News & Brews May 3, 2022
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PA candidates react to pending SCOTUS abortion ruling
With headlines all around noting that a leaked Supreme Court document suggests the high court may be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade and return to states the ability to allow or disallow abortion, we can expect this issue to come to even greater prominence in the gubernatorial and Senate races. Democrats in both races have consistently touted their pro-abortion views, while Republicans in both contests all say they are pro-life (with some candidates holding there should be exceptions in the cases of rape, incest, or the life of the mother). PennLive has reactions from some of the candidates.
State revenue in April sets new record
Pennsylvania pulled in $6.5 billion in revenue last month, “which is $1.8 billion over estimate and according to the state’s Independent Fiscal Office, nearly $2.6 billion more than it took in last April,” PennLive reports. According to the Department of Revenue, this brings the fiscal year-to-date revenue to $40.7 billion, which is $4.5 billion more than estimates. That said, lawmakers shouldn’t go on a spending spree as this month’s revenue doesn’t change longer-term projections. While this is a good year for revenue (based on 2021 incomes), revenue is still projected to decline in 2022-23.
Will we know primary election winners on election night?
The Inquirer thinks that the winners of the primaries for governor and U.S. Senate could be apparent on primary election night—”a few hours after the polls close.” This would be a departure from some recent races, when counting mail-in ballots took days. Still, despite the Inky’s rosy prediction (offered with the caveat that “things can change”), the story says that even if results come quickly this time, “don’t get used to it.”
PA primary: Who’s running, how to vote, & more
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has a handy dandy guide to the May 17 primary election. You’ll find a list of who’s running for each office (Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, and some western PA congressional seats) on both the Democrat and Republican sides, links to candidates’ websites, and more. Check it out here.
Philly businesses decry Covid mandates during Small Business Week
This week is the government-recognized National Small Business week, and businesses in Philly are using this opportunity to speak out against the city’s ever-changing Covid mandates. WHYY has more.