania where our nation was founded,” Meuser said in a social media post. “With his leadership, we can look to an even brighter future for our economy and national security.”

“By electing Democrats on every ballot, we have the power to send Donald Trump a clear message and put an end to his chaos, cruelty and corruption,” Pennsylvania said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “So today, as Donald Trump tries to sugarcoat and downplay the realities that Pennsylvanians face every day, let us not forget that Stacy Garrity will always be the rubber stamp of his disastrous policies, no matter the cost to Pennsylvanians.”

While Trump essentially came to the Lehigh Valley to facilitate Mackenzie in his closely watched race, it was notable that Pennsylvania’s other three GOP congressmen faced a tough re-election race – Brian Fitzpatrick reps (R-01), Rob Bresnahan (R-08) i Scott Perry (R-10) – were absent. Senator Dave McCormick was also present and received numerous tributes from the president.

Electric bills continue to rise, and Pennsylvania consumers are feeling the pain. For example, in Pittsburgh last yearmany residents saw their bills skyrocket by fifteen percent in June and over ten percent in December. Instead of adopting reforms that could lower prices, elected state leaders are engaging in petty political games. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro last letter to the municipal authoritiescalling on them to stop raising interest rates is more about scoring political points and making headlines than providing meaningful support to Pennsylvanians struggling to pay their bills.

The governor called on 24 Pennsylvania-based utilities to “control costs” and justify rate demands that he says place too much of a burden on consumers. This is an understandable political message at a time when families are feeling the pressure. But this is also a situation where there is a fundamental misunderstanding of how the system actually works and what actually causes interest rates to rise.

Currently, in Pennsylvania, utilities are largely prohibited from competing in electricity generation. Instead, the Commonwealth is tied to a regional grid operator called PJM Interconnection, which maintains policies in many states that limit utilities’ ability to build recent power plants. These regulations protect independent energy producers from competition and give them an artificial advantage in energy production. The result is a system that is much less competitive than advertised. No wonder demand is growing without adequate supply which led to an raise in retail electricity prices in PJM states at the level of 15-25 percent. annually.

In response to these problems, PJM is trying to keep costs under control. May 6 Reuters reported that PJM is “considering market changes that could change how electricity is purchased and sold system-wide.” One idea “would require most of PJM’s electricity to be sold through long-term contracts between suppliers and wholesale buyers at fixed rates, with the capacity market continuing to operate on a smaller scale.” Another path would require PJM stakeholders to decide “whether to limit capacity fees in exchange for reducing the reliability of electricity supply.” These proposals, which amount to changing the arrangement of deck chairs on the Titanic, have one thing in common: they do not address the elephant in the room. Until PJM states allow utilities to compete in power generation markets, demand will continue to outpace supply.

PJM understands the supply problem… to some extent. How Plac Centralny recently announced thisfor the first time in four years, PJM “announced that 811 next-generation projects want to connect to the grid in the first cycle of the reformed interconnection process.” These projects may seem promising, but they all involve the same incumbent suppliers, protected from competition. Profiling the “diverse mix of resources queuing for connection to the grid” obscures the true lack of competition in PJM states.

In addition to ignoring this critical supply issue, the governor is entering an area where he simply has no authority. In Pennsylvania, rate setting is the responsibility of the Public Utility Commission (PUC), an independent body tasked with making decisions based on evidence and established law. By publicly signaling opposition to certain interest rate determinations, the governor risks undermining the PUC’s independence and inserting politics into a process that is supposed to be technical and fact-based. While PUC decisions cannot actually replace market pricing, pricing under political pressure is a far worse outcome than independent PUC decision-making.

Even the voivode wants to General Meeting to they essentially dictate how return on equity (ROE) is calculated for already regulated services immediately after the law enters into force. That’s right: a statutory, mandatory return on investment applicable to any regulated service such as water, gas and electricity. This type of regulation has never been introduced in the U.S. before and would almost certainly hamper energy supplies.

If the goal is truly to lower electricity costs, the focus should be on increasing Pennsylvania’s supply and encouraging investment in recent power generation across the state by strengthening true competition in power generation. This includes re-examining regulations that prevent utilities from building and owning power plants alongside independent producers. A more balanced approach would raise reliability and support stabilize prices over time.

Efforts to limit returns or put pressure on utilities may be politically attractive, but they do nothing to change the dynamics underlying higher bills. Shapiro’s letter may attract attention, but it will do little to keep the lights on or lower prices.

This article has been republished with permission Central Square.

Monday, Monday.

Headlines. Poll: Democrats maintain advantage in the fight for Congress. An Internet star doesn’t always get votes. Brady wants to cement his position as the most powerful party leader in Philadelphia. The world’s largest working steam train is coming to town.

Your morning, pick me up. Train, train, Blackfoot

Weather in Pennsylvania
Uniontown | Partly shining, 69
Mansfield | Mostly shining, 67
Oley | Mostly shining, 76

Sports PA
Phillies (38-33) | Milwaukee 0-4 | Pon vs. Miami
Pirates (36-36) | Miami 2-4 | Mon. in athletics
USMNT (1-0) | Paraguay 4-1 | Friday vs Australia

What we hear. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party was re-elected Eugene DePasquale for a full term as chairman, elected commissioner of Montgomery County Jamila H. Winder as vice-chairman and elected former mayor of Morton Borough Amanda Hammock as Treasurer.

What’s happening today. The House meets at noon. The Senate returns on June 22.

Tips. PoliticsPA is Pennsylvania’s leading source of unbiased political news and analysis. Tips and press releases can be submitted [email protected].

PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here.

---

The most crucial story

1. Poll: Democrats maintain advantage in the fight for Congress, even though Trump receives indigent ratings

“President Donald Trump His feeble approval rating continues to weigh on his party heading into a second term, even though the GOP is within striking distance of the president and Democrats have a 5-point lead in the fight for control of Congress, according to a fresh NBC News national poll.

The poll – sponsored by More Perfect, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy – found that 49% of registered voters say they prefer Democrats to control Congress in this year’s elections, compared with 44% who prefer Republican control and 7% who are unsure.’ | NBC News

Elsewhere

Outside groups are increasingly using the age-old tactic of hiding their funding sources. “This year, super PACs that did not have to disclose their donors before the election have already spent more than $48 million on the House and Senate primaries.” | POLICY

Republicans want Trump’s favorite voting law dead. “The SAVE America Act simply won’t go away for Senate Republicans, no matter how many times they think it’s out of date.” | known

Senate panel sets markers in college sports bill. “The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled passage of a bipartisan measure that proposes sweeping changes to collegiate athletics and has the support of President Donald Trump.” | Roll call

Fox News Host Fact Checks John Fetterman: ‘Senator, We Haven’t Confirmed This’. “Senator John Fetterman returned to television Friday, attacking a familiar target: controversial Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner. This time, he got a fact-checking response from the Fox News host. ” | Questioner from Philadelphia

---

Country

2. Campaigns involve influencers, but Internet fame does not always win votes

“Campaigns are increasingly targeting viral moments and supporting popular internet stars as part of efforts to reach more voters online.

But this strategy, while effective, has produced mixed results in key races this cycle as candidates try to figure out how much political power a person of influence can wield.” | NPR

Elsewhere

Pennsylvania Attorney General Signs Approval for State Funding for Governor Shapiro’s Homeland Security Modernization. “State Attorney General Dave Sunday has approved a settlement to pay contractors who installed security improvements at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private residence in Albington, valued at approximately $1.1 million.” | Penn Capital Star

There is bipartisan support to address PA’s housing crisis. Will the Legislature’s efforts make a difference? “Finding ways to address Pennsylvania’s housing shortage has become a priority in Harrisburg. In recent years, an increasing number of state legislatures have passed bills to build more housing. Pennsylvania was not one of them. ” | PA reflector

How Pennsylvania cities protect themselves from noise, heat and utility costs in data centers. “Pennsylvania has become a hot spot for data center proposals and public opposition over where to build them. My hometown has gained national attention for its multiple data center proposals that would take up 14% of its land area.” | Conversation

---

Around the Republic of Poland

3. Brady wants to establish himself as the most powerful party leader in Philadelphia in the current era

“Ask Bob Brady how he managed to serve 40 years as chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic Party, and his answer is uncomplicated. “Tell the truth, don’t lie to them, and help them in any way you can,” he said of his continued support from city district leaders.

The support from county leaders is expected to continue on Monday night when Brady runs for another four-year term as party chairman.’ | Philadelphia Tribune

Elsewhere

No Philadelphia mayor in current history has lost re-election. So does Mayor Parker have anything to worry about? “Progressives are eyeing the mayor’s office after state Rep. Chris Rabb’s victory in the 3rd Congressional District. But any challenger to Parker will be considered a significant underdog.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Lehigh County Executive will outline ICE’s “non-cooperative” policy.. “Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel will join civil rights activists and immigrant rights groups on Tuesday to unveil his proposed policy that would prohibit county employees from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on the job.” | Morning call

Lancaster Democrats are electing a fresh leader amid concerns over the previous leader’s management style. “East Hempfield Democrat Michael Mezzetti won a decisive victory on Sunday to become the next chairman of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee after weeks of internal debate over the previous chairman’s management style.” | LNP

---

Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

---

1 item

5. Thousands of people gather to watch the world’s largest working steam train

“Big Boy #4014 did not disappoint during his visit to the area on Saturday morning.

A million-pound Union Pacific steam locomotive received an enthusiastic reception as it passed over the iconic Tunkhannock Viaduct.

Fans of the historic train clapped, cheered and even jumped with the first sound of the train whistle signaling its approach. The span crossing, commonly called the Nicholson Viaduct, is part of a cross-country tour celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday. | Scranton Times Tribune

---

Thank you for starting your day with us.
It’s a fresh week. Make it great.

With just over four months until the 2026 general election, many Democratic county committees have decided to make leadership changes.

Dauphin and Lancaster are two counties that have removed senior leaders and placed novel members at the top of the organization, while in other counties novel blood has replaced those who chose not to seek re-election.

Long time chairman in Dauphin County Rogette Harris was replaced by Mayor Steelton Ciera Dent. Harris held the position for 12 years, becoming the first African American elected as a Democratic county chair.

The writing was on the wall against Harris who she failed to retain her seat on the Dauphin County Democratic Committee in last month’s elections. Dent received 88 of the 136 votes cast by the committee.

“We as a county and as a commission should do more work,” Dent said. “We should be able to get more involved. We should be out there making sure we’re organized, making sure we’re strategizing and making sure we’re supporting our candidates not only when they get on the ballot, but after they win their seats.”

Lancaster Democrats replaced their leadership team With Michael Mezzetti AND Charlotte Brown receiving nods. Mezzetti is chairman of the Hempfield Area Democratic Committee and received 194 votes to overturn Tom O’Brien who received 68 votes.

Brown, chairman of the Lancaster Urban Area Committee, easily won over the former vice chairman Stella Sexton dropped out after O’Brien’s defeat.

Five former party chairs and multiple Democratic elected officials sent letters supporting Mezzetti and Brown’s campaign in the days leading up to Sunday’s reorganization meeting, citing concerns about O’Brien and Sexton’s top-down approach to leading the party. Mezzetti said he plans to apply a “bottom-up” model as chairman so each district can do what’s best for them.

“I am happy with the result and very happy with the further development of the situation and I hope that we will all unite,” Mezzetti said on Sunday.

In Lucerne County Megan Kocher was elected chairman after the previous head of the commission – Mary Anna Petyak – indicated that she was not interested in remaining in this position. She replaced Tomasz Szubila in November after his resignation following a vote of no confidence in him.

Kocher is a member of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party State Committee won the vote by acclamation. Wilkes-Barre controller Tony Thomas was elected vice-chairman.

“Therefore, my priorities will be to conduct open-door interviews to fill vacant positions in the party and attract new people to the team, develop our network and increase our online presence,” Kocher added. “Voter registration will be a huge priority over the next few years. I also plan to create several committees to address the specific challenges the party faces, such as a public outreach committee and a voter registration committee or a public events committee. So my plan is to put good people in leadership positions to get the work done so we can all make a big difference together.”

Lycoming Democrats he also brought in a novel list of officersheaded by a chair Chris Benson and vice-chairman Ariana Moore.

“Their energy and commitment to improving the lives of area residents was palpable,” said Secretary Barbara Hemmendinger, a longtime local activist.

Benson, a local author, journalist and longtime political activist, said among his priorities as county chairman will be helping to shape and pass the growing Home Rule initiative in the city of Williamsport. The study on the principle of self-government was approved by voters during the May primary elections.

Mayor of Phoenixville Piotr Urscheler Is novel chair in chester countytaking over Charlotte Valyoand will cooperate with the novel vice-president Michelle Smith. AND Debbie Noel takes over in Berks Countyit worked Kevin Merchant who stepped down after 12 years.

There will be the novel chairman in Lawrence CountyHow Tim Buck who has held this position for the past four years, is not seeking re-election. This committee meets on June 16 to cast votes.

Using a up-to-date arrow in their quiver, Senate Democrats have filed a discharge petition that will force Republicans to vote on a bill to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania.

A discharge petition is a way to withdraw a bill from committee and submit it to a vote for consideration without a committee report by “granting” discharge to the committee from further consideration of the bill or resolution.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) filed a motion to House Bill 2189 it would raise the commonwealth’s minimum wage to $15 over three years, to $11 next year, $13 in 2028 and $15 by 2029. HB2189 was passed by the House of Representatives in behind schedule March by a 104-95 vote and is among 20 House bills pending before the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.

“It is long past time to raise Pennsylvania’s pathetic minimum wage and provide a meaningful pay raise to thousands of hardworking Pennsylvanians,” Costa said in a statement. “We are an island among contiguous states and our minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is a disgrace. It’s time to do the right thing, the smart thing and the popular thing, by raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. With today’s discharge petition, Senate Democrats stand in solidarity with every worker earning less than $15 an hour to demand a family-sustaining wage for every Pennsylvanian.”

House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) agreed with Costa.

“It’s a disgrace and it’s not a national disgrace,” Bradford said. “This is a disgrace specific to Pennsylvania. Politics has a moral dimension, and the moral dimension means we must operate on a $15 an hour minimum wage, with no additional delays and no more policy BS.”

“I think if Democrats in the House really wanted to raise the minimum wage, they could do it,” he said Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) c WHTM-TV. “I would say the Senate Republican House would be willing to negotiate on this. I’ve talked to a lot of them, but they don’t really want to do that. They want to use it as a political stunt to get a majority in the Senate.”

The motion to grant discharge must be put to a vote within 10 days of the session. While it is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled state Senate with a 27-23 majority, it would force GOP members to vote yes or no on the issue during the election cycle in even-numbered districts.

Senator Frank Farry (R-Bucks) is one of the Republicans running for re-election and has said he may support the bill.

“There’s a Sesame Place in my neighborhood,” Farry said. “If we set the minimum wage too high, Sesame Place won’t be able to hire high school and college students to operate the theme park, so we have to balance it all.”

Currently, 34 states, territories and counties have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

Five states have not adopted a state minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. In three states, Georgia, Oklahoma and Wyoming, the minimum wage is less than $7.25 an hour. All eight states generally have a federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

In the Mid-Atlantic region, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. well below neighboring countriesincluding:

New York, $16.00
New Jersey, $15.92
Delaware, $15
Maryland, $15
Ohio, $11.00
West Virginia, $8.75

This is estimated by the Keystone Research Center, a source of independent analysis of Pennsylvania’s economy and public policy Wages for 865,600 Pennsylvania workers will boost if lawmakers raised the minimum wage for all non-tipped hourly workers to $15 an hour. An boost in the minimum wage to $15 an hour would directly affect nearly half a million Pennsylvania workers (460,000) and indirectly affect 405,600 workers.

Governor Josh Shapiro he continued to urge the Senate to pass the bill and put it on his desk.

“Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour for over 15 years, which means it continues to lag behind the cost of living and hundreds of thousands of families are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. Shapiro. “You shouldn’t have to work two or three jobs just to set the table and keep a roof over your head. We must raise the minimum wage so that Pennsylvanians have a real chance to make progress. The House answered that call and passed legislation to triple the minimum wage – now it’s time for the Senate to follow suit and do it.”

I have spent my career fighting for children and families who simply want a fair chance at success. I know from my own experience how powerful education can be, because I have lived it myself.

My mother taught in a public school. My sister and I attended public schools. My brother went to a private school. I am grateful that each of us has had the opportunity to receive educational support that meets our needs, and I realize that not every child has the same opportunities growing up.

That’s why Pennsylvania should join the novel federal Tax Credit Scholarship program before it goes into effect in January 2027.

This shouldn’t be a conversation between Republicans and Democrats. Every state legislator and leader should be able to unite around the goal of supporting this state’s children.

Right now, too many Pennsylvania families worry that their children’s needs are not being met. Every child learns differently and unfortunately students too often fall behind when they do not receive the support they need.

When students struggle to achieve academic standards, it has a domino effect. A child who cannot read or do basic math proficiently is much more likely to become trapped in low-wage jobs and economic instability later in life.

Every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed.

A federal tax credit scholarship program would facilitate achieve this by unlocking private donations to support educational opportunities for students throughout Pennsylvania. Importantly, this is not taxpayers’ money coming from the state budget. This is privately funded support aimed at helping children succeed.

If Pennsylvania does not agree to participate in the program, companies and individuals who want to contribute to educational opportunities will simply send those dollars to other participating states. This means Pennsylvania children lose out while the dollars we contribute to charity leave the Commonwealth.

It’s not fair to donors, and it’s certainly not fair to students who desperately need additional support.

There also appears to be confusion as to who benefits from this program. Some critics portray it as something that only helps private school students – when in fact it would do much more.

These scholarship funds can support public school students through tutoring, after-school programs, special education services, access to technology, books, supplies, and other educational supports that enhance learning outcomes. This program creates novel opportunities for children in a variety of educational settings and income levels.

Pennsylvania already has robust programs, such as the Education Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit. These are valuable programs, but I’m here to tell you that demand far outweighs supply.

Our students need – and deserve – more.

This federal program would facilitate fill critical gaps and provide additional resources for students and families who are currently looking for solutions. And I want to be clear that the impact goes far beyond our neighborhoods and even our state.

America’s future competitiveness depends on whether we are willing to seriously address the educational challenges facing our children today. We cannot continue to accept diminishing returns.

Pennsylvania has an opportunity to lead with a practical, fiscally responsible solution that empowers families, strengthens educational support systems, and allows private money to be invested for charitable purposes in our communities.

We should do the right thing for Pennsylvania’s children and join the federal Tax Credit Scholarship program.