????  Hi There. It’s Wednesday. Lazy, certainly hazy across the state.

????  Your Morning Pick-Me-Up. Livin’ On A Prayer. Bon Jovi

PA Weather
☀️  Erie | Sunny, 74
☀️  State College | Sunny, 82
☀️  Allentown | Sunny, 83

PA Sports
⚾  Phillies (38-29) | Cubs 4-8 | Wed vs. Cubs
⚾  Pirates (27-41) | Miami 2-3 | Wed vs. Miami

PA Money | Futures (as of 7:40 a.m.)
????  Dow ???? -117.00 |  NASDAQ ???? -51.25 |  S&P ???? -13.25

????  What’s Happening Today. The House and Senate convene at 11 a.m.

????  What We’re Hearing. “As the Senate considers changes, we remain unequivocal in our position that any additional tax cuts must be matched dollar-for-dollar by real, enforceable spending reductions.” – Rep. Lloyd Smucker

????️  The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

Top Story

1.  Meuser, McCormick Back Trump Sending Troops to Quell Los Angeles Unrest

“Two Republicans who represent northeast and north-central Pennsylvania in Congress back President Donald Trump’s decision to order troops into Los Angeles.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Luzerne, blamed California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles officials for failing to control “rioters” when interviewed Monday at a Berwick event.

“It should have been put out by the locals. It wasn’t. The president said, ‘If you can’t control it, we’re going to send in the National Guard.’ That’s what happened,” Meuser said.” (WVIA)

Elsewhere

John Fetterman Slams ‘Anarchy’ in LA. “U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has criticized the protests in Los Angeles, calling the scene “true chaos.”” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Smucker, 3 Dozen House Republicans Urge Senate GOP Against ‘Budget Gimmicks,’ Deficit Increases. “More than three dozen House Republicans are warning Senate GOP leaders against approving additional deficit increases or using “budget gimmicks” to count additional savings in the “one big, beautiful bill” of President Trump’s tax cut and spending priorities.” (The Hill)

After Introducing Legislation to Ban Congressional Stock Trading, Bresnahan Makes Additional 85 Deals. “File under the category of “Actions speak louder than words.” Days after introducing legislation calling for a Congressional stock trading ban, Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-08) was at it again, reporting 85 additional stock trades from May 11-15.” (PoliticsPA)

State

2.   Shapiro Says Pennsylvania Will Lead USA In Battle For AI Supremacy

“Gov. Josh Shapiro says that the next big national security test for the country is artificial intelligence and that Pennsylvania can and will be a leader in America’s race versus China.

“I think America is going to be better off because we’re going to win the battle of AI supremacy and it’s going to be done right here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”” (PoliticsPA)

Elsewhere

Democrats Try New Approach to Raising State Minimum Wage, the Lowest in the Region. “A new bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Philadelphia, would incrementally increase the $7.25 per hour minimum wage in different counties based on population and establish regular cost-of-living adjustments.” (PennLive)

House Targets Private Interests With Bipartisan Votes. “The Pennsylvania House took a wide bipartisan swipe at the private equity firms who have widened their impact on the state’s most basic necessities.” (The Center Square)

More Than 3,300 Former Federal Workers Have Applied For PA State Government Jobs Since Shapiro’s Hiring Push. “Pennsylvania announced an initiative in March opening the door for federal workers amid DOGE layoffs.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

PA Leaders Push to Tackle Election Threats, Disinformation. “A Monday forum at Duquesne University will address statewide challenges to peaceful elections.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Around The Commonwealth

3.   PA Charter School CEOs Earn More Money Than Superintendents and Oversee Fewer Students

“A PennLive analysis of salary data found charter school CEOs earn higher salaries than their public school counterparts in similar-sized districts even when they have the same level of experience on average. But despite their higher salaries, Charter school CEOs tend to have less education experience and serve fewer students than district superintendents.

The median charter school CEO, for example, earns $153,000 to run a charter school with fewer than 600 students. The median superintendent runs a district with more than three times as many students but only $8,000 more in salary.” (PennLive)

Elsewhere

Graduation Rates, Cost, and More Could Soon Determine State Funding Increases For PSU, Temple, and Pitt. “The Pennsylvania legislature is likely to vote soon on a formula to award new state funding to Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh based on each school’s performance, beginning next summer.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Northampton County’s ‘Full Cooperation’ Claim Clashes With ICE Courthouse Restrictions. “After the Department of Homeland Security kicked up controversy by publishing a list of “sanctuary” governments, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure (D) reacted with indignation at his county’s inclusion.” (Broad + Liberty)

Tony Moreno Defends GOP Mayoral Candidacy Amid Fallout With Republican Committees. “The city and county GOP committees have withdrawn support for his campaign after a social media post.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney: Sanctuary Cities Are ‘Common Sense’. “Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney called the city’s sanctuary city policy a “pragmatic” and “common-sense” solution to a broken immigration system that he said is now being “weaponized” by President Donald Trump.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Editorial

4.  Speak Your Mind

• What Could Medicaid Cuts Mean For Pennsylvanians? (TribLIVE)
• The Implausible, Unexpected Rise of ‘Fettermania.’ (Oliver Bateman) 
• Trump’s Gross Misuse of the National Guard. (Juliette Kayyem)
• In the Battle to Preserve Democracy, We Are the Cavalry. (Gary Lucks)
• Money For Pittsburgh Steel, But Not For Pittsburgh Science. (Carrie McDonough)
• Our Economy Runs On College Jobs, and It Will Need More in the Future. (John Tures)
• An Open Letter from Bob Brady. (Robert A. Brady)
• We Applaud New State Law Banning Handheld Use of Smartphones By Drivers. (LNP)

1 Thing

5.   What Are the Most Treasured Views in Pennsylvania?

“Home to the Allegheny National Forest and a portion of the Appalachian Mountains, Pennsylvania offers breathtaking scenic views that attract nature enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

From the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands to the serene waters of Lake Erie, the state’s diverse landscapes offer unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the views the Keystone State has to offer.” (Erie Times-News)

Thank you for starting your Wednesday with us.
Make it a great day and we’ll see you back here tomorrow morning.