🌴 Come on Monday. Everything will be fine
🗞️ In today’s Guide. Will AP’s 3-month budget impasse impact Governor Shapiro’s long-term ambitions? Behind the doors of the AP Capitol’s mysterious “Rules” room. Pennsylvania is the only Northeastern state with a growing economy. Franklin away from home at Penn State.
🎶 Your morning pick-me-up. Holidays. Green Day
Weather in Pennsylvania
☀️ City of Ellwood | Mostly bright, 71
☔ Hollidaysburg | Rain, 63
🌧️Mountain of Joy | Rain, 59
Sports PA
🏈 Steelers (4-1) | Cleveland 23-9 | Thu in Cincinnati
🏈 Eagles (4-2) | Sun in Minnesota
🏈 Penn State (3-3) | North-Western 21-22 | I was sitting in Iowa
🏈 Pitt (4-2) | Florida State 34-31 | I was sitting in Syracuse
🏈 Temple (3-3) | Navy blue 31-32 | I was sitting in Charlotte
🏒 Flyers (0-1-1) | Karolina 3-4 (overtime) | Pon vs. Florida
🏒 Penguins (2-1) | Rangers 1-6 | Tuesday in Anaheim
🎙️Voices of reason. From insider trading loopholes to the Fair Act, the voices of reason are falling apart why lawmakers’ investments have become one of the most discussed ethical issues in Washington – and what bipartisan reforms could finally fix it. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudettedirector of government affairs at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO), joins our discussion.
🔊 What we hear. Penn State fired its head football coach James Franklin who is expected to buy out his contract for $49 million. The university is in the process of closing WPSU after rejecting a potential sale to WHYY that included a $17 million payment.
📰 PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
The most vital story
1. Will Pennsylvania’s three-month budget impasse impact Governor Shapiro’s long-term ambitions?
“Philadelphia’s month-long traffic nightmare seemed inevitable. A fire-damaged portion of a major north-south artery collapsed. But just 12 days later Governor Josh Shapiro took to the microphone on site and delivered some news.
Interstate 95 reopened thanks to a tremendous team effort, he said on June 23, 2023, proving that Pennsylvania can “do nothing.” This phrase – and its purer version, “get things done” – became the slogan of a nationally notable governor.
Currently, it may have a slightly hollow ring to some. Pennsylvania has a substantial problem: No state budget has been “finished” for more than three months.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Elsewhere
Why PA voters are asked to choose “yes” or “no” for certain judges on Election Day. “Pennsylvania is among the few states that hold partisan judicial elections. But once a judge is elected to the bench, partisanship is expected to end. That’s why Pennsylvania voters will have the opportunity to check “yes” or “no” next to certain candidates on their ballots during the November election.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Shapiro, Slotkin rally for state Supreme Court justices on the November ballot. “On a weekend when the opening of Pittsburgh’s recent airport attracted much attention, local Democrats – and some from out of town – found time to rally on an issue that wasn’t on the radar of many voters.” (Wes)
The PA Supreme Court fight turns out to be the latest costly battle over abortion and voting rights. “Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court elections are nearing historic levels of spending and attention as a typically overlooked process becomes the latest front in a national battle for control of the courts deciding the most important issues of the era.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Country
2. Big decisions, little access: Behind the doors of the secret PA Capitol “rules” room
“In the Capitol, behind two layers of security, is a tiny room where vital decisions affecting all Pennsylvanians are made.
The Senate “rule chamber” is an ornate space the size of a pickleball court, with mahogany paneling and a gold leaf coffered ceiling, where an old-fashioned clock keeps time and portraits of past leaders look down on current lawmakers. This is where leaders gather to put the final touches on major pieces of legislation, such as the state budget, before a final vote.
You could say this is the room where it happens – except the audience has no idea what’s actually going on inside because there’s no live broadcast.” (PennLive)
Elsewhere
Against the backdrop of the governor’s race, the Garrity loan program becomes part of the budget impasse. “There was no sign of a breakthrough as Pennsylvania’s budget impasse passed its 100th day last week. Instead, state lawmakers found something new to argue about: whether the loan program offered by Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity was a bailout for groups that rely on state funding, or a political stunt that could further delay a final agreement.” (Wes)
Bry Pardoe is Pennsylvania’s acting CIO following changes to its IT staff. “Pennsylvania has a new CIO to lead IT operations amid an apparent leadership change at the state Office of Information Technology. Bry Pardoe, former executive director of the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience, has been named acting CIO, and James Sipe, the state’s chief information security officer, has been named acting Deputy Executive Secretary for Information Technology. “(City and state)
The government shutdown takes center stage at MP Madeleine Dean’s town hall. “Earlier this week, an 8-year-old named Alex called and asked U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean a question: ‘My mom is a teacher and my dad works for the National Park Service. When will my dad get paid again?’ – Alex asked. (North Penn now)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. PA is the only northeastern state with a growing economy: report
“Governor Josh Shapiro has two recent feathers to put in its hat: A recent report shows Pennsylvania is the only Northeastern state with a growing economy.
This recent development comes on the heels of Pennsylvania becoming the only Northeastern state to crack the top 20 “Best States for Business” this year. (PennLive)
Elsewhere
Pittsburgh taxpayers are watching from the sidelines as the battle over the stadium and arts funding approaches. “A battle may begin between local arts and cultural organizations and the Steelers and the Pirates over the future use of $13.4 million in Allegheny County sales tax revenue to fund upgrades to PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
MacLean and Siegel clash in a debate punctuated by an exchange about masked ICE agents. “Less than a month before the November 4 election, candidates running for Lehigh County Executive competed shoulder-to-shoulder at the forum on a host of issues including funding, policing and election integrity.” (Lehigh Valley Chair)
Penn State trustees will consider selling WPSU for a second time on Monday. “The future of WPSU will once again be on the agenda for Penn State’s board of trustees on Monday.” (WPSU)
As WQLN adjusts to budget cuts, donors enhance 185% during Erie Gives. “WQLN Erie, which first went on the air 58 years ago, continues to look for ways to adapt after federal funding for public broadcasting ended on September 30. It’s not an easy climb. Federal funding totaled about $1.2 million, or about 40% of WQLN’s annual budget. And cutting costs isn’t as simple as cutting two or three programs from schedule.” (Erie Times-News)
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
1 item
5. Penn State fires coach James Franklin in the middle of a losing season
“James Franklin is at Penn State.
The school fired its longtime head coach on Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern that virtually ended any chance the preseason No. 2 team had of advancing to the College Football Playoff.
Terry Smith will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season for the Nittany Lions, who began the year with hopes of winning a national title, but those hopes evaporated in early October amid a string of losses, each more severe than the last. (AP)
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