Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, July 15, 2024

Pennsylvania

Long-Sought PA Budget Agreement Finally Reached: Who Fared?

The long-awaited FY25 state budget deal includes $1 billion for K-12 schools and new allocations to scholarships for out-of-state students attending in-state institutions and a $53 million holdover payment for SEPTA, while negotiators kicked the Commonwealth Foundation’s hopes for a new school voucher program, minimum wage hikes, skill game regulation, and recreational marijuana legalization further down the road. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

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A Closer Look at the FY25 Budget Education Funding Agreement

Of the $1 billion in new educational funds, $225 million will go to basic education funding, $100 will funnel into special education, and another $100 will support mental health and safety resources. A $493.8 million “adequacy supplement” and a $32 million tax equity supplement” were among the additional funds allocated to Pennsylvania public schools. WESA has more.

Regulations for Carbon Capture Wells Approved in PA 

Lawmakers have passed a bill that will grant the Department of Environmental Protection authority to regulate carbon capture wells in the State of Pennsylvania. Advocates of the technology say it is an effective way at reducing carbon dioxide concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere to decelerate climate change. WESA has more.

Philadelphia

Mayor Parker Dealt Legal Win Over Full-time, In-Person Work Week 

Within less than a week of hearing the case against Mayor Cherelle Parker’s return-to-office mandate for City staff, Judge Sierra Thomas-Street upheld the policy. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) filed suit last week, in the hopes of terminating the mayor’s mandate, which went into effect today. WHYY has more.

What the Kensington Clean-up Will Look Like

With no announcement of the latest ID checks, car towings, and street closures in Kensington, the city alleges that the coordinated police operations could happen on a monthly basis as part of the mayor’s broader goal to improve quality of life in Kensington. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

High Heat Index Values Prompt Heat Health Emergency

With heat index values skyrocketing into the 100s, Philadelphia declared a Heat Health Emergency for its residents. Anticipated to end at midnight on Wednesday, this week’s Heat Health Emergency will be the city’s second this summer. WHYY has more.

PMA Lays Out Plan for Permanent Display of African Works

Since its founding in 1876, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) has offered integral contributions to Philly’s diverse art culture. Its new Brind Center for African and African Diaspora Arts will strive to augment the museum’s already extensive catalog of genres, providing a permanent home for often overlooked forms of African art. WHYY has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Residents Call Attention to Lagging School Safety, Poor Building Conditions

Pittsburgh Public Schools suggested it will bring about significant changes to its school system, including but not limited to feeder pattern alterations, grade restructuring, and closures. The school board held a town hall to solicit public opinion about prospective changes, and parents brought attention to building and public safety concerns. WESA has more.

Homewood to See Massive Affordable Housing Redevelopment 

Neighborhood Allies vowed to provide an $800,000 investment to a nonprofit developer who intends to renovate 69 affordable housing units in Homewood. The project will revitalize properties that were deemed “uninhabitable” by federal regulators back in 2017. WESA has more.

Federal

Judge Dismisses Indictments Against Trump in Classified Documents Case  

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon claimed that the Justice Department’s appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution because Smith had not been confirmed by the Senate nor appointed by the president. The decision comes as a major legal victory for former President Donald Trump, as legal experts often revered the case as one of the strongest ones against him. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

FBI Opens Investigation into Alleged Assassination Attempt of Former President Trump 

At a Saturday campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman opened fire on former President Trump, grazing Trump’s ear, killing a rally attendee, and injuring another two spectators. Pennsylvania officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro and state legislators, have firmly condemned the act, referring to it as an “act of political violence.” The FBI has opened an investigation into what it alleges constitutes an attempted assassination on the former president. WESA has more.

Beltway Briefing: The Clock’s Ticking: Will Biden Step Aside?

Concerns over President Joe Biden’s age and fitness are shaking up the Democratic Party, leaving his nomination hanging in the balance. As the party evaluates his viability against Donald Trump, a critical question emerges: who has what it takes to defeat the former president? Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson here.

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