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April 7th Playbook

Kathy Barnette launched her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, while Jeff Bartos announced how much his Senate campaign raised in the first quarter. Here is the Playbook. 

Bartos Raises Nearly $1.2 Million in Q1: Jeff Bartos announced on Monday that his U.S. Senate campaign raised nearly $1.2 million from his campaign launch on March 8 to the end of the first quarter.

Barnette, Former PA4 Nominee and Conservative Commentator, Announces 2022 U.S. Senate Bid: Kathy Barnette, a veteran and conservative commentator who was the 2020 GOP congressional candidate in PA-4, announced her entrance into the statewide race on Tuesday morning. Tomi Lahren, Sebastian Gorka, Georgia GOP state Rep. Vernon Jones, and U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) offered words of support on Twitter to Barnette’s Senate candidacy.

Moreno Talks Pittsburgh Policies with City Paper: Tony Moreno, a retired Pittsburgh police officer vying for the Democratic Party nomination for Mayor of Pittsburgh, talked to Pittsburgh City Paper in an interview about policies most important to the city. 

PA House Passes Bill To Use Technology To Crack Down on Repeat DUI Offenders: PennLive reports that the state House passed a bill, sponsored by state Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery), by a 143-58 vote that could make repeat driving under the influence offenders wear a device to “detect the presence of alcohol to avoid incarceration.” 

PA House Passes COVID-19 Limited Liability Bill: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that the state House passed House Bill 605, which was sponsored by state Rep. Torren C. Ecker (R-Adams), by a 107-95 vote. The bill would provide limited immunity from COVID-19 liability to some in the state. 

Italian American Groups and Squilla Sue Kenney For Nixing Columbus Day: According to Billy Penn, Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla and Italian American groups in Philadelphia filed a descrimination lawsuit against Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney over his decision to delist Columbus Day as a city holiday in Philadelphia.  

Banks to Stay on Ballot for Harrisburg Mayor: PennLive reports that a city voter in Harrisburg ended his challenge to mayoral candidate Otto Banks’ city residency, which ensures that Banks will be able to appear on the Democratic primary ballot in May.  

Education Secretary Visits Philly Region: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona visited the Philadelphia region on Tuesday and promised help from the Biden administration, while “urging school leaders to bring students back to classrooms.” 

Lancaster City Council Considers Vote on County Health Department: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that Lancaster City Council members considered a resolution on Monday “supporting the creation of a county health department and moved the resolution out of committee and onto council’s April 13 agenda. 

Three Mile Island Decommissioning Panel Meets For First Time Wednesday: PennLive reports that the advisory panel meeting is slated to begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Anyone who wants to participate in the meeting can tune in online here or by calling 1-385-500-4880 and entering the conference number 515376234 followed by the pound (#) sign.

Pittsburgh Joins Philly in Lawsuit Over State Gun Control Law: KDKA reports that the city of Pittsburgh is supporting Philadelphia in a lawsuit against the state over gun laws.

DeFazio Meets With Pittsburgh Business Leaders: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), who is the chair of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, spoke virtually to board members of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development on Tuesday.

McSwain 4 PA Governor Dot Com: According to Twitter account @CATargetBot, “mcswain4pagovernor.com” was registered as a website. Sources close to McSwain confirm to PoliticsPA that he has reserved several domain names. Last week, @CATargetBot noted that “mcswainforgovernor.com” was registered as a website. Two weeks ago, McSwain launched the “Freedom PA PAC,” which the Philadelphia Inquirer described as his “most significant step yet toward a run for governor next year.”

Bill Moves Forward to Rename Section of Route 981 in Honor Of Late Rep. Reese: The Tribune Review reports that the state House transportation committee approved a bill to name a 3 ½ mile stretch of Route 981 as the “Honorable Mike Reese Memorial Highway” after the late state Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland). 

Meuser To Host Telephone Town Hall: According to a press release, Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) will be hosting a telephone town hall with an IRS official to update the 9th District on the rollout of Economic Impact Payments, answer tax-related questions, and address other legislative issues on Wednesday evening. 

Mercuri Appointed to Serve on House Education Committee: According to a press release from House Republicans, state Rep. Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) has been appointed to serve on the House Appropriations Committee. 

Schmitt Named to House Appropriations Committee: According to a press release from House Republicans, state Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) has been appointed to serve on the House Appropriations Committee. Schmitt takes the role of committee member after state Rep. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe) left the committee to be the chairwoman of the Urban Affairs Committee. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Husband of high court candidate begins prison sentence
AP: Nearly half of new U.S. virus infections are in just 5 states, including Pa.
Patriot News: Pa. gets over $115M for COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Patriot News: Pa. House passes bill to use technology to crack down on repeat DUI offenders
Patriot News: The COVID-19 vaccine hunter has spoken: Virtually everyone in Phase 1A covered
Patriot News: Fear of law changes keep gun sales soaring in Pennsylvania
Patriot News: Three Mile Island decommissioning panel meets for first time Wednesday
Patriot News: Pa. man charged in U.S. Capitol riot was ‘savagely’ beaten by a prison corrections officer, his lawyer says 
Patriot News: COVID-19 update: Pa. passes 35% of population reached with first dose
Inquirer: Pennsylvania elects most judges. Here’s how the process works.
Inquirer: Pa.’s largest pension fund admits for the first time that it’s under federal investigation
Inquirer: Where COVID-19 cases are rising fastest in Pennsylvania; Fauci thinks pace of vaccinations will prevent a ‘fourth wave’ of infections
Morning Call: Pennsylvania House advances new initiative to allow past victims of child sex abuse to sue their abusers
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. COVID-19 testing down even as cases increase, state health officials say
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. sees record-setting number of firearm background checks
WITF: Pennsylvania Health Department Urges Use Of COVID-19 Testing Sites As New Cases Rise 
WITF: Commonwealth Court Schedules Trial For Education Funding Lawsuit
KDKA: Pennsylvania Bill To Ban Transgender Girls From Women’s Sports Creates Controversy 
KDKA: Nearly $3 Million In Student Loans Canceled For Students Who Attended Education Corporation of America Schools 
WHYY Newsworks: How to report a hate incident in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware
PLSReporter: Pa. COVID advisor urges continued testing amid increasing cases
Fox News: PA candidate running to be first Black Republican woman in Senate slams Biden over past ‘ain’t Black’ comments
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania House passes Covid-19 limited liability bill
Beaver County Times: Pa. House OKs Daylight Saving Time bill
The Hill: Five states account for nearly 44 percent of new US COVID-19 cases

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: Italian American groups and Councilmember Squilla sue Mayor Kenney for nixing Columbus Day
Billy Penn: Wolf says he’d veto Philly rep’s bill to keep trans girls out of school sports 
Billy Penn: A powerful new City Hall position to combat child welfare scandals is up for debate
Inquirer: Philly Councilmember Mark Squilla and Italian American groups sue Mayor Kenney for renaming Columbus Day
Inquirer: ‘We can safely reopen schools’: In Philly school visit, U.S. education secretary vows help
Inquirer: From Philly to the Capitol, conspiracy adherents have fractured families and harmed communities
Inquirer: Philadelphia joins Pa., N.J. in opening COVID-19 vaccination to all adults by April 19, by Biden’s request
Inquirer: See pictures of U.S. Education Secretary’s visit to Philly region 
WHYY Newsworks: In Philadelphia, education secretary says schools can open safely 
WHYY Newsworks: As Philly holds first online sheriff sale, City Council moves to prevent more 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: All Philadelphians 16+ will be eligible for vaccine April 19
Philadelphia Tribune: City launches next phase of COVID-19 Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program
NBC10: Stephen Starr lashes out at Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney over city violence
KYW Newsradio: Education Secretary Cardona pushes for reopening more schools in Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: All Philadelphians will be eligible for vaccine starting April 19
KYW Newsradio: New tool helping Philly district attorney identify, assist LGBTQ crime victims
Philly Voice: Bill outlawing pre-hire marijuana tests up for vote in Philly City Council 
Philly Voice: Report: Unlike other big city residents, Philadelphians didn’t flee amid the pandemic 
Philly Voice: Spring Garden Street Greenway could see safety updates within Biden’s infrastructure plan
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia opening Covid-19 vaccine eligibility to all adults April 19

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Education Secretary visits Delco to encourage in-person classes
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County Election Board authorizes relocation of 15 polling places
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County reports 225 coronavirus cases, more hospitalizations as virus surge continues
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks League of Women Voters hosts virtual roundtable on county food insecurity
Bucks Local News: Bucks County opens fifth vaccination site as supplies and new cases increase
Daily Local News: Distracted driving citations decreased in Pa. in 2020 during the pandemic

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Another Democratic Committee Controversy Over Mayoral Endorsements 
WESA: Pittsburgh Groups Condemn Racist, Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found On South Side 
City Paper: 2021 Mayoral candidates on Pittsburgh policies: Tony Moreno 
Post-Gazette: Years after conviction, former county councilman McCullough headed to prison 
Post-Gazette: U.S. Rep. DeFazio, powerful infrastructure-panel chair, meets with Pittsburgh business leaders 
Post-Gazette: City Council OKs amendment to clarify eviction moratorium and make it enforceable 
Post-Gazette: A moment ‘to be bold’: Pittsburgh zoning measure requiring affordable housing advances
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pa. concerned testing down while new cases rise
Tribune Review: Former Allegheny County councilman begins prison term for stealing from elderly woman 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh council passes revised ban on evictions 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh supports Philadelphia in lawsuit against state Firearm Preemption Laws 
Tribune Review: Pa., Allegheny County covid hospitalizations up more than 20% week to week 
KDKA: Pennsylvania Bill To Ban Transgender Girls From Women’s Sports Creates Controversy 
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Joins Philadelphia In Lawsuit Over State Gun Control Law
KDKA: Charles McCullough, Ex-County Councilman And Husband Of High Court Candidate, Begins Prison Sentence 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Officials Hold Rally For Peace After Racist Graffiti Spray-Painted Onto Youth Organization’s Football Field House 
KDKA: Pitt Alumna Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu Elected President Of Kosovo 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 532 New Cases, No Additional Deaths
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh metro gained 4,400 jobs in February, unemployment rate remained unchanged 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Biden’s proposed infrastructure plan could be positive for ALCOSAN 

SWPA 
Tribune Review: Bill moves forward to rename section of Route 981 in honor of late Rep. Reese of Mt. Pleasant Township
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State official: ‘We need to redouble efforts’ on coronavirus testing despite vaccines
Observer-Reporter: No new coronavirus deaths reported in region
Beaver County Times: COVID testing drops, making virus hard to track
Altoona Mirror: Germaux to seek supervisor position

NEPA
The Times Leader: Payne sworn in as new Wilkes-Barre City Clerk 
The Times Leader: 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday
Times-Tribune: City grant program aims to help existing businesses, attract new ones 
Times-Tribune: NEPA sees highest COVID-19 case total in more than two months
Citizens Voice: GOP County council candidates support review of charter 
Citizens Voice: More than 100 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday

South Central 
Patriot News: Otto Banks to stay on ballot for Harrisburg mayor
Patriot News: Three Mile Island decommissioning panel meets for first time Wednesday
Carlisle Sentinel: Midstate lawmakers use language from Idaho law to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle Borough Council backs advocacy efforts for gun control legislation
Carlisle Sentinel: Transgender athletes and the impact on sports
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 30 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Tuesday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster City Council readies to vote on county health department 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County unemployment rate rises again in February, hits 5.8%
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘A turning point’: More than half of eligible Lancaster, Lebanon county educators vaccinated through state initiative
LNP | LancasterOnline: Wife and fellow parishioners of Manheim Twp. man charged in Capitol riot urge his release [update]
York Dispatch: Public forum: Mixed reaction to York City surveillance system proposal
York Dispatch: Mother of dead York County officer urges drivers to obey PA’s new move over law
York Dispatch: York City sees record number of shootings in first quarter of 2021
York Dispatch: Tuesday update: 124 additional COVID-19 cases reported in York County

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan touts American Rescue Plan on tour of Berks County
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center says education funding desperately needs an overhaul
Reading Eagle: Pa. lawmakers to vote on bringing back license plate registration stickers
Reading Eagle: Pa. says some in-person classes are OK regardless of COVID community spread rating
Reading Eagle: COVID cases rise in Berks County even as vaccinations near 55K
WFMZ: Houlahan hears concerns of healthcare workers in Berks
WFMZ: Vote signals support for child sex abuse window in bill form in Pa.
WFMZ: COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues at St. Lawrence clinic
Express Times: 1K COVID vaccine appointments available at Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley clinic
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: 35% of Pennsylvanians have one COVID vaccine dose; 4K new cases reported as UK variant increases | Pa. vaccine map (04/06/2021)

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lawmakers: Nursing home care reform is needed
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: DuBoistown looks toward website launch
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: What lasting effects will the virus have on our society?
Erie Times-News: Planners don’t recommend rezoning for townhomes
Centre Daily Times: April 6 update: Centre County adds 52 cases of COVID-19; Pa. reports 4,255 new positives

Opinion  
Salena Zito: A Union’s Support of Biden Does Little To Save Members’ Jobs in Pennsylvania
Van Gosse: Pennsylvania once led in suppressing the Black vote
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Reduce the Pennsylvania Legislature, the nation’s largest full-time body
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Biden’s infrastructure plan should prioritize cleanliness, not just efficiency, for waterways
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Nursing home residents and their loved ones deserve a nonpartisan review of state’s pandemic decisions
Wall Street Journal Editorial Board: A Soft-on-Crime Backlash
David Murrell: The 7 Most Ridiculous Parts of the Pro-Columbus Day Lawsuit Against the City
Andrew Stober: Pa. should expand automated speed enforcement, not the use of police radar 
John L. Micek: Pa. to distribute 7.9M lbs. of emergency food to food banks | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Bernard Harris: Pennsylvania schools can do more than recover from learning losses
David Finegold: Why free college is a bad idea
Sarah C. Peck and James Alan Fox: Proposed policy would help mayors respond to a mass shooting
Laura Perna: Free college programs can enable more students to go to college, but it all depends on how the program is designed
Joyce M. Davis: Zoom is here to stay, even after COVID is long gone | Social Views
Tony Norman: The cruelty of nice people
Michael Coard: What if Chauvin is acquitted of killing George Floyd? 
Chris Freind: ‘Woke’ baseball strikes out — and cancels itself
Will Bunch Newsletter: Stuck with Cuomo, DeSantis in a post-truth U.S. 
Trudy Rubin: Biden’s infrastructure plan is key to U.S. competition with China 
Jason Han: Why I stopped believing in ‘putting my head down’ and assimilating as an Asian American 
Tom Stiglich: Crime under the ‘watchful’ eye of Larry Krasner | Cartoon

One Response

  1. Matt Gaetz is a typical GOP Congressman. Disgustingly corrupt, sinful, and nasty.

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