News & Brews July 20, 2021

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Wolf admin: ID requirement fine for unemployment, anti-democratic for voting

Here’s your morning dose of illogic. Gov. Wolf’s Department of Labor has introduced new anti-fraud measures to protect our unemployment system that will require individuals filing new claims to verify their identity. Let’s call it an ID requirement, just for fun. Meanwhile, Wolf recently vetoed the Voting Rights Protection Act because it included a…(wait for it)…voter ID requirement. The double standard wasn’t lost on the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Seth Grove.

PA gambling revenue hits new high

Pennsylvania hit nearly $3.9 billion in gambling revenue last fiscal year, topping the state’s previous record by about 17%. The AP reports that while revenue from casino slot machines and table games was lower than previous records, online casino gambling and sports betting hit new record highs.

Hearing today on no-bid emergency contracts

This afternoon a 1:00 pm, the House State Government Committee’s Subcommittee on Government Operations will hold a hearing on the state’s emergency procurement process, which allowed the state to request more than $340 million in no-bid contracts last year. The hearing will be live-streamed here.

Op-Ed: How teachers’ unions are fighting to kill teaching jobs in PA

Conner Drigotas, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Americans for Fair Treatment, has a new op-ed in Broad + Liberty outlining how teachers’ unions, which claim to represent teachers’ interests, actively fight to squash teaching jobs if those jobs don’t help fill the unions’ coffers.

Amid worker shortage, teenagers are filling the void

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that as many businesses struggle to hire workers, teenagers are stepping in and filling the void. John Longstreet, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, stated, “Teens have an impact on the industry because they are willing to come in and work jobs that not everyone is willing to work in. It’s a win-win scenario. It gives a young person an opportunity to make some money, get good work experience, and it helps fill the labor gap that we are facing.” Meanwhile, across the state, the Pottstown Mercury took a deeper look at the labor shortage.

PUC proposes new pipeline rules

Last week, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission released new proposed rules that would govern intrastate pipelines that transport gasoline, petroleum, crude oil, and natural gas liquids. One pipeline operator, however, cautioned the commission against violating due process restrictions, noting PUC should ensure its investigation and enforcement division isn’t involved in the regulations.

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