Pennsylvania Politics tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072 2017-10-26T10:48:51Z National, statehouse and local Pennsylvania politics. Movable Type Enterprise 4.29-advance Senate sends bill reforming teacher furlough system, banning lunch shaming and more to the governor tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21495550 2017-10-25T20:08:00Z 2017-10-25T20:09:52Z The Senate on Wednesday voted to approve a House-passed version of a school code bill, which is part of a budget-related package of bills, that addresses a myriad of issues but none more controversial than an end to seniority-based layoffs when budget-related furloughs are required. Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/jmurphy/index.html The Senate on Wednesday voted to approve a House-passed version of a school code bill, which is part of a budget-related package of bills, that addresses a myriad of issues but none more controversial than an end to seniority-based layoffs when budget-related furloughs are required. Pennsylvanians, a balanced budget is finally close at hand tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21498187 2017-10-26T03:38:00Z 2017-10-26T05:18:29Z In a flurry of activity over the past few days, the House and Senate moved a series of bills to Gov. Tom Wolf to provide a deficit patch in the $32 billion general fund budget and bring an end to the third longest budget impasse in state history. Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/jmurphy/index.html In a flurry of activity over the past few days, the House and Senate moved a series of bills to Gov. Tom Wolf to provide a deficit patch in the $32 billion general fund budget and bring an end to the third longest budget impasse in state history. Pa. House adjourns for night without a final vote on gambling expansion bill tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21498043 2017-10-26T03:16:28Z 2017-10-26T05:19:20Z Members are under order to return to the floor at 8 a.m. Thursday to conclude the debate. Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/chthomps/index.html Members are under order to return to the floor at 8 a.m. Thursday to conclude the debate. State funding bills for universities and vet school win House passage, go to the governor tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21497638 2017-10-26T00:33:00Z 2017-10-26T03:03:38Z Students at Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln universities can breathe a little easier about not having to come up with additional dollars to pay their spring tuition bills. The funding bills for their universities have made it through the General Assembly and are heading to Gov. Tom Wolf who has indicated an intention to sign them into law. Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/jmurphy/index.html Students at Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln universities can breathe a little easier about not having to come up with additional dollars to pay their spring tuition bills. The funding bills for their universities have made it through the General Assembly and are heading to Gov. Tom Wolf who has indicated an intention to sign them into law. Pennsylvania Senate approves major expansion of legal gambling tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21497000 2017-10-25T23:53:10Z 2017-10-26T10:48:51Z A new set of casinos, online casinos, and games at truck stops are all sanctioned by new bill that's part of 2017-18 budget closure package. Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/chthomps/index.html A new set of casinos, online casinos, and games at truck stops are all sanctioned by new bill that's part of 2017-18 budget closure package. Legislation banning taxpayer money for sex change services deserves a veto | Editorial tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/opinion/8000574.21496662 2017-10-25T21:27:00Z 2017-10-25T21:33:01Z The Senate bill ignores the healthcare needs of Pennsylvania's children. PennLive Editorial Board http://connect.pennlive.com/user/penned/index.html The Senate bill ignores the healthcare needs of Pennsylvania's children. Pennsylvania Senate sends the big budget patch to Gov. Wolf's desk tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21496746 2017-10-25T21:11:42Z 2017-10-25T21:11:46Z Next up, consideration of a major gambling expansion piece. Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/chthomps/index.html Next up, consideration of a major gambling expansion piece. Pennsylvania Senate passes bill with CHIP coverage restrictions for sex change surgery tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21496364 2017-10-25T20:42:27Z 2017-10-26T03:07:08Z Bill that would extend the Children's Health Insurance Program now returns to the state House for final consideration. Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/chthomps/index.html Bill that would extend the Children's Health Insurance Program now returns to the state House for final consideration. Pennsylvania gambling expansion takes center stage in state budget debate again: A mid-day check tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21492016 2017-10-25T17:07:11Z 2017-10-25T22:58:58Z Supposed final piece of budget-balancing revenue package has been the hardest to complete, but if the stars align could be on Governor's desk by Thursday. Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/chthomps/index.html Supposed final piece of budget-balancing revenue package has been the hardest to complete, but if the stars align could be on Governor's desk by Thursday. Despite what you've read, gas drillers care about the environment | Opinion tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/opinion/8000574.21494822 2017-10-25T15:40:00Z 2017-10-25T15:39:24Z The natural gas industry isn't trying to do an end-run on the permitting process. Guest Editorial http://connect.pennlive.com/user/pennoped/index.html The natural gas industry isn't trying to do an end-run on the permitting process. Pa. Senate takes a measured step back on ban on coverage for sex change services in state plan tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21493458 2017-10-25T10:30:06Z 2017-10-25T10:33:42Z Amendment would allow funding for counseling services, medications, but not sex-change surgery. Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/chthomps/index.html Amendment would allow funding for counseling services, medications, but not sex-change surgery. 'Sentimental' inmates get ready to move from 88-year-old prison to modern facility tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/news/8004163.21492064 2017-10-25T09:50:45Z 2017-10-25T15:00:38Z The past and future of prisons exist side by side--for now--as the $400 million SCI Phoenix nears completion. Wallace McKelvey | WMckelvey@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/wmckelvey/index.html The past and future of prisons exist side by side--for now--as the $400 million SCI Phoenix nears completion. Pennsylvania House passes fiscal code, keeping progress toward state budget closure on track tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21492196 2017-10-25T01:03:08Z 2017-10-25T03:51:27Z Operators manual for the budget includes help for Philadelphia, $500 million in one-time transfers, language to help kids of imprisoned parents, and customers of aging water systems. Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/chthomps/index.html Operators manual for the budget includes help for Philadelphia, $500 million in one-time transfers, language to help kids of imprisoned parents, and customers of aging water systems. Eagles players go to work on pushing Pa. lawmakers to pass a 'clean slate' law tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21493006 2017-10-24T23:08:00Z 2017-10-24T23:37:42Z Fresh off their win over the Washington Redskins on Monday night, Philadelphia Eagles players Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, and Torrey Smith came to the state Capitol on Tuesday to press for a criminal justice bill that would give those with criminal records a second chance. Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/jmurphy/index.html Fresh off their win over the Washington Redskins on Monday night, Philadelphia Eagles players Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, and Torrey Smith came to the state Capitol on Tuesday to press for a criminal justice bill that would give those with criminal records a second chance. Controversial school choice legislation defeated on a tie vote in Senate committee tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21492193 2017-10-24T19:46:00Z 2017-10-24T19:46:52Z An uncounted proxy vote put the brakes on a bill creating education savings accounts and left it sitting in the Senate Education Committee. Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/jmurphy/index.html An uncounted proxy vote put the brakes on a bill creating education savings accounts and left it sitting in the Senate Education Committee. Keystone Status: It's game on in Pennsylvania for the 2018 mid-terms tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/opinion/8000574.21487360 2017-10-24T19:32:00Z 2017-10-25T16:18:36Z With three open seats and several viewed as competitive, Pennsylvania will be ground zero for some exciting campaigns in 2018. John L. Micek | jmicek@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/jlmicek/index.html With three open seats and several viewed as competitive, Pennsylvania will be ground zero for some exciting campaigns in 2018. Controversial school choice legislation narrowly wins Senate committee approval tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21490897 2017-10-24T18:23:00Z 2017-10-25T00:44:16Z The Senate Education Committee approved a bill that would establish education savings accounts for students who live in attendance areas served by low-achieving public schools. The state would deposit money in those accounts for families to use for education-related expenses. But to get one of these accounts, the child could no longer attend public school. Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/jmurphy/index.html The Senate Education Committee approved a bill that would establish education savings accounts for students who live in attendance areas served by low-achieving public schools. The state would deposit money in those accounts for families to use for education-related expenses. But to get one of these accounts, the child could no longer attend public school. Philly congressman's strategist faces indictment in payoff to campaign rival: reports tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/politics/index.ssf/3072.21491384 2017-10-24T17:01:40Z 2017-10-24T17:04:24Z An indictment is expected to be handed down today for Ken Smukler, a top strategist for U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, after federal investigators say he helped funnel some money to a campaign rival in 2012, Philly.com is reporting. Steve Marroni | smarroni@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/SteveMarroni/index.html An indictment is expected to be handed down today for Ken Smukler, a top strategist for U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, after federal investigators say he helped funnel some money to a campaign rival in 2012, Philly.com is reporting. As judges, we need to ensure equality for everyone | Opinion tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/opinion/8000574.21490656 2017-10-24T13:53:00Z 2017-10-24T13:53:26Z We've made progress as a state and a nation - but we have to keep pushing forward. Guest Editorial http://connect.pennlive.com/user/pennoped/index.html We've made progress as a state and a nation - but we have to keep pushing forward. For Pa's appellate judges, there is no 'off-year' election | Opinion tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/opinion/8000574.21490602 2017-10-24T13:34:00Z 2017-10-24T13:35:44Z Now, more than ever, the courts are our democracy's last line of defense. Guest Editorial http://connect.pennlive.com/user/pennoped/index.html Now, more than ever, the courts are our democracy's last line of defense. Will the Pa. House shred oversight of the gas industry to get a severance tax? | Tuesday Morning Coffee tag:www.pennlive.com,2017:/capitol-notebook/8002738.21490441 2017-10-24T12:32:00Z 2017-10-24T13:28:43Z Environmentalists are warning that an amendment attached to a severance tax bill that could come to the floor as soon as Wednesday would do just that. John L. Micek | jmicek@pennlive.com http://connect.pennlive.com/user/jlmicek/index.html Environmentalists are warning that an amendment attached to a severance tax bill that could come to the floor as soon as Wednesday would do just that.