News & Brews February 15, 2023
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Dem leaders mum ahead of session
The Center Square reports that three new Democrat members will be among House lawmakers when they return to session next week. But beyond this, “little is known about how the chamber’s organization will shift amid a gridlock over operating rules and simmering tension between Republican and Democratic leaders.” Yesterday, “a spokesperson for House Democrats declined to comment … about whether Speaker Mark Rozzi … will stay in the chamber’s most powerful position after rumors began swirling that he’d be replaced by Rep. Joanna McClinton….”
Op-Ed: School choice victory & opportunity for Shapiro
Our president and CEO, Matt Brouillette, has a new op-ed in PennLive highlighting how the recent Commonwealth Court ruling on education funding points to a pivotal victory for school choice and a timely opportunity for Gov. Shapiro. Matt writes, “As governor, Shapiro is a named defendant in the case. But instead of appealing the court’s ruling, he should use his upcoming budget address to the General Assembly to call for universal school choice that will guarantee equal protection to all students regardless of zip code or family income.”
Some Dem mayoral candidates seek to ‘circumvent’ Krasner
Progressive Democrat Philly District Attorney Larry Krasner has come under intense fire for his “soft-on-crime” approach as Philly homicides remain at record levels. Now, “At least three Democratic Philadelphia mayoral candidates have signaled that they would consider trying to circumvent … Krasner and refer gun-related criminal cases to state or federal prosecutors, but the feasibility of such a maneuver is unclear,” the Inquirer reports. The plan would require agreement from the Department of Justice, which, the story notes, is “far from certain.” Yet, it’s telling that members of Krasner’s own party are rejecting his approach as they seek Philly’s top elected office.
Sen. Casey undergoes prostate cancer surgery
Yesterday, Sen. Bob Casey underwent successful prostate cancer surgery. According to his office, Casey anticipates returning to a “normal schedule” after he recovers. His office also said that according to his doctor, Casey “should not require further treatment.” We wish Senator Casey a speedy and full recovery.
17 Republicans eye Pa. House seat
The Sunbury Daily Item reports that 17 Republicans “from across Northumberland and Montour County seek the seat in the 108th state House District which was held by soon-to-be state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver.” Because this will be a special election, each party’s committee members will select their party’s respective nominee. The election will be held on a date yet to be announced by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.