News & Brews June 18, 2021
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Grove takes election reform to Wolf press conference
Yesterday, Gov. Wolf held another press conference denouncing imagined voter disenfranchisement, even as he had thus far refused to come to the table and negotiate election reform with lawmakers. Well, three cheers for Rep. Seth Grove, who showed up at Wolf’s presser in Delaware County to explain what his election reform bill actually does. Meanwhile, Wolf’s office released a response to Grove’s letter (sent Tuesday) requesting that the governor come to the table and negotiate. Wolf’s letter rehashes his claims of disenfranchisement before saying he’s willing for this “staff” to negotiate on a select few items only.
With 12 days until traditional budget deadline, debate continues
Overshadowed by things like election reform and cocktails-to-go, the state budget debate continues as we approach the traditional June 30 deadline. The AP reports that while Republicans are juggling a deficit, the pandemic, and schools when it comes to hashing out state spending, Democrats have “rolled out expansive plans” for using federal COVID relief dollars. These plans include “improvements to school technology and aging school buildings, or grants for housing programs and frontline workers.” Here’s my bold prediction: Neither side will get everything it wants.
Breaking down the PSERS saga: A quick view
I’ve shared a bunch of articles recently about the major drama happening in our state’s largest pension fund. Well, Spotlight PA has condensed those articles into a handy CliffsNotes summary of the saga. Read it here!
Dems wait on Lamb’s decision on U.S. Senate run
The Inquirer reports that even as U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan and Madeleine Dean announced they will not run for U.S. Senate, Dems have high expectations that U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb will enter the race. Lamb was first elected to his seat in a March 2018 special election. He then won election to a full term that November, and he won re-election last year.