News & Brews January 9, 2025
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GOP negotiates rule changes in Pa. House
As the closely divided 101-101 Pa. House re-elected Democrat Joanna McClinton as Speaker earlier this week, Republicans were able, as part of the process, to negotiate several House rule changes that will inject more fairness into legislative proceedings. Previously the rules stated that the party that won a majority of seats in November election would hold the majority over the next two years, regardless of whether special elections changed the balance of power. This rule was eliminated. Additionally, Republicans negotiated changes in the committee structure. Instead of the majority party holding 14 seats to the minority party’s 11, the breakdown is now 14-12, meaning the minority party has more of a voice than they did last session. Another rule change involved what’s known as discharge petitions. If a bill is stalled in committee, a discharge petition allows it to exit committee and come to the full House for consideration. Previously, this required the support of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, for a total of 50 members. Now, it requires the support of only 25 members in total, regardless of party. Additional rule changes included strengthening the amendment process to ensure more debate.
DOJ accuses Hazleton of violating Voting Rights Act
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the city of Hazleton in Luzerne County, alleging the that the city is “violating federal law by thwarting the election of Hispanic City Council candidates.” Specifically, the suit alleges that the city’s at-large method of electing council members violates the Voting Right Act. WVIA reports, “The suit names Hazleton, its City Council and Mayor Jeff Cusat as defendants. The Department of Justice wants a federal judge to order Hazleton to implement districts for electing council members.” The city council president “said the suit surprised city officials because change advocates broached the subject with Cusat only last month.” And no one had attended council meetings to raise concerns about the system.
Fetterman favors ‘responsible conversation’ on Greenland
Sharing a story about buying Greenland wasn’t really on my New Year’s radar. But with President-elect Trump circulating the idea, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman isn’t totally ruling it out. “If anyone thinks that’s bonkers,” he said, “it’s like, well, remember the Louisiana Purchase?” Granted, a lot has happened since 1803. But as many are going apoplectic at Trump’s idea, Fetterman isn’t among them. “We really need to pace ourselves if we’re going to freak out over every last tweet or every last conversation or press conference,” he said.
Shapiro stays silent on Nippon, U.S. Steel lawsuits
As Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have gone to court challenging President Biden’s blocking of Nippon’s purchase of U..S. Steel, Pa. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, who supports the sale, is challenging Gov. Shapiro to back the sale. “I think the Governor should join the lawsuit with U.S. Steel and Nippon,” said Ward. “I don’t know if he will, but, you know, he’s the Governor of Pennsylvania. This is his state and he has a lot of power.” Shapiro refused to respond to Ward or to take a position on the sale, instead accusing Ward of ‘chirping’ at him as he continues to duck displaying any leadership.
Special election scheduled to fill vacant state Senate seat
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis announced that the special election to fill the Lancaster County state Senate seat vacated by Sen. Ryan Aument will be held on March 25. Aument resigned to become U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick’s State Director. Republican county committee members will nominate their candidate on January 25, while Democrats had not yet scheduled their nomination meeting at the time of Davis’s announcement.