Pennsylvania Politics & News
The Daily Signal covers Pennsylvania politics with comprehensive reporting on state elections, voting laws, energy regulation, and the Keystone State’s critical role in presidential politics.
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- Opinion
Pennsylvania’s Push to Protect Unborn Lives
If this has been “one of the most successful Congresses” for the pro-life agenda, then the states deserve some of the credit. While Republicans were desperately trying to stop President Barack Obama’s runaway abortion train, local leaders were hard at work, making progress on the ground until they had allies back in power. The number…Tony Perkins -
- News
Noncitizen Immigrants Voted Illegally in Pennsylvania Elections
A Pennsylvania election official confirmed Wednesday that noncitizen immigrants illegally voted in elections hundreds of times since 2000, casting doubt on the state’s ability to screen out ineligible voters on its election rolls. Jonathan Marks, commissioner for Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation, told a state legislative committee that an agency analysis found 544 improper…Will Racke -
- Opinion
What’s at Stake in the Left’s Effort to Redefine ‘Sex’ in Pennsylvania Law
State capitals across the country are proving they are not immune to the malady that has afflicted the policy process in Washington. The latest case in point: Pennsylvania. In a quietly released statement issued late on a Friday afternoon, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, an agency of the state government, announced a proposal to effectively…Michael Geer -
- News
As Congress Plots Repeal, Former Pennsylvania Democrat Faces $784 in Monthly Premiums Under Obamacare
Before President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, he promised Americans they would have quality, affordable health care, and would be able to keep their same health insurance plans and doctors. But in the three years since Obamacare’s exchanges opened for business, Ross Schriftman, 64, said none of those promises have come…Melissa Quinn -
- News
Should Government Save Horse Racing in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s wilting horse-racing industry can no longer support the fund that pays to oversee the sport, a development that could lead to a shutdown by late November. Yet the races could go on, through Thanksgiving and thereafter, if lawmakers push through a plan to subsidize the depleted State Racing Fund with money from another pot…Andrew Staub -
- News
In Pennsylvania, Stalking Can Be Legal for Union Members. That May Change.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are on the brink of closing a legal loophole that exempts parties to an organized labor dispute from charges of stalking, harassment, and threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction. The stalking loophole has existed since the state officially defined the offense in its criminal code in 2002. As of 2012, Pennsylvania…Andrew Staub -
- News
Pennsylvania Newspaper Won’t Publish Op-Eds Opposing Gay Marriage
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage on Friday, a Pennsylvania newspaper will no longer publish views on traditional marriage. According to a story from its editorial board, “PennLive/The Patriot-News will very strictly limit op-eds and letters to the editor in opposition to same-sex marriage.” However, for a “limited time” only, the newspaper…Chelsea Scism -
- Opinion
Pennsylvania Grand Jury Recommends Criminal Charges Against State Attorney General
The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that a statewide grand jury has recommended criminal charges be filed against Pennsylvania Attorney General (and voter ID opponent) Kathleen Kane for perjury and contempt of court over the leaking of secret grand jury information. Kane, a Democrat, had been in the news recently after a local grand jury convened…Hans von Spakovsky -
- News
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Consider Giving Themselves Fewer Perks
HARRISBURG, Pa.—Rep. Brad Roae might be the most optimistic guy in the Pennsylvania Statehouse. Roae, a Republican from Crawford, Pa., has plans to push a trio of reform measures that would eliminate state cars for lawmakers, strip lawmakers’ cost-of-living increases and end per diem on weekends in some cases. They’re taxpayer-friendly ideas, but it’s uncertain…Andrew Staub -
- News
How Many Permits Does It Take for One Company to Build a New Plant in Pennsylvania?
PITTSBURGH — News earlier this month that Shell Chemicals would buy an industrial site in Beaver County is a major step in the company’s plans to bring thousands of jobs to western Pennsylvania. The purchase is necessary for some of the many, many permits that will be required before the project becomes a reality. The…Rachel Martin -
- News
Pennsylvania Plan Measures Teachers on Performance, Not Seniority
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow school administrators to base layoff decisions in part on teachers’ performance, as measured by the state’s new evaluation system. “My goal is to protect our high-quality educators, regardless of seniority,” said state Rep. Ryan Aument, the bill’s co-sponsor. “Seniority should not be the primary way decisions are…Mary Tillotson