pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. Senate panel advances bill banning TikTok from state devices, networks

BY: - March 6, 2023

A Pennsylvania Senate panel has advanced legislation prohibiting government agencies from downloading and using TikTok on state devices, arguing that the social application poses a security threat.

Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his first budget address this week. Here’s what to expect

BY: and - March 6, 2023

His speech, expected to touch on promises made on the campaign trail, marks the beginning of weeks of budget hearings and negotiations.

Online access to Pa. Senate spending remains, but a Democrat proposes expanded transparency

BY: - March 5, 2023

Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, has again proposed legislation requiring that all legislative expenses, including both House and Senate lawmakers, be publicly posted online in an easily searchable format by each chamber’s chief clerk.

State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, attends the Senate Education Committee Hearing held at the Pennsylvania Capitol on May 24, 2022 in Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. Senate committee votes to subpoena Norfolk Southern CEO

BY: - March 1, 2023

The Republican-controlled committee voted 9-1 to subpoena Alan Shaw, requesting that the president and CEO of the railroad company testify about the train derailment in East Palestine.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. Senate swears in new Republican member

BY: - February 28, 2023

A Republican who won a Senate special election earlier this month took the oath of office on Tuesday, bringing the 50-seat upper chamber to full complement.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. Senate Democrats urge vote on House-approved proposals providing relief for abuse survivors

BY: - February 27, 2023

Pennsylvania Senate Democrats argue that the upper chamber hasn’t fulfilled a commitment to providing relief for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Democrats propose abolishing death penalty; Republican floats mandatory sentence for murdering cop

BY: - February 22, 2023

Democrats reintroduced legislation to ban capital punishment in Pennsylvania.

Expecting ‘extraordinary action’ this session, gift ban advocates hope for legislative action

BY: and - February 19, 2023

“As public officials, we have a duty to serve our constituents and maintain their trust. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard.”

Pa. officials vow to ‘hold this railroad accountable,’ announce monthly water testing

BY: and - February 16, 2023

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-17th District, told the Capital-Star that his constituents in Beaver County, just a few miles west of the site of the derailment, had a general sense of fear.

Shapiro refuses to sign execution warrants, calls on lawmakers to abolish capital punishment

BY: - February 16, 2023

Gov. Josh Shapiro also called on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to abolish capital punishment altogether.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. lawmaker proposes mandatory reporting to address prescription drug affordability, access

BY: - February 14, 2023

The bill would require the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to collect and release data from pharmaceutical companies about drug costs.

With a pandemic-era ‘lifeline’ ending this month, Pa. food banks brace for increased need

BY: and - February 10, 2023

The program, which took effect in April 2020, increased monthly benefits to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.