News & Brews August 7, 2024
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Walz bests Shapiro for VP pick
Despite weeks of eager speculation by Pa. Dems (and the media), VP Kamala Harris did not pick Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate, instead opting for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. PennLive took a stab at a “first assessment” of why Shapiro was passed over for the role. Was it his support for Israel? His (supposed) backing of school vouchers? Or, as the Inquirer said in its assessment, maybe he was “too ambitious.” Whether some (or all) of these reasons are true, Shapiro took the stage yesterday at the Harris-Walz rally in Philly, where he said he loves being Pennsylvania’s governor and reiterated that he’s proud of his Jewish faith.
Vance makes first campaign stop in Philly
Hours before the Harris-Walz rally yesterday, Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance also made a campaign stop in Philadelphia, where he highlighted VP Kamala Harris’ disastrous record on immigration and border policy, among other things. WHYY reported on the event, talking to attendees to hear why they are supporting a Trump-Vance ticket.
Why did 11 school districts get extra ed funding?
The progressive Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “buried” in the school funding code bill, which guides the education spending approved in the state budget, “are directions to send around $14 million to 11 specific school districts. That’s in addition to what they’re awarded through the new formula that determines state funding for underfunded Pennsylvania school districts.” Why does this stand out? Well, “Each of the 11 school districts that received increased funds is represented exclusively by Democrats in the state House, including multiple members of the caucus’ leadership. Only three of the school districts are represented by Republicans in the Senate.” Hmmmm.
Insurers seek average 8% price hike in Pa. marketplace
The Post-Gazette reports that health insurers in the commonwealth “are seeking to raise premium rates an average 7.9% overall in 2025 on plans offered through the state’s online marketplace to individuals.” However, the proposed increases making up this average range from much higher to much lower. “A year ago,” the story notes, “the average rate request for individual market plans being offered in 2024 was 4.2%, down from 7.1% requested in 2023. The statewide average rate increase granted for 2024 plans was 3.9% — 4.1% for small group coverage.”
Pa. House committee continues ‘Back to School’ hearings today
The Pa. House Republican Policy Committee will hold the second in a series of “Back to School” hearings this morning at 10:00 a.m. This hearing, at the Mechanicsburg Area School District Administrative Building, will “highlight what public schools in Cumberland County are doing to provide a great education to their students while respecting taxpayers.” Watch the hearing at 10:00 a.m. here.