News & Brews August 3, 2021
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“Here’s one union that really likes management”
“For the teachers who rely on Pennsylvania’s biggest pension fund, the turmoil at the plan has gone beyond an FBI investigation and a failed board rebellion. Last month, the fund’s weak investments did damage to their take-home pay,” so, why does the PSEA continue its unwavering support for the PSERS board? This in-depth look at PSERS and its relationship with the PSEA and other government unions explains why, even after scandals and mismanagement, the PSEA will stay firmly in the camp of a board that values their beloved defined benefit plans above all else.
Second DA sues AG
Allegheny County District Attorney Steven Zappala Jr. has joined Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner in his fight against Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s proposed opioid settlement. “Shapiro says the settlement with three distributors and a drug manufacturer could deliver as much as $1 billion to Pennsylvania over 18 years, with $232 million coming by next year.” However, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Krasner calls the deal a “sellout” and Zappala claims the settlement barely scratches the surface of the damage done. Both Krasner and Zappala plan to pursue their own lawsuits against the drug manufacturers, which the AG’s office claims have “no realistic plan for success.” Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll get a few more press releases explaining the situation.
A closer look at statewide judicial races
The Legislative Reapportionment Commission and Senate State Government Committee will begin to hold hearings this week to seek insight and expertise on legislative redistricting. The Post-Gazette recently spoke with Mark Nordenberg, chancellor emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh, about his work with the Legislative Reapportionment Commission and the process underway to work with leaders from both caucuses to to draw the district boundaries for 50 state Senate and 203 state House seats.
Date set to fill Rep. Margo Davidson’s seat
House leadership announced that the special election to fill the seat of Rep. Margo Davidson (D-Delaware) will take place during the Nov. 2 general election. Davidson recently resigned after being charged with theft and election code violations.