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Pa. Gov. Shapiro proposes $44.4B spending plan in 1st budget address
The administration said the $44.4 billion spending plan aims to preserve the state’s flush coffers while still making investments to promote growth and continue funding pandemic-era relief programs.
Study finds community-led prevention approach reduces opioid overdose deaths in Pa. counties
The research conducted by the University of Pittsburgh analyzed data on overdose deaths from 48 Pennsylvania counties from 2016-2019, found that the opioid overdose death rates in counties that implemented a community-led approach with the help of the Pennsylvania Overdose Reduction Technical Assistance Center (ORTAC), which provides support to counties fighting opioid use, was “consistently lower” than in other counties.
Senate GOP outlines 2023-24 priorities ahead of state budget address | Five for the Weekend
With Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro scheduled to give his first budget address next Tuesday, Senate Republicans this week outlined their "principles and priorities" for the 2023-24 state budget.
Access and equity are top priorities for Women’s Health Caucus in 2023-24 session
With operating rules now in place in the Democratically controlled House, caucus members said that they plan to prioritize reproductive rights, address the maternal mortality crisis, and expand access and equity in health care.
Pa. Broadband Authority seeks public input on community engagement
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, a 12-member independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), opened a two-week public comment period on Monday to gather feedback on how to engage communities in the process of developing two plans: the State Digital Equity Stakeholder Engagement Plan and the Commonwealth’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan.
Bills granting relief to sexual abuse survivors pass House, head to Senate | Five for the Weekend
The bills would allow survivors of sexual abuse to file otherwise outdated lawsuits against their abusers.
Long-delayed relief for sexual abuse survivors passes Pa. House
Proposals letting now-adults file civil lawsuits against their abusers still face challenges in the GOP-controlled Pennsylvania Senate
GOP lawmaker plans to introduce bill to ‘eliminate’ RGGI regulation
In November, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court heard oral arguments in two “separate but related” cases regarding RGGI and its constitutionality. The appellate court has yet to issue a ruling in those cases.
Expecting ‘extraordinary action’ this session, gift ban advocates hope for legislative action
“As public officials, we have a duty to serve our constituents and maintain their trust. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard.”
Where do things stand with the Pa. House? | Five for the Weekend
Here are a few stories from our team that elaborate on the current House dynamics and what to expect when the House reconvenes.
Pa. lawmaker to introduce bill to incentivize farmers to adopt agroforestry practices
State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Philadelphia, said he plans to reintroduce a bill that would offer incentives to farmers who incorporate agroforestry, a land use management system that incorporates trees and shrubs growing on or near crops to lessen the environmental impact of mass agriculture. into their farming practices.
Bill to end medical co-pays for incarcerated Pennsylvanians to be reintroduced
Brown sponsored the same bill in the 2021-22 legislative session. It died in the House Judiciary Committee without coming to a vote.