12/20: Another Looming Government Shutdown
Will they or won’t they? Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
December 20, 2024
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Will they or won’t they? Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Outgoing senator gives final remarks. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Electors Choose Trump and Vance. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Looking back on two decades in the Senate. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Pittsburgh prepares for mayoral decision. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Good Thursday Morning. President Commutes Sentences Of Nearly 1,500. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
President Poised to Stop Nippon Purchase. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Lancaster County rep leaving state Senate. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
The annual gathering is over. What was learned? Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
🎉 Happy Friday. This is the last PoliticsPA Playbook for 2024. We thank you for your support throughout the year and look forward to bringing you political news from around the Keystone State again in 2025. May you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season and our best wishes for a successful New Year.
🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.
PA Weather
❄️ Pittsburgh | Snow showers, 37
☃️ State College | Snow, 33
🌧️ Bethlehem | Rain/Snow, 36
PA Sports
🏈 Eagles (12-2) | Sun vs. Washington
🏈 Steelers (10-4) | Sat vs. Baltimore
🏈 Penn State (11-2) | Sat vs. SMU
🏈 Pitt (7-5) | Dec. 26 vs. Toledo
🏀 Sixers (8-16) | Fri vs. Charlotte
🏒 Penguins (15-14-5) | Nashville 5-4 (OT) | Sat vs. New Jersey
🏒 Flyers (14-15-4) | Los Angeles 3-7 | Sat vs. Columbus
🎂 Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Reps. Barry Jozwiak (Sat.) and Patrick Harkins (Sun.).
🔊 What We’re Hearing. “They had no intention of ever going to the center because they’re incapable of doing that. If she was going to run the center, she would have picked [Pennsylvania Gov. Josh] Shapiro to be her running mate.” – Chris LaCivita
📱 Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn
🎁 Looking for a Last-Minute Gift? Give the gift of the PoliticsPA Playbook. And it won’t kill your holiday spending budget. It’s free! Sign up today.
“Republicans’ success at the ballot box in 2024 was decisive but not overwhelming. The GOP owes its continued control of the House to a mere 7,309 votes spread across three districts.
The results of this election, like those of 2016 and 2020, proved that neither party can claim a mandate or even a lasting and pervasive political majority. Instead, our politics is fought on the margins, with just a few thousand votes making the difference between who controls Congress and the White House.” (Cook Political Report)
Elsewhere
‘The Black Swan Election’: Trump’s Campaign Chiefs Tell Their Inside Story. “LaCivita and Fabrizio explain what their inside numbers showed, where Harris messed up and why Trump wanted Vance.” (POLITICO)
Here’s What’s At Stake For PA If Congress Can’t Agree On How to Fund the Federal Government. “The security screeners at Pittsburgh International Airport still will be on the job but working without pay. So too will those Keystone State residents serving in the Armed Forces. And hungry Pennsylvania families may find their federal nutrition benefits lacking.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Civility? In Politics? … Now? “This week, Brendan Boyle was honored for his civility — while passing bipartisan legislation. Can the 47-year-old five-term congressman offer an object lesson for how we can get back to common purpose? Or is he the last of a dying breed?” (Philadelphia Citizen)
“The former state director for President-elect Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign has dropped out of the race to lead the Pennsylvania Republican Party, clearing the way for a state senator and former Cumberland County GOP chair to take the reins next year — and showing Sen.-elect Dave McCormick’s weight in the state party.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
Shapiro Nominates Attorney General Michelle Henry As State’s Inspector General. “Governor Josh Shapiro announced the appointment of Attorney General Michelle Henry to serve as Pennsylvania’s State Inspector General, effective January 21, 2025.” (PoliticsPA)
What Do State Officials Make? “Are you getting a 3.4% raise for your job in 2025? Pennsylvania public officials are.” (PoliticsPA)
Are Lobbyist Emails to Lawmakers Public Records? A PA Court Will Decide. “The case could, for the first time, result in the public gaining access to emails between the legislators who make laws and the lobbyists who try to influence them.” (Spotlight PA)
New Kids in Town
“After more than two years of contentious debate, months of negotiations, and one final protest that briefly disrupted proceedings, Philadelphia City Council on Thursday approved the 76ers’ proposal to build a new $1.3 billion arena in Center City that has been touted as an opportunity to revitalize the Market East corridor and panned as an existential threat to nearby Chinatown.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
In Blair County, Law Enforcement Ready For Return to Normalcy As High-Profile Murder Suspect Leaves Town. “After a week and a half of national attention in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, the Altoona area sees the spotlight fade.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Berks Commissioners Approve 8% Tax Increase For 2025. “It came as no surprise Thursday morning that while adopting the county’s 2025 budget, the Berks County Board of Commissioners also approved an 8% tax increase.” (CNHI News)
State Education Department Rescinds DEI Guidelines — But Some Local School Districts Will Follow Them Anyway. “While the school districts that filed the lawsuit will not follow the rescinded guidelines — which are now just modified recommendations — many districts, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania, will continue to incorporate the questionable standards into their professional development program.” (Broad + Liberty)
Allentown Mayoral Race Officially Off the Ground. “The 2025 mayoral race is off and running in Allentown with incumbent Matt Tuerk seeking reelection and council member Ed Zucal declaring plans to run against him in the Democratic primary.” (Armchair Lehigh Valley)
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“Welcome to the holiday season. It’s that time of year filled with Christmas cheer, presents, and the ever-present parental question: Do we tell the kids the truth about Santa Claus? (And if you don’t know what that truth is, you shouldn’t be reading this story! Stop it! Stop it right now!)” (AP)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook
🎉 Happy Friday. This is the last PoliticsPA Playbook for 2024. We thank you for your support throughout the year and look forward to bringing you political news from around the Keystone State again in 2025. May you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season and our best wishes for a successful New Year.
🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.
PA Weather
❄️ Pittsburgh | Snow showers, 37
☃️ State College | Snow, 33
🌧️ Bethlehem | Rain/Snow, 36
PA Sports
🏈 Eagles (12-2) | Sun vs. Washington
🏈 Steelers (10-4) | Sat vs. Baltimore
🏈 Penn State (11-2) | Sat vs. SMU
🏈 Pitt (7-5) | Dec. 26 vs. Toledo
🏀 Sixers (8-16) | Fri vs. Charlotte
🏒 Penguins (15-14-5) | Nashville 5-4 (OT) | Sat vs. New Jersey
🏒 Flyers (14-15-4) | Los Angeles 3-7 | Sat vs. Columbus
🎂 Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Reps. Barry Jozwiak (Sat.) and Patrick Harkins (Sun.).
🔊 What We’re Hearing. “They had no intention of ever going to the center because they’re incapable of doing that. If she was going to run the center, she would have picked [Pennsylvania Gov. Josh] Shapiro to be her running mate.” – Chris LaCivita
📱 Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn
🎁 Looking for a Last-Minute Gift? Give the gift of the PoliticsPA Playbook. And it won’t kill your holiday spending budget. It’s free! Sign up today.
“Republicans’ success at the ballot box in 2024 was decisive but not overwhelming. The GOP owes its continued control of the House to a mere 7,309 votes spread across three districts.
The results of this election, like those of 2016 and 2020, proved that neither party can claim a mandate or even a lasting and pervasive political majority. Instead, our politics is fought on the margins, with just a few thousand votes making the difference between who controls Congress and the White House.” (Cook Political Report)
Elsewhere
‘The Black Swan Election’: Trump’s Campaign Chiefs Tell Their Inside Story. “LaCivita and Fabrizio explain what their inside numbers showed, where Harris messed up and why Trump wanted Vance.” (POLITICO)
Here’s What’s At Stake For PA If Congress Can’t Agree On How to Fund the Federal Government. “The security screeners at Pittsburgh International Airport still will be on the job but working without pay. So too will those Keystone State residents serving in the Armed Forces. And hungry Pennsylvania families may find their federal nutrition benefits lacking.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Civility? In Politics? … Now? “This week, Brendan Boyle was honored for his civility — while passing bipartisan legislation. Can the 47-year-old five-term congressman offer an object lesson for how we can get back to common purpose? Or is he the last of a dying breed?” (Philadelphia Citizen)
“The former state director for President-elect Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign has dropped out of the race to lead the Pennsylvania Republican Party, clearing the way for a state senator and former Cumberland County GOP chair to take the reins next year — and showing Sen.-elect Dave McCormick’s weight in the state party.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
Shapiro Nominates Attorney General Michelle Henry As State’s Inspector General. “Governor Josh Shapiro announced the appointment of Attorney General Michelle Henry to serve as Pennsylvania’s State Inspector General, effective January 21, 2025.” (PoliticsPA)
What Do State Officials Make? “Are you getting a 3.4% raise for your job in 2025? Pennsylvania public officials are.” (PoliticsPA)
Are Lobbyist Emails to Lawmakers Public Records? A PA Court Will Decide. “The case could, for the first time, result in the public gaining access to emails between the legislators who make laws and the lobbyists who try to influence them.” (Spotlight PA)
New Kids in Town
“After more than two years of contentious debate, months of negotiations, and one final protest that briefly disrupted proceedings, Philadelphia City Council on Thursday approved the 76ers’ proposal to build a new $1.3 billion arena in Center City that has been touted as an opportunity to revitalize the Market East corridor and panned as an existential threat to nearby Chinatown.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
In Blair County, Law Enforcement Ready For Return to Normalcy As High-Profile Murder Suspect Leaves Town. “After a week and a half of national attention in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, the Altoona area sees the spotlight fade.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Berks Commissioners Approve 8% Tax Increase For 2025. “It came as no surprise Thursday morning that while adopting the county’s 2025 budget, the Berks County Board of Commissioners also approved an 8% tax increase.” (CNHI News)
State Education Department Rescinds DEI Guidelines — But Some Local School Districts Will Follow Them Anyway. “While the school districts that filed the lawsuit will not follow the rescinded guidelines — which are now just modified recommendations — many districts, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania, will continue to incorporate the questionable standards into their professional development program.” (Broad + Liberty)
Allentown Mayoral Race Officially Off the Ground. “The 2025 mayoral race is off and running in Allentown with incumbent Matt Tuerk seeking reelection and council member Ed Zucal declaring plans to run against him in the Democratic primary.” (Armchair Lehigh Valley)
“Welcome to the holiday season. It’s that time of year filled with Christmas cheer, presents, and the ever-present parental question: Do we tell the kids the truth about Santa Claus? (And if you don’t know what that truth is, you shouldn’t be reading this story! Stop it! Stop it right now!)” (AP)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook
🎉 Happy Friday. This is the last PoliticsPA Playbook for 2024. We thank you for your support throughout the year and look forward to bringing you political news from around the Keystone State again in 2025. May you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season and our best wishes for a successful New Year.
🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.
PA Weather
❄️ Pittsburgh | Snow showers, 37
☃️ State College | Snow, 33
🌧️ Bethlehem | Rain/Snow, 36
PA Sports
🏈 Eagles (12-2) | Sun vs. Washington
🏈 Steelers (10-4) | Sat vs. Baltimore
🏈 Penn State (11-2) | Sat vs. SMU
🏈 Pitt (7-5) | Dec. 26 vs. Toledo
🏀 Sixers (8-16) | Fri vs. Charlotte
🏒 Penguins (15-14-5) | Nashville 5-4 (OT) | Sat vs. New Jersey
🏒 Flyers (14-15-4) | Los Angeles 3-7 | Sat vs. Columbus
🎂 Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Reps. Barry Jozwiak (Sat.) and Patrick Harkins (Sun.).
🔊 What We’re Hearing. “They had no intention of ever going to the center because they’re incapable of doing that. If she was going to run the center, she would have picked [Pennsylvania Gov. Josh] Shapiro to be her running mate.” – Chris LaCivita
📱 Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn
🎁 Looking for a Last-Minute Gift? Give the gift of the PoliticsPA Playbook. And it won’t kill your holiday spending budget. It’s free! Sign up today.
“Republicans’ success at the ballot box in 2024 was decisive but not overwhelming. The GOP owes its continued control of the House to a mere 7,309 votes spread across three districts.
The results of this election, like those of 2016 and 2020, proved that neither party can claim a mandate or even a lasting and pervasive political majority. Instead, our politics is fought on the margins, with just a few thousand votes making the difference between who controls Congress and the White House.” (Cook Political Report)
Elsewhere
‘The Black Swan Election’: Trump’s Campaign Chiefs Tell Their Inside Story. “LaCivita and Fabrizio explain what their inside numbers showed, where Harris messed up and why Trump wanted Vance.” (POLITICO)
Here’s What’s At Stake For PA If Congress Can’t Agree On How to Fund the Federal Government. “The security screeners at Pittsburgh International Airport still will be on the job but working without pay. So too will those Keystone State residents serving in the Armed Forces. And hungry Pennsylvania families may find their federal nutrition benefits lacking.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Civility? In Politics? … Now? “This week, Brendan Boyle was honored for his civility — while passing bipartisan legislation. Can the 47-year-old five-term congressman offer an object lesson for how we can get back to common purpose? Or is he the last of a dying breed?” (Philadelphia Citizen)
“The former state director for President-elect Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign has dropped out of the race to lead the Pennsylvania Republican Party, clearing the way for a state senator and former Cumberland County GOP chair to take the reins next year — and showing Sen.-elect Dave McCormick’s weight in the state party.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
Shapiro Nominates Attorney General Michelle Henry As State’s Inspector General. “Governor Josh Shapiro announced the appointment of Attorney General Michelle Henry to serve as Pennsylvania’s State Inspector General, effective January 21, 2025.” (PoliticsPA)
What Do State Officials Make? “Are you getting a 3.4% raise for your job in 2025? Pennsylvania public officials are.” (PoliticsPA)
Are Lobbyist Emails to Lawmakers Public Records? A PA Court Will Decide. “The case could, for the first time, result in the public gaining access to emails between the legislators who make laws and the lobbyists who try to influence them.” (Spotlight PA)
New Kids in Town
“After more than two years of contentious debate, months of negotiations, and one final protest that briefly disrupted proceedings, Philadelphia City Council on Thursday approved the 76ers’ proposal to build a new $1.3 billion arena in Center City that has been touted as an opportunity to revitalize the Market East corridor and panned as an existential threat to nearby Chinatown.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
In Blair County, Law Enforcement Ready For Return to Normalcy As High-Profile Murder Suspect Leaves Town. “After a week and a half of national attention in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, the Altoona area sees the spotlight fade.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Berks Commissioners Approve 8% Tax Increase For 2025. “It came as no surprise Thursday morning that while adopting the county’s 2025 budget, the Berks County Board of Commissioners also approved an 8% tax increase.” (CNHI News)
State Education Department Rescinds DEI Guidelines — But Some Local School Districts Will Follow Them Anyway. “While the school districts that filed the lawsuit will not follow the rescinded guidelines — which are now just modified recommendations — many districts, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania, will continue to incorporate the questionable standards into their professional development program.” (Broad + Liberty)
Allentown Mayoral Race Officially Off the Ground. “The 2025 mayoral race is off and running in Allentown with incumbent Matt Tuerk seeking reelection and council member Ed Zucal declaring plans to run against him in the Democratic primary.” (Armchair Lehigh Valley)
“Welcome to the holiday season. It’s that time of year filled with Christmas cheer, presents, and the ever-present parental question: Do we tell the kids the truth about Santa Claus? (And if you don’t know what that truth is, you shouldn’t be reading this story! Stop it! Stop it right now!)” (AP)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook
🎉 Happy Friday. This is the last PoliticsPA Playbook for 2024. We thank you for your support throughout the year and look forward to bringing you political news from around the Keystone State again in 2025. May you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season and our best wishes for a successful New Year.
🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.
PA Weather
❄️ Pittsburgh | Snow showers, 37
☃️ State College | Snow, 33
🌧️ Bethlehem | Rain/Snow, 36
PA Sports
🏈 Eagles (12-2) | Sun vs. Washington
🏈 Steelers (10-4) | Sat vs. Baltimore
🏈 Penn State (11-2) | Sat vs. SMU
🏈 Pitt (7-5) | Dec. 26 vs. Toledo
🏀 Sixers (8-16) | Fri vs. Charlotte
🏒 Penguins (15-14-5) | Nashville 5-4 (OT) | Sat vs. New Jersey
🏒 Flyers (14-15-4) | Los Angeles 3-7 | Sat vs. Columbus
🎂 Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Reps. Barry Jozwiak (Sat.) and Patrick Harkins (Sun.).
🔊 What We’re Hearing. “They had no intention of ever going to the center because they’re incapable of doing that. If she was going to run the center, she would have picked [Pennsylvania Gov. Josh] Shapiro to be her running mate.” – Chris LaCivita
📱 Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn
🎁 Looking for a Last-Minute Gift? Give the gift of the PoliticsPA Playbook. And it won’t kill your holiday spending budget. It’s free! Sign up today.
“Republicans’ success at the ballot box in 2024 was decisive but not overwhelming. The GOP owes its continued control of the House to a mere 7,309 votes spread across three districts.
The results of this election, like those of 2016 and 2020, proved that neither party can claim a mandate or even a lasting and pervasive political majority. Instead, our politics is fought on the margins, with just a few thousand votes making the difference between who controls Congress and the White House.” (Cook Political Report)
Elsewhere
‘The Black Swan Election’: Trump’s Campaign Chiefs Tell Their Inside Story. “LaCivita and Fabrizio explain what their inside numbers showed, where Harris messed up and why Trump wanted Vance.” (POLITICO)
Here’s What’s At Stake For PA If Congress Can’t Agree On How to Fund the Federal Government. “The security screeners at Pittsburgh International Airport still will be on the job but working without pay. So too will those Keystone State residents serving in the Armed Forces. And hungry Pennsylvania families may find their federal nutrition benefits lacking.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Civility? In Politics? … Now? “This week, Brendan Boyle was honored for his civility — while passing bipartisan legislation. Can the 47-year-old five-term congressman offer an object lesson for how we can get back to common purpose? Or is he the last of a dying breed?” (Philadelphia Citizen)
“The former state director for President-elect Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign has dropped out of the race to lead the Pennsylvania Republican Party, clearing the way for a state senator and former Cumberland County GOP chair to take the reins next year — and showing Sen.-elect Dave McCormick’s weight in the state party.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
Shapiro Nominates Attorney General Michelle Henry As State’s Inspector General. “Governor Josh Shapiro announced the appointment of Attorney General Michelle Henry to serve as Pennsylvania’s State Inspector General, effective January 21, 2025.” (PoliticsPA)
What Do State Officials Make? “Are you getting a 3.4% raise for your job in 2025? Pennsylvania public officials are.” (PoliticsPA)
Are Lobbyist Emails to Lawmakers Public Records? A PA Court Will Decide. “The case could, for the first time, result in the public gaining access to emails between the legislators who make laws and the lobbyists who try to influence them.” (Spotlight PA)
New Kids in Town
“After more than two years of contentious debate, months of negotiations, and one final protest that briefly disrupted proceedings, Philadelphia City Council on Thursday approved the 76ers’ proposal to build a new $1.3 billion arena in Center City that has been touted as an opportunity to revitalize the Market East corridor and panned as an existential threat to nearby Chinatown.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
In Blair County, Law Enforcement Ready For Return to Normalcy As High-Profile Murder Suspect Leaves Town. “After a week and a half of national attention in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, the Altoona area sees the spotlight fade.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Berks Commissioners Approve 8% Tax Increase For 2025. “It came as no surprise Thursday morning that while adopting the county’s 2025 budget, the Berks County Board of Commissioners also approved an 8% tax increase.” (CNHI News)
State Education Department Rescinds DEI Guidelines — But Some Local School Districts Will Follow Them Anyway. “While the school districts that filed the lawsuit will not follow the rescinded guidelines — which are now just modified recommendations — many districts, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania, will continue to incorporate the questionable standards into their professional development program.” (Broad + Liberty)
Allentown Mayoral Race Officially Off the Ground. “The 2025 mayoral race is off and running in Allentown with incumbent Matt Tuerk seeking reelection and council member Ed Zucal declaring plans to run against him in the Democratic primary.” (Armchair Lehigh Valley)
“Welcome to the holiday season. It’s that time of year filled with Christmas cheer, presents, and the ever-present parental question: Do we tell the kids the truth about Santa Claus? (And if you don’t know what that truth is, you shouldn’t be reading this story! Stop it! Stop it right now!)” (AP)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook
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