Author: Christen Smith | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Eleven days after Gov. Josh Shapiro sued the White House to unfreeze billions in federal funding for Pennsylvania, the money is flowing again. Shapiro said Monday that the legal challenge and “continued pressure” on the Trump administration to comply or face further action, moved the issue forward. “Every dollar we identified…

(The Center Square) – Protecting vulnerable utility customers from winter shut-offs with reasonable payment plans appeals across both sides of the aisle in Pennsylvania. When it comes to reauthorizing the 20-year-old law that makes it possible, however, agreement is harder to find. The Senate voted 41-7 on Monday in favor of the Responsible Utility Customer…

(The Center Square) – A new deal could dampen the shock of anticipated price spikes from rising energy costs. On Tuesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said PJM will support a new price cap meant to lower the cost of the power grid in the coming year after a recent auction forecasted an 800% increase. That…

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania first responders kicked off the indoor parade in Washington, D.C., for President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration on Monday. Members of local and state law enforcement and paramedics processed through the Capital One Arena, all of whom responded on July 13 when a would-be assassin opened fire at a Trump rally,…

(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro says he’s ready to work with President Donald Trump. The Democratic leader of Pennsylvania, where support for domestic energy production and a populist enthusiasm for the commander-in-chief resonates loudly, issued a statement Monday congratulating the new administration and pledging a cordial partnership, albeit conditionally. “As governor, I have…

(The Center Square) – Boosting business competition in Pennsylvania remains at the top of state lawmakers’ minds, who remain keenly aware of the state’s ever-shrinking workforce. What’s new for this year, however, is the Competitiveness Caucus, a group of lawmakers from both chambers and both sides of the aisle who aim to promote policies that…

(The Center Square) – Congressional members representing Pennsylvania expressed relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday after the announcement of a ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle applauded the deal that comes more than a year after Hamas first killed more than a thousand Israelis in a terrorist…

(The Center Square) – Four new members swore oaths of office in the Pennsylvania Senate on Tuesday. The occasion marks the opening day of the Legislature’s two-year session and is filled with ceremonial conventions, from certifying election results to approving operating rules. Republicans, who maintained control of the chamber after the general election in November,…

(The Center Square) – Local officials caught defying Pennsylvania election law may find themselves without a job. Rep. Joe D’Orsie, R-York, is drafting legislation that would give the state House the power to remove county and municipal officials from office. It’s similar to the impeachment process and would ultimately require voter approval. D’Orsie and other…

(The Center Square) – State government covers more than half of operational costs for mass transit systems in Pennsylvania’s largest cities.  Notably, it’s not rider fares or contributions from local taxing authorities. In 2022, the latter represented just 7.5% of funding for both SEPTA in the Philadelphia region and the Pittsburgh Transit Authority, which operates 300…