🌤️ Good morning, Tuesday morning. I’m thinking about everyone in northwestern Pennsylvania digging out of the snow.
🗞️ PoliticsPA Guide is written by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
Weather in Pennsylvania
☁️ Warren | Snow showers, 36
☀️ Carroll Valley | Sunny, 40
☁️ Moosik | Mostly dull, 38
Sports PA
🏀 Sixes (4-14) | Tue vs. Charlotte
🏒 Penguins (10-12-4) | Tuesday vs. Florida
🏒 Flyers (12/10/3) | Thu vs. Florida
🔉 What we hear. The Commonwealth Foundation announced Megan Martin as the modern chief operating officer and general counsel effective Monday.
📅 What’s going on. Here list of events taking place at the Pennsylvania Society 2024 this weekend in New York.
📱 Social media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media sites where you can get the latest political news from across the Commonwealth: Twitter | Blue | Facebook | LinkedIn
The most essential story
1. Trump says he will ‘block’ Nippon Steel’s takeover of American steel
“US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday said it would “block” Japan’s Nippon Steel’s planned takeover of U.S. Steel, a deal worth $14.9 billion that included debt.
“I am completely opposed to the purchase of the once great and powerful US Steel by a foreign company, in this case Nippon Steel of Japan,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“Through a series of tax incentives and tariffs, we will make American steel strong and great again, and it will happen FAST! As president, I will block the conclusion of this agreement.” (CNHI News)
Elsewhere
A pair of statewide audits confirm the accuracy of AP election results. “Commonwealth Secretary Al Schmidt announced that two audits conducted after each election and before final certification confirmed that the unofficial results of the 2024 general election were accurate.” (PoliticsPA)
Elon Musk may accuse his US PAC of attacking Larry Krasner and other progressive prosecutors. “Musk especially wants his PAC to challenge prosecutors who received money from billionaire George Soros — a prominent liberal donor and a frequent target of right-wing conspiracy theories — or entities associated with him.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Country
2. GOP senators will reintroduce the “Save Women’s Sports” Act.
“Ten Republican senators have joined forces to reintroduce the so-called ‘Save Women’s Sports Act,’ which was originally proposed during the 2021-2022 legislative session.
The legislation states that school athletic teams designated for women “shall not be open to male teams.” It goes on to state that “gender” is defined as “the biological distinction between male and female, based on reproductive biology and genetic structure.” (PoliticsPA)
Elsewhere
Newly elected PA lawmakers are on the payroll this week but won’t be sworn in until January. The proposal aims to change this. “State Rep. Russ Diamond has introduced a proposal to set the swearing-in date for December 1.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
The public utility law will expire after AP’s legislative impasse on expanding consumer protections. “State lawmakers ended the legislative session without reauthorizing a 20-year-old consumer protection law that prohibits companies from turning off utilities to low-income customers during the winter.” (PA reflector)
It appears PA lawmakers will try to address hospital closures again in 2025. “Data on the Pennsylvania Health Access Network website shows that over the past 20 years, Pennsylvania has experienced 112 hospital mergers and acquisitions and 27 hospital closures during the same period. A further 19 have ended access to emergency care, maternity care or other key services.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
PA lawmakers say it’s time to legalize recreational marijuana. “State Reps. Rick Krajewski of Philadelphia and Dan Frankel of Allegheny said Monday they are seeking sponsors for what they call “landmark” marijuana legislation that could generate significant revenue and lend a hand communities that have suffered from the effects of the “war on drugs.” (PennLive)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Allegheny County Councilman proposes compromise on tax raise as deadline approaches
“Member of the Allegheny County Council Dan Grzybek on Tuesday, he will present a compromise tax increase proposal – intended to bridge the gap between county governments Sara Innamorato spending plan and budget with a smaller increase proposed by the council.
Grzybek’s plan would raise the county millage rate to about 6.39 mills – 1.66 mills more than residents currently pay, a 35% increase. This would represent an increase from the 1.35 million proposal introduced by John Palmieri and other council members last week, but that is still less than the $2.2 million increase Innamorato says is necessary to fully fund county services.” (WESA)
Elsewhere
Martin named chief operating officer and general counsel of the Commonwealth Foundation. “The Commonwealth Foundation announced that Megan Martin will become its new chief operating officer and general counsel, effective Monday. In this new role, Martin will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission to implement free-market policies that enable all Pennsylvanians to thrive. He will also provide strategic leadership on legal and regulatory matters.” (PoliticsPA)
What is “lake effect snow”? The key ingredient is hot air from huge bodies of water. “Lake-effect snow often occurs in relatively narrow bands, dropping copious amounts of snow. The weather phenomenon can dramatically increase snowfall totals and may hit one area while leaving another untouched several miles away. Nearly 4 feet of lake-like snow fell over the weekend in parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.” (AP)
- The Lake Effect Warning for Erie County ends on Tuesday, but more snow is forecast. (Erie Times-News)
District Attorney’s Office Asks AG to Investigate Questionable Payments to Dauphin County Commissioner. “Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo has contacted the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office regarding payments made to former County Commissioner Jeff Haste by the CEO of the county jail health care provider, PrimeCare Medical.” (PennLive)
Lancaster City Council Vice President Jaime Arroyo announces his 2025 mayoral bid.. “Arroyo, a Democrat, has served on the City Council since 2020 and is the CEO of Assets, a nonprofit organization that offers financing and training to local entrepreneurs.” (LNP | Lancaster on the Internet)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
1 item
5. New mint milkshake unveiled at the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show
“The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association is introducing a modern mint-flavored milkshake at the 2025 PA Farm Show, with just one month left until one of the largest indoor agricultural shows in the country opens on January 4 and the Food Court opens on January 3, 2025. In December, The PA Dairymen’s will present modern MINT flavor during Pre-Farm Show Pop Ups at select Central PA GIANT locations to celebrate the upcoming Farm Show. (PennWatch)
