News & Brews March 25, 2026
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Pa. House Dems introduce Shapiro’s reckless budget
Yesterday, Democrat House lawmakers officially introduced a $53.2 billion budget proposal identical to that proposed by Gov. Shapiro in his budget address. WESA reports, “Appropriations Chair Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) formally filed the bill with legislative services on Tuesday, emphasizing his caucus’ alignment with Pennsylvania’s chief executive.” Put differently, House Democrats are aligned with a budget plan that relies on revenue that doesn’t exist, raids the state’s Rainy Day fund, and barrels the commonwealth towards tax increases. Meanwhile, Harris said his goal is to have an on-time budget this year, but with a reckless spending pitch like this, that may be a lofty goal. We’ll see.
You GOTTA win Pennsylvania!
Our president & CEO, Matt Brouillette, joined the DonorsTrust Giving Ventures podcast to talk about entrepreneurs, the importance of Pennsylvania, and his UPCOMING BOOK (!!) releasing in early April, You GOTTA win Pennsylvania! A call to entrepreneurs to save America. Listen here, or watch here! And be sure to visit www.yougottawinpa.com for more info and ordering info once the book is released!
Pa. House approves data center regulations
The Inquirer reports that the state House yesterday approved Democrat-led legislation aimed at regulating (and taxing) data centers. “The proposal mandates a percentage of centers’ energy usage come from a renewable energy source, as well as requiring data center developers to contribute additional funds toward the state’s low-income energy assistance programs.” The 104-95 vote was mostly along party lines, with two Republicans joining Democrats in support. Most Republicans, meanwhile, are concerned the legislation “would deter data centers from building in the state and did not offer any regulations for municipalities, which have become the battleground for data center proposals.” The legislation now heads to the Senate.
GOP lawmaker announces resignation
About five weeks after announcing she would not seek re-election this year,Republican state Representative Stephenie Scialabba (Butler County) announced yesterday that she will resign her seat effective March 31. Last month, she said, “As my child prepares to begin school, it is important that I be fully present and available during this foundational period. While I love this work and care deeply about this district, stepping aside at this time is the right decision for my family.” She also called for a more family-friendly Capitol, saying, “Over the years, we’ve found plenty of ways to make life easier for those of us who serve. I won’t list all of the perks, but it’s a pretty good gig. For families, it’s just hard. If you’re a mom or a dad who doesn’t want your parenting and your public service to live in two separate spaces, a dedicated children’s environment within reach would close the gap in real ways … This is 2026 – it’s time we have a family-affirming state Capitol.”
House Republicans unveil ‘Freedom through Affordability’
This morning at a 9:00 a.m. press conference, Pa. House Republican lawmakers including Reps. David Rowe, Kristin Marcel, Eric Davanzo, Abby Major, and Joe Hogan will launch the “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative, which is “a targeted effort to lower costs and push back against policies driving up the cost of living across the Commonwealth.” You can watch the event here.