???? Good Day, Wednesday!

PA Weather
New Castle | Sunny, 92
Wellsboro | Sunny, 86
Pottstown | Sunny, 90

PA Sports
⚾ Phillies (54-47) | Baltimore 4-3 | Wed vs. Baltimore
⚾ Pirates (44-57) | San Diego 1-5 | Wed vs. San Diego
⚽ USWNT | Wed vs. Netherlands
⚽ Union | Wed vs. Querétaro
???? Eagles, Steelers | training camp begins

What We’re Hearing
“We should not fear a government shutdown; most of what we do up here is bad anyway, most of what we do up here hurts the American people.” – Virginia Rep. Bob Good.

Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Russ Diamond.

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Top Story

1. As Spending Fights Loom, Freedom Caucus Is At A Crossroads

“As the Republican Party has moved further to the right, the fringe has become the mainstream, swelling the ranks of the Freedom Caucus but making it difficult for the group to stay aligned on policy and strategy. The rise of another hard-right faction in the House calling itself “the Twenty” — including some members of the caucus and some who have long refused to join — has raised questions in recent months about where the real power lies on the far right.

The answer could help determine the outcome of a critical period of spending battles that begin in the House this week and could culminate in a government shutdown this fall, as ultraconservative lawmakers insist on funding cuts and social policy dictates that cannot clear Congress.” (New York Times)

Related

‘We Should Not Fear A Government Shutdown’: Far-Right U.S. House Members Slam Spending Bills. “A handful of ultra-conservative U.S. House Republicans rebuked their leadership on Tuesday over the annual government funding process, but appeared at odds on whether they should force a government shutdown later this year.” (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Head Of U.S. Cybersecurity Agency Sees Progress On Election Security, With More Work Needed For 2024. “Efforts to protect the nation’s election systems have grown exponentially since the 2016 presidential election, but more is needed to defend the integrity and resiliency of the election process ahead of next year’s vote, the head of the nation’s cybersecurity agency said Tuesday.” (AP)

Casey Wants To Take On Robot Bosses And AI In The Workplace. “With artificial intelligence creeping into everyday life, Sen. Bob Casey wants to protect workers from AI in hiring and firing decisions. Research shows that artificial intelligence can lead to forms of discrimination if left unchecked.” (The Keystone)

Harrisburg

2. Legislator Calls For Pay Suspension During Budget Impasse

During the current state budget impasse, the governor, lieutenant governor and members of the General Assembly continue to receive paychecks, while counties, school districts, service providers and others do not. Rep. Jill Cooper aims to change that in the future.

The first-term representative wants to put Pennsylvania “on a similar footing with some others who depend upon the annual appropriation process, i.e., we do not receive our pay until the budget is enacted.” (PoliticsPA)

Related

Senators Spar Over School Choice In PA. “While the Pennsylvania budget stalemate remains, senators argued over the importance of school choice and increasing public school funding at a committee hearing in Reading.” (The Center Square)

The Percentage of Deficient PA Bridges Has Declined – But Is Still Higher Than Most States. “More than 1 in 10 bridges in Pennsylvania have at least one part in poor condition, according to new Federal Highway Administration data — not enough to indicate that the span is about to collapse but a sign that repairs will be needed sooner rather than later.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Amid Book Banning Efforts, House Bill Takes Aim At Stopping PA School Library Censorship. “A legislative proposal from a Chester County Democrat aims to “depoliticize” school library policies that have become the focus of a national culture war which has spilled into Pennsylvania.” (Bucks County Courier Times)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Pittsburgh City Council Approves Gainey’s Picks For Infrastructure Commission – With One Exception

“A commission to steer how Pittsburgh invests in infrastructure is beginning to take shape. City Council approved a dozen nominees to the Commission on Infrastructure Asset Reporting and Investment Tuesday. But one of Mayor Ed Gainey’s previous nominations was left behind in the process.” (WESA)

Related

How Trump’s Legal Woes Are Giving Democrats Running For DA A Unique Platform To Seek Support. “Democratic Party volunteers are eager to learn more about Donald Trump’s legal woes. Suburban candidates for district attorney were happy to oblige, while seeking their support.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Planned Parenthood PAC Announces 2023 Endorsements. Planned Parenthood PA PAC endorsed candidates that will appear on the 2023 General Election ballot, for offices ranging from county seats to the State Supreme Court. (PoliticsPA)

Redistricting Fight In Upper Providence Headed To Court. “Gerrymandering used to be an under-the-radar political fight, known mostly to insiders. In recent years, it has taken on new prominence as congressional and state legislative districts are rewritten every ten years — with the spoils going to the victors.” (Broad + Liberty)

County Council Does Not Advance Government Study Ordinance Commission; Election Board Cancels Special Meeting. “It looks like there will not be a ballot question regarding the proposed formation of a government study commission on the Nov. 7 election ballot in Luzerne County.” (Citizens Voice)

Shamokin Voters To Decide Whether Government Study Commission Is Formed. “City council on Tuesday adopted an ordinance requesting the Northumberland County Board of Elections place on November’s ballot a referendum asking whether a government study commission be formed.” (Daily Item)

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

• Republicans Wisely Let School Funding Ruling Stand. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• Did We Really Need Another Special Election? (Tribune-Review)
• Ranked-Choice Voting Was A Bad Choice. (Wall Street Journal)
• How The Jan. 6 Committee Saved America. (Will Bunch)
• The Political Dead-End Abortion Foes Should Avoid. (Jamie Corley)
• Nonpartisan Election Administration Is The Norm In Other Democracies. Why Not Here? (Governing)
• Yes, Pennsylvania – There Is A Budget Impasse – Here’s Why. (Rep. Seth Grove)

1 Thing

5. Mick Jagger Turns 80

“The singer who invented the very idea of the frontman has reached his ninth decade. We pick out the Jagger-iest moments of all, from killer lyrics to self-mocking sketches.” (The Guardian)

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