👋 Hello Tuesday.
🗞️ In today’s Guide. Fetterman, Lee Reactions to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire highlight persistent democratic divisions. Should Pennsylvania General Meetings be Limited? How Shapiro wants to change the power grid operator in the region. Lucky’s Big Weiner Race.
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🎙️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.
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The most essential story
1. Fetterman and Lee’s reactions to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire highlight persistent democratic divisions
“For one Pennsylvania lawmaker, the modern ceasefire between Israel and Hamas marked the end of a nightmare for families and a nation awaiting the return of hostages since the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.
For the second, it was necessary to support reunite Palestinian and Israeli families and to call for support for Gaza and hold accountable for the Israeli military response that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and returned many displaced people to their destroyed homes.Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Elsewhere
Pennsylvania lawmakers react to ceasefire agreement. “Democrats John Fetterman, Chris Deluzio and Josh Shapiro credited President Trump for this deal, Summer Lee did not.” (Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh)
NRCC pressured liberal group to modify TV spots attacking Republicans, including AP’s Perry. “Last week, the House Republican Party’s political arm successfully pressured the liberal group to modify political ads targeting three incumbent battleground Republicans, arguing that the language in the TV spots was inaccurate.” (Known)
Republicans are launching a campaign to flip the Democratic majority on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. “Activist Scott Presler, who heads the political action committee Early Vote Action, told Fox News Digital that his team of more than two dozen full-time staffers is focused on “breaking the status quo” in the Keystone State and voting Democratic.”(Fox News)
Smucker says the LNP opinion is defamatory and demands a retraction. “U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker raises defamation claim following an October 8 editorial published by LNP | LancasterOnline said the lawmaker is “lying to his constituents” by saying in a newsletter that Democrats are calling for “taxpayer-funded free health care for illegal immigrants.”LNP)
Country
2. Should the number of Pennsylvania General Meetings be restricted? Some state lawmakers say yes
“Pennsylvania has the largest full-time state legislature in the country, with 253 well-compensated state representatives and senators, and yet it is unable to fulfill one of its primary missions: passing a state budget.
The budget impasse between Democrats and Republicans is now in its 105th day with no end in sight.
Is it time to reduce the size of the Legislature?” (CBS Pittsburgh)
Elsewhere
‘We need to get back to being a substantial tent party’: DePasquale lays out plan for AP Democrats. “Eugene DePasquale has one overriding goal as he takes on his new role leading the Pennsylvania Democratic Party: to win.” (PennLive)
The budget impasse delaying the payment of stipends for PA student teachers is under pressure. “The PA Student Teacher Assistance Program was introduced last year to encourage new teachers and address the financial strains faced by student teachers. While students in other majors often complete paid internships, community college students across the state must complete unpaid field work to earn certification.” (Wes)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. How Josh Shapiro wants to transform the regional energy grid operator in the face of rising prices
“As electricity prices continue to rise in Pennsylvania and across the country, Governor Josh Shapiro publicly blames the region’s electricity grid operator and calls for changes that would give the state greater influence on management.
Last month, Shapiro said PJM Interconnection had “months, not years” to make changes or “Pennsylvania will go its own way” – in other words, leave the network. (PA reflector)
Elsewhere
Parker’s reticence towards Trump is both calculated and gamble as the president escalates against blue cities. “Mayor Cherelle L. Parker avoided openly criticizing Trump even as the president attempted to deploy troops in other American cities against the wishes of their Democratic mayors.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Budget impasse leaves 125 Westmoreland furloughed and questions about loan program. “Westmoreland County, which will lay off 125 of its 1,600 workers on Tuesday amid the state budget fiasco, is one of six Pennsylvania counties seeking loans under a new program led by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, according to county and treasury officials.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
WPSU lives another day. Penn State Board Approves Transfer to WHYY. “WPSU-TV and radio will become part of Philadelphia-based WHYY under a plan unanimously approved by Penn State trustees on Monday, a month after the board’s finance committee rejected a similar proposal but one that would have cost the university $17 million over five years.” (WPSU)
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
- Pennsylvanians should support the expiration of Obamacare tax breaks | Emily Greene
- Love coal, but kill miners | Adriana E. Ramírez
- Why I join the thousands who say “No Kings” in America | John Sigle
- Senator McCormick, please call a health care and innovation summit | Krzysztof Drumm
- Despite threats of violence, the Supreme Court cannot allow fear to influence its judgments Chicago Tribune
- Why I’m giving away my Pentagon press pass | Tom Bowman
- Letter to Senator John Fetterman | Tabitha Goodling
1 item
5. Lucky’s Great Weiner Race
“After you move, there comes a time when your neighborhood finally feels like home. Whether it’s a restaurant offering the most comforting meal, a neighbor who greets you warmly with ‘Go Birds,’ or an event that makes you think, ‘Wow, I really found my people.’ For me, it’s the Lucky’s Last Chance Great Weiner Race at Manayunk, a fund-raising event for the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society” (Citizen of Philadelphia)
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