News & Brews July 13, 2026
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Here’s your state budget
While the rest of us were weekend-ing, lawmakers passed (and Gov. Shapiro signed) a $52.2 billion spending deal. The talking points say the budget is $50.8 billion, but that’s because it defers more than a billion in Medicaid costs to show a lower spend number. It hands nearly $1 billion to the teachers’ union-run bureaucracy (under the guise of “education”), increases pension payouts to thousands of workers—some of whom retired 25 years ago–and avoids taking money from the Rainy Day fund. It also “does not change the state’s fiscal reality — that it spends more money than it brings in.” And the budget avoids issues like skill games, marijuana, and more.
‘Shapiro wants a Dem fight … without leading it’
A brutal story in Axios underscores that Shapiro refuses to take any strong positions and simply wants to be all things to all people—pretty much the hallmark of a political follower, not a leader. The story notes, “Many center-left Democrats are looking for a national leader to go toe to toe with the party’s rising socialist wing. For now at least, that’s not Shapiro.” Instead, Shapiro wants to “court progressives.” Yet, he’s not a moderate either. Leaders take firm positions. This does not describe Shapiro.
$80K for Democrat-only lunches—on your dime
PennLive reports that Democrat state Sen. Vince Hughes (Philadelphia) has “racked up almost $80,000 on invite-only lunches for staff and Democratic lawmakers in two and a half years.” And while lawmaker spending on meals isn’t unusual, Hughes’ spending is. “The three top Senate leaders — President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland County, Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Armstrong County, and Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny County — spent a combined total of $83,000, nearly matching Hughes’ solo tab.” And if you’re a Republican? Not invited.
Pa. pavilion wins ‘Best in Show’ at fair
After Gov. Shapiro pretended he couldn’t find Pennsylvania businesses to represent the commonwealth at the Great American State Fair, U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick stepped in to “Get Stuff Done” and make sure Pa. had a pavilion. Now, that pavilion has won a “Best in Show” award at the fair. Fetterman said, “I’m incredibly proud of all the Pennsylvanians that showed up to make sure our Commonwealth had the spotlight it deserved right there on the National Mall during America’s 250th birthday.” McCormick added, “Pennsylvania’s story is America’s story, and this recognition is a tribute to everyone who helped bring that story to life.” Great job, Pennsylvania!
Pa. lawmakers react to Lindsey Graham’s death
The sudden death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham sent shock waves through the political world over the weekend. Multiple Pennsylvania elected officials were swift to react. U.S. Sens. Fetterman and McCormick posted statements expressing sadness and extending condolences, while U.S. Rep. Scott Perry noted that Graham “loved our Country,” and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser said Graham “was a force in Washington” who “will be truly missed.” Meanwhile, the political machine doesn’t wait, and now there’s a “sudden scramble” to fill Graham’s seat.