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One down, one out.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a general appropriations bill Tuesday to fund the commonwealth’s Executive, Legislative and Judicial Department expenses, national debt and public schools.

House Bill 2400 adopted by a majority of 107 to 94 votes, with all 102 Democrats voting in favor of the bill, as well as five Republicans – Representatives Kathleen Tomlinson (R-bucks), Tomek Mehaffi (R-Dauphin), Joe Hogan (R-bucks), Shelby Labs (R-Bucks) i Craig Williams (R-Chester/Delaware)

“Today’s passage of the proposed state budget is an important step toward accelerating the General Appropriations Act process and keeping us on track to deliver a timely budget to Pennsylvanians,” he said House Appropriations Majority Leader Jordan A. Harris (D-Philadelphia) in a statement. “This bill passed the House with bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to expediting and on-time budget implementation.

“This budget continues our investments in public education, support for law enforcement and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy, all while giving money back to working families and not raising taxes.

“Our goal remains clear: to deliver a responsible, balanced budget on time that makes Pennsylvania more affordable and continues to deliver on our commitments to communities across the Commonwealth.”

Governor Josh Shapiro he was pleased that the House passed his budget proposal with bipartisan support.

“This budget builds on the progress we’ve made and continues Pennsylvania’s progress – putting money back into people’s lives, investing in schools, growing the workforce, keeping our communities safe and growing our economy. The ball is now in the state Senate’s court. It’s time to get to work to keep Pennsylvanians safe.”

Pennsylvania Senate President pro tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Jefferson/Westmoreland) i Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin (R-Berks/Lancaster) released a joint statement saying they are working on a “more fiscally responsible budget for 2026-2027.”

“We continue to have deep concerns about the level of spending in the budget proposed by Governor Shapiro and passed by the House today. Moving the budget plan forward is an important step in this process, but much work remains to reach a final agreement that respects taxpayers both now and in the future. We will continue to fight for a more fiscally responsible spending plan that better prepares our Commonwealth for growth and prosperity, without imposing undue financial burdens on Pennsylvania families and taxpayers.”

The legislation now heads to the state Senate, where Republicans hold a 27-23 majority.

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District Attorney Larry Krasner could prosecute ICE agents – and anyone can sue them – for wearing masks on the job or refusing to show IDs, under a bill the City Council debated on Monday.

The measure is one of a series of recent immigration enforcement restrictions and rules that lawmakers appear poised to approve as part of the seven-bill “ICE Out” legislative package.

Council member Rue Landau, who introduced several bills, said they would aid protect democratic rights and defend the city’s vast immigrant population from victimization by a federal government that wants to detain and deport residents who are undocumented or have uncertain immigration status.

Her remarks drew applause and cheers from residents and activists who filled the council chambers during Monday morning’s meeting.

“This legislation sets clear boundaries. Philadelphia will not be complicit in policies that undermine the safety and dignity of our neighbors,” Landau said. “Philadelphia will not use our resources to destabilize communities. Philadelphia will not turn its back on the people who make up this city.”

Krasner has often said he would prosecute U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal officers who violate local laws, although he has never done so.

“Wholehearted support” – for one bill

Mayor Cherelle Parker generally refuses to discuss ICE issues. I asked in January if she was making a strategic decision not to pick a fight with the feds, she said, “You could look at it… this way.”

Council member Kendra Brooks, who led the ICE Out package with Landau, rejected the administration’s position.

“I reject the notion that if we somehow remain silent, we will remain in the good graces of the Trump administration. Moreover, if we are more concerned about poking the bear than protecting our own, we are allowing our city to be bullied, and that is unacceptable in a city as violent as ours,” Brooks said during the hearing.

Parker has not said whether she will sign the bills, allow them to become law without her signature or veto them. However, they all have the support of the veto-proof majority of the 17-member council, and on Monday the administration seemed to signal that it would not attempt to block the bills.

“We understand and appreciate the intent behind this legislation,” said Charlie Ellison, executive director of the Office of Immigration Affairs.

He outlined the city’s efforts to support immigrants and said Parker would take more “active steps” to support implementation of some of the measures.

Ellison said the administration “wholeheartedly supports” one bill that would update the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance to create a recent protected class based on immigration or citizenship status. But he said six of the seven proposals contain language that is “legally problematic,” including a mask ban, and added that city attorneys are still reviewing the latest amendments to their language.

“It is worth noting” that the anti-mask law “applies to all officers at the local, state and federal levels, and similar bills are under investigation in other states,” he said.

The bill provides exceptions for SWAT teams, medical masks and certain other uses. Driving an unmarked vehicle may also result in a fine.

According to Landau’s office, the final vote on the bills could take place on April 23. Parker would then have 10 days to take action on the matter. They would enter into force 60 days after entry into force.

No masking, no cooperation, no information gathering

The bills would mean:

• Prohibit ICE agents and all other law enforcement officers from wearing masks or using unmarked vehicles and require them to wear identification, except for undercover work, SWAT teams and medical purposes.

• Codify the city’s long-term commitment not to participate in cooperative agreements with ICE under the 287(g) program. Under such agreements, police officers arrest people arrested for immigration violations and hold them for detention and possible deportation. The city no longer participates in activities under long-standing orders from the mayor’s office.

• Prohibit city agencies, including the police, from cooperating with ICE and other federal civil immigration agents without a court order.

• Prohibit city agencies from collecting information about people’s citizenship or immigration status and sharing that information or other personal information with ICE.

• Prohibit discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status by city agencies, employers, housing providers or businesses.

• Prohibit ICE from conducting raids on city-owned properties.

• Prohibiting ICE access, without a court order, to city-owned spaces, including libraries, health centers, shelters and recreation centers.

SCRANTON, PA – April 13, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn announced the end of the 2025-2026 Student Ambassador Program following final presentations on April 9, during which students presented original policy proposals developed during the program.

Four student groups introduced legislation on a range of issues, including maternal health, school nutrition, access to full-time school nurses and support for child advocacy centers.

At the end of the presentation, Senator Flynn selected the Child Victims Assistance Fund Act as a follow-up. The proposal was presented by Grace Bennett (Abington Heights), Edward Bonin (Dunmore), Connor Cawley (Pittston area), Kinsey Harris (Wilkes-Barre area) and Ava Roberto (Scranton).

The proposed legislation would establish a dedicated funding stream for child welfare centers across Pennsylvania, including a proposed budget line of $14.5 million per year. It also calls for charging offenders restitution fees to facilitate provide services to child victims.

Students involved in the proposal connect with child support centers to better understand the challenges they face, including the lack of consistent funding across the state.

Additional proposals developed under the program, including the BUMP Act (the Banking to Protect Maternity Act), gluten-free lunch options in Pennsylvania public schools, and the Pennsylvania Full-Time School Nurses Act, will be introduced by House members including Representative Bridget Kosierowski (114th Legislative District), Representative Jim Haddock (118th Legislative District), and Representative Kyle Donahue (113th Legislative District).

“The work these students put in goes far beyond the final presentation,” said Senator Flynn. “Since October, they have spent months developing these ideas, learning how the legislative process works, and even getting an inside look at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. I was struck by how focused they were on supporting others. Each proposal was based on real issues and aimed at improving people’s lives. This was a tight-knit group, and it was an honor to work with them on this program.”

The Student Ambassador Program provides high school students in the 22nd Senatorial District with the opportunity to learn about state government, engage in political issues and develop their own legislative proposals.

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(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania lawmakers appear to agree that the state’s $7.25 minimum wage is old-fashioned, but the details of how far and how quickly to raise it are up for debate when the House-passed bill heads to the Senate.

Democrats say it’s time to do the right thing, while Republicans say the bill doesn’t protect the wages of tipped workers, so they suggest finding a middle ground.

Supporters cite the fact that Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has not increased since 2009, when it adopted a federal enhance. They say this will put more money into citizens’ pockets and reduce the struggle to attract workers leaving for neighboring states at minimum hourly wages ranging from $15 to $17.

Critics warn the enhance could raise prices, reduce hours or the number of jobs and hit lower-wage parts of the state harder.

Governor Josh Shapiro Urges Senate confirmation House Bill 2189sponsored by Rep. Jason Dawkins (Philadelphia), which approved the House last month by a 104-95 majority. It would raise the state minimum wage from $7.25 to $11 in 2027, $13 in 2028 and $15 in 2029, and then index it to inflation. It would also allow counties to act more quickly, as long as the amount does not exceed $15 – which Dawkins characterized as an attempt to give Senate Republicans an option.

Shapiro says more than that half a million Pennsylvanians earn less than $15 an hour, and the purchasing power of the current minimum wage has declined by more than 30% since 2009. Raising wages, he said, would lend a hand people get off public assistance and save millions in Medicaid costs.

A study by the nonprofit Employment Policy Institute (EPI) shows that implementing a $15 minimum wage in Pennsylvania could cost the state almost 86,000 jobs.

In a statement emailed to The Center Square: Rebecca PaxtonEPI’s research director, said the recent vote ignores the “well-documented harmful consequences” of economists’ wage increases and the proposal would worsen inflation for Pennsylvania workers and residents.

“Economists have found,” Paxton said, “The ‘Fight for $15’ has backfired on workers – especially those just entering the workforce. “Pennsylvania will not be immune to these consequences, which ripple across the country.”

They say the proposed raise could put one in four tipped restaurant workers out of work, and say decades of economic research show that each dollar of wage enhance could trigger price increases up to 5.5%.

Estimates according to Pennsylvania Independent Revenue Service argue that raising the state minimum wage to $11 an hour will likely have no impact on overall employment levels or wage rates for cashiers, retail clerks, swift food and counter workers because their data shows that the effective market wage is already at that level.

“My mission has been to ensure a living wage for all working Pennsylvanians, and the House’s passage of this bill is a huge step forward in achieving that mission,” Dawkins said. “If you work hard, you shouldn’t have to worry about your next meal or having a roof over your head. Pennsylvania needs a minimum wage that works for everyone, not only to survive, but to thrive in our state.”

WHITEHALL, PA − April 10, 2026 − Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Nick Miller held a hearing on nursing home sustainability, the aging population across the state and region, the anticipated needs of the aging community, impacts on the workforce, and actions we can take to keep these imperative organizations open.

“We heard a clear message: we must urgently protect our most vulnerable residents with stronger and more sustainable infrastructure,” he said. Senator Miller. “As Pennsylvania nursing homes struggle with staffing shortages, growing shortages and increased pressures, we cannot fall behind other states. I thank our witnesses for their time. I look forward to bringing these solutions back to Harrisburg to advocate for policies that allow all seniors to age with dignity.”

“Lancaster has a significant retirement age population and I am committed to working with my colleagues to ensure they have access to the high-quality care and housing they need to age with dignity,” she said Senator Malone. “There are 30 senior housing units in my district and one of my priorities is to ensure that these and facilities across the commonwealth can be maintained while providing housing that our seniors can afford.”

“Ensuring seniors can age with dignity means ensuring they have access to safe, affordable and high-quality housing and care,” she said. Senator Kane. “The 9th District is home to dozens of senior living communities and assisted living facilities that families rely on every day. Our seniors deserve the stability, respect and access to the vital resources they need to live with dignity, and I will continue to fight to make this a reality here in Pennsylvania.”

“Our seniors and people with disabilities deserve high-quality care that provides them with support and dignity at the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” she said. Senator Kim. “But when nursing homes and care facilities are underfunded, they bear the brunt of the consequences. The quality of care declines, they lose care staff and facilities close, leaving them without the care they desperately need. With an increasingly aging population, we must do more to meet their growing needs, as well as the family members, staff and care home facilities who care for them.”

Michael Jacobs, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association, testified about the reimbursement challenges our members face and the impact these challenges have on their ability to provide high-quality care.

“When nursing homes are underfunded, residents, families and workers suffer the consequences,” Jacobs said. “Facilities are delaying capital improvements. Staffing remains stretched. Admissions may become more difficult. In some communities, providers are close at hand and families are forced to seek care further from home.”

Rhea Goodwin, regional director of operations for Eden East Healthcare Management, spoke about the burnout the industry is struggling with.

“Over the last six years, I have seen strong, committed leaders, people I would trust taking care of my family, reach a point where they just couldn’t do it anymore,” Goodwin said. “Not because they don’t care, but because the system they work in pushes them beyond what is reasonable. When we lose these individuals, we lose the administrators, stability and leadership that our residents and staff depend on.”

Chuck Quinnan, senior vice president and chief government affairs officer at LeadingAge PA, spoke about the urgent need for predictable and sustainable Medicaid reimbursement for Pennsylvania nursing homes.

“A major factor in this instability is the Budget Adjustment Factor (BAF), an outdated funding mechanism implemented by the Pennsylvania General Assembly 20 years ago to serve as a temporary tool to help contain rising nursing home costs,” Quinnan said. “Fast forward to 2026, and BAF continues to reduce actual Medicaid reimbursement rates well below the cost of care calculated by the Department of Human Services.”

Joe DeMattos, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Marquis Healthcare Consulting, testified today to raise awareness of the crisis in our healthcare system.

“Given the increased demand for health care professionals across all settings, the specialized nature of the care we provide, and the growing needs of an aging population, we continue to face significant workforce challenges,” DeMattos said. “Despite rising wages and benefits, we are having difficulty recruiting and retaining staff, especially registered nurses. At facilities like Cedar Crest Post Acute and Riverton Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, these challenges are not theoretical (they are real) and represent daily operational pressures.”

Mary Kay McMahon, president and CEO of Fellowship Community, highlighted three major challenges facing providers across the state: unstable and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement, especially the impact of the Budget Adjustment Factor (BAF); ongoing labor shortages and the need for flexibility in care delivery; and administrative delays in Medicaid eligibility and “waiting for MA” that create financial risks for providers and uncertainty for families.

“Pennsylvania faces a growing long-term care crisis. Our population of people aged 85 and over continues to grow, while the availability of nursing home beds continues to decline,” McMahon said. “While the Fellowship community has not yet been forced to limit admissions or close beds, the challenges we face are real and increasingly difficult to overcome. The root cause of this crisis is persistent underfunding and unpredictability of Medicaid reimbursement.”

Nichole Peardon, supervisor of the Ombudsman for Lehigh, Northampton and Berks Counties for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Allentown, mentioned residents’ awareness of stress.

“Residents are also aware of the stress and strain on workers trying to do more with less,” Peardon said. “Issues of dignity, disrespect and verbal abuse are on the rise, with residents reporting staff talking on the phone while providing care, being short-tempered, distracted and retaliating when reported. Residents express the impression that facilities are less likely to discipline or fire staff who are verbally aggressive because it is so difficult to find staff.”

Louise Santee, CNA and Med Tech of Phoebe Allentown & SEIU, spoke about people staying home longer because they cannot afford to come to the facility.

“People are living without proper care because they can’t afford health care,” Santee said. “This means that by the time our patients arrive at the facility, more staff and resources are needed to provide them with the care they need.”

Testimony at the hearing were:

• Michael Jacobs, president and CEO – Pennsylvania Healthcare Association
• Joe DeMattos, senior vice president of public affairs at Marquis Health Consulting
• Rhea Goodwin, Regional Director of Operations – Eden East Healthcare Management
• Charles Quinnan, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs – LeadingAge PA
• Mary Kay McMahon, President and CEO – Fellowship Community
• Louise Santee, CNA and Med Tech – Phoebe Allentown and SEIU
• Nichole Peardon, Supervisor Ombudsman for Lehigh, Northampton and Berks Counties, Catholic Charities – Diocese of Allentown
• Mary Jo Julian, Ombudsman, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Catholic Charities – Diocese of Allentown

Senator Nick Miller was elected political chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024.

Footage of the hearing and written testimony from the panel are available at: PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Downloadable photos and videos are available upon request.

Learn more about AP Senate Democrats’ commitment to protecting our Commonwealth’s health care needs and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.

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Good morning! Let’s say it’s Friday.

Headlines. The situation for Republicans is not even better. How a man broke into the governor’s mansion, set a fire and escaped unmolested Pennsylvania’s highest-paid employees. Volunteers turn fan videos from 10,000 concerts into an online treasure trove

Your morning, pick me up. My best friend’s girlfriend. Nirvana (Live)

Weather in Pennsylvania
Evans City | Rising Clouds, 74
Thompsontown | Sunny, 74
Buckingham | Becoming solar, 70

Sports PA
Phillies (6-6) | Friday-Sunday vs. Arizona
Pirates (7-5) | Friday-Sunday at Chicago Cubs
Sixes (43-37) | Houston 102-113 | Friday in Indiana | Sun vs. Milwaukee
Leaflets (40-27-12) | Detroit 3-6 | I was based in Winnipeg
Penguins (41-22-16) | New Jersey 5-2 | Saturday-Sunday H/A vs. Washington
Union (0-0-6) | Saturday vs. Montreal

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.

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The most crucial story

1. Things aren’t getting any better for Republicans yet

“Just a few months ago, Republican strategists expressed some optimism about their party’s mid-term fortunes. Gas prices were falling, the stock market was rising, and tax refunds were imminent.

However, President Donald Trump’s war with Iran has at least slowed down this vigorous, and there is a risk that he will be an anvil on the necks of the Republican Party candidates during the fall term.

Historical mid-term trends work to the detriment of the party with a majority in the House of Representatives, especially if it has an unpopular president in the White House. While Republicans had faith in the direction of the economy and felt they had time to turn things around before November, neither of these factors are now working in their favor. | Roll call

Elsewhere

Perry and other elected AP House Republicans intend to seek support from Speaker Mike Johnson. “U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson will spend time in Pennsylvania this week in an effort to boost the campaign funds of four GOP members and improve their chances of retaining their leadership role.” | PennLive

PA-10: Republicans focus on tax cuts as gas prices take center stage. “Democrats and Republicans in tight races delivered very different messages to voters during the April recess as they laid out their mid-term strategy for 2026.” | known

Democrats in the US House of Representatives, including Republican Madeline Dean, are calling on Congress to return to session to discuss the Iran war debate. “House Democrats on Capitol Hill on Thursday sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on Iran as ‘unacceptable’ and called on House Speaker Mike Johnson to reconvene Congress and limit the president’s war powers.” | Penn Capital Star

DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, Bet365 Sport Hazard Fund Super PAC. “Several major sportsbooks have donated tens of millions of dollars to a new super PAC to support sports betting across the country. The organization expects to partner with as many as 15 more states between now and November, including Pennsylvania and New York. ” | Axles

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Country

2. This is how a man broke into the governor’s mansion, set it on fire and escaped unmolested

“A year ago, an unlucky mechanic struggling with solemn mental illness set off a stunning arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion.

Since then, many citizens – from retired cops to Capitol workers to residents of Uptown Harrisburg – have wondered how this happened. Cody Balmer do this?

PennLive has learned one key reason.” | PennLive

Elsewhere

Million-dollar war chests raise questions about relaxed campaign finance laws in Pennsylvania. “Thousands of donors to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s (D) re-election campaign amount to thousands of pages of disclosure forms. The one that caught our eye – $1 million from San Francisco tech magnate Christian Larsen. Voters can see who he is and how much he gave, which means the system is working. But it doesn’t always work that way.” | abc27

High Court rejects Penn State’s proposal to keep trustees’ records hidden from public view. “The state’s highest court denied Penn State’s request to vacate a ruling that would give Spotlight PA and the public access to the trustee’s long-sought documents.” | PA reflector

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage details are still relevant. “Pennsylvania lawmakers appear to agree that the state’s $7.25 minimum wage is outdated, but the details of how far and how quickly to raise it are up for debate as the House-passed bill heads to the Senate. Democrats say it’s time to do the right thing, while Republicans say the bill doesn’t protect the wages of tipped workers, so they suggest finding a middle ground.” | Central Square

Interview with Jason Richey, part 1. “A year ago, I interviewed Jason Richey after he became Allegheny County GOP chairman. He continued his career in the Pennsylvania Republican Party after gaining the party’s endorsement for lieutenant governor. Since then, he has campaigned alongside State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who won the party’s endorsement for governor.” | Wide + Freedom

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Pennsylvania’s highest-paid workers: See the 25 highest salaries

“Higher education administrators, pension fund managers and state agency heads lead the list of the highest-paid state government employees in Pennsylvania.

According to PennWATCH, a state-run portal of state finance and workforce data, many of the 25 highest salaries go to college chancellors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, as well as top PSSHE leaders. Six of the 25 highest salaries go to employees of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System.

People you won’t see on the list: crucial government employees.” | Erie Times-News

Elsewhere

PA-01: Meet Bob Harvie and Lucia Simonelli, Democrats Fighting to Remove Brian Fitzpatrick from Congress. “Democrats are seeking to take back the 1st Congressional District seat from Bucks County to help take control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Here’s what you need to know.” | WHY

DEP orders to fight ICE at two Pennsylvania detention facilities. “The state orders have effectively blocked water and wastewater use until the federal agency comes up with detailed plans.” | Penn Capital Star

Uber has launched an all-out pressure campaign to oppose Mayor Parker’s $1 per ride tax. “Mayor Cherelle L. Parker believes she has public opinion on her side. A recent poll shows that a majority of Philadelphia’s Democratic primary voters support the tax. ” | Questioner from Philadelphia

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Scott Perry didn’t respond — so the newsroom heard from Democrats who want his seat | PennLive
• Why Republicans won’t run away from Trump | Liam Donovan and John Guida
• Pennsylvania Leadership Conference Scores Again | Jeffrey Lord
• In this year of milestones for Pennsylvania, let’s create another one first: a statewide law promoting a local news resurgence | Jim Peaceful

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1 item

5. Saving your recording collection

A group of volunteers from around the world is digitizing and uploading the Chicago native’s lifelong collection of more than 10,000 concert recordings.

The Adam Jacobs Collection (yes, two high fives!) is an online treasure trove for music lovers, featuring early performances from REM, The Cure, the Pixies and more.

Jacobs says most artists are elated to keep their work, and he has only received a few removal requests.

“I think the general consensus is that it’s easier to say ‘I’m sorry’ than to ask for permission.” | AP

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Thank you for starting your weekend with us.
Spend some time outdoors. See you on Monday.

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Good morning! Frosty start to the morning.

Headlines. GOP banking on Trump’s cash wall to keep Democrats in the mid-term. Shapiro beats Garrity 10 to 1 in entries for the race against PA governor. Pittsburgh City Council formalizes policy refusing to cooperate with ICE. The history of the golf bunker.

Your morning, pick me up. A song about immigrants. Led Zeppelin

Weather in Pennsylvania
Wolfdale | Sunny, 61
Bedford | Sunny, 53
Tamaqua | Sunny, 50

Sports PA
Phillies (6-5) | San Francisco 0-6 | Wednesday vs. San Francisco
Pirates (7-4) | San Diego 7-1 | Wednesday vs. San Diego
Sixes (43-36) | Thu in Houston
Leaflets (40-26-12) | New Jersey 5-1 | Thu in Detroit
Penguins (40-22-16) | Thu in New Jersey

What we hear. Congressman Rob Bresnahan announced that it has won the endorsement of Operations Engineers Local 542, which represents thousands of skilled workers who build and maintain critical infrastructure throughout Pennsylvania.

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.

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The most significant story

1. GOP banking on Trump’s cash wall to keep Democrats in the mid-term

“President Trump The super PAC plans to begin unloading its massive war chest around Memorial Day, giving a major boost to Republicans heading into a treacherous midterm election.

Why it matters: Trump is trailing in the polls, but his operation has one of the largest political bank accounts in history and aims to free it up for an election in which Democratic momentum will contrast with Republican money.’ | Axles

Elsewhere

Trump’s threat to eliminate Iran is “the epitome of an illegitimate order,” Houlahan says. “President Donald Trump’s threat Tuesday to eliminate Iran’s ‘entire civilization’ if its leaders do not capitulate to his demands would be the ‘epitome of an illegal order’ if he were to follow it, said US Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran who has been an outspoken critic of Trump on military issues.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Perry supports Trump on expanded war with Iran, he just ‘would say otherwise’. “U.S. Rep. Scott Perry says an expanded U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is justified, but added he would ‘say things differently’ than President Donald Trump.” | PennLive

Deluzio says lawmakers should return to Washington to remove Trump. “U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a former U.S. Navy officer who represents suburban Pittsburgh and all of Beaver County, in his own social media post condemned the rhetoric as a “threat of a war crime,” writing that it merited the president’s removal. “Congress should return to Washington immediately to put an end to this and bring our troops home,” Deluzio said. | abc27

Lee says he condemns ‘all forms of hatred’ as he defends controversial decision to speak out against Hasan Piker. “U.S. Rep. Summer Lee is excited about her planned campaign appearance alongside Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, a political commentator who has been repeatedly accused of anti-Semitism and anti-American sentiments.” | City and state

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Country

2. Shapiro beats Garrity 10 to 1 in Pennsylvania governor’s testimony

“New campaign finance reports in the Pennsylvania governor’s race highlight the stark difference in fundraising Treasurer Stacy Garrity AND Governor Josh Shapirowhose contribution is approximately 10 times greater than that of his Republican rival.

Garrity made approximately $1 million in campaign contributions during the first three months of 2026, according to her April 7 filing. His report shows that Shapiro raised more than $10.5 million during the same period Erie Times-News

Elsewhere

What Sharpton wants to hear from 2028 Democratic candidates. “Nine potential Democratic presidential candidates scheduled to speak with Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network this week, including candidates from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapirowill face pointed questions on a challenging topic for the party – how to restore the Biden-era racial equality policies that Donald Trump erased.” | Traffic lights

PA-03: And then there were three of them. “The race to succeed Republican Dwight Evans in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District began with as many as 13 Democrats filing their candidacies. That number is now down to three.” | PoliticsPA

PA-03: Stanford and Rabb trade accusations as AIPAC becomes a flashpoint in Philadelphia’s House race. “The nation’s most prominent pro-Israel political organization did not endorse a single candidate in Philadelphia’s ultracompetitive primary for a congressional seat, but it nonetheless became a major point of contention.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

PA-07: Democratic congressional candidates talk immigration, housing and warts during the second debate. “Four Democrats running for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District faced off Tuesday night in their second debate, touching on issues including Iran, ICE and health care before about 150 people at Cedar Crest College.” | LehighValley News

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Pittsburgh City Council formalizes policy refusing to cooperate with ICE

“The Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday formally codified a long-term policy that the city will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities while delaying action on more far-reaching restrictions.

Tuesday morning’s approval formally makes it law that Pittsburgh will not sign the 287(g) agreement, which establishes a voluntary partnership with ICE agents that allows local law enforcement agencies to perform certain immigration enforcement activities.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

Elsewhere

PA-03: DC33 supports Sharif Street. “AFSCME District Council 33, which represents more than 9,000 of the city’s blue-collar workers, on Tuesday endorsed state Sen. Sharif Street for the 3rd Congressional District primary, becoming the 14th organized labor force to endorse Street.” | Philadelphia Tribune

PA-07: Josh Shapiro appears in six-figure ad for Bob Brooks, a firefighter running for Congress in the Lehigh Valley. “Shapiro’s endorsement of Brooks last year and Wednesday’s ad — backed by a six-figure purchase — are the latest example of how the governor, who is up for re-election in November, is likely to use his extraordinary popularity to help Democrats in high-stakes midterm elections.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

PA-10: Douglas receives endorsement in AP Congressional primary race against Stelson. “Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas faces an uphill battle against frontrunner Janelle Stelson in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. But on Tuesday, he announced three endorsements from groups representing Asian, Black and immigrant communities in Dauphin County.” | Penn Capital Star

Buck dismisses Facebook post about party leadership. “The leader of the Lawrence County Democratic Party is adamant he will not be removed from office.” | New news about the castle

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

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1 item

5. The secret life and history of golf bunkers

“Every golfer knows the feeling: a solid swing, a hopeful flight, and then the dull sound of the ball disappearing into the bunker.

These sand-filled pockets are designed to cause trouble for golfers. They cost them hits, require a unique swing to escape, and force players to pristine up the mess they leave in the sand.

The nature of the danger posed by sand traps was aptly captured by a golf writer Aleck Bauer in 1913: “Bunkers are not intended to be places of pleasure, but places of penance.” | Wall Street Journal

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Opinion: Senator Steve Santarsiero

For the third time in four years, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill raising the minimum wage. The bill is currently in the Senate for the third time and is awaiting consideration.

The question is no longer whether we should raise the minimum wage. The question is why we haven’t done it yet.

Since 2009, the minimum wage in Pennsylvania has remained at $7.25 per hour. Over the last 17 years, the cost of living has increased dramatically. We all feel it in our wallets and see it in our budgets: housing, groceries, child care and transportation all cost more. However, wages at the lowest level have been frozen in time.

Meanwhile, each of our neighboring countries has moved forward. New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland have enacted higher minimum wages, and some have already reached or approached $15 an hour. Even West Virginia exceeded Pennsylvania’s $8.75 an hour wage floor. The result is straightforward: as a country, we are less competitive, both for workers and for companies that want to attract and retain a stable workforce.

It’s not just a matter of honesty. It’s a matter of economic competitiveness.

Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians would directly benefit from an boost in the minimum wage. These are not abstract numbers; these are our neighbors, domestic helpers, childminders, retail workers, catering workers. These are people who work tough every day and still struggle to make ends meet.

When wages for working families rise, that money doesn’t end up in the bank account. It is published in local communities. The funds are used for grocery shopping in local stores, meals in local restaurants and services provided by tiny businesses. Raising the minimum wage does more than just lend a hand individual workers. It’s about strengthening our entire economy from the ground up.

Raising the minimum wage isn’t the right solution for more than just Pennsylvania families. This is a shrewd way to save taxpayers money and strengthen our economy. When workers earn a living wage, they are better able to support themselves and are less dependent on government programs, helping to get more people off public assistance and lower costs for taxpayers, including multimillion-dollar Medicaid spending.
The legislation passed by the House takes a balanced approach, gradually raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2029. This phased schedule gives companies time to adapt while also providing long-awaited relief to workers who have waited more than a decade for the changes.

The 1995 law ties Pennsylvania legislators’ pay to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that their wages keep pace with inflation. This adjustment occurs automatically every year unless lawmakers choose to freeze it. The same courtesy has not been extended to those working minimum wage in our state. Legislation passed by the House would finally correct this imbalance by indexing the minimum wage to the CPI after 2029 so that it reflects the real cost of living. If we believe that rising costs justify regular pay raises for those in government, we should extend the same basic fairness to the hardworking Pennsylvanians who are the backbone of our economy.

According to the Keystone Research Center, 11% of our workforce, or 38,000 workers, in Bucks County would benefit from a $15 minimum wage. 26% of them are employees over 40 years of age, and 20% are parents. The impact of this bill is not abstract, it is real and concrete for our neighbors who deserve a living wage. This is real and concrete for our local businesses who would see the economic impact of higher wages spent right here in Bucks County.

The House has done its job. Three times. The path forward is clear.

It’s time for Senate Republican leaders to put the issue to a vote, something they refused to do on the previous two bills. Senate Democrats are ready and willing to make progress on this issue. Pennsylvanians deserve to know where officials choose to stand on an issue that directly impacts their livelihoods.

Hard work should be rewarded with fair pay. Right now, Pennsylvania is lagging behind and we cannot afford to wait any longer to catch up.