Pennsylvania Archives - Page 4 of 22 - The Pennsylvania Daily Star

Pennsylvania School Vouchers Called a Solution to ’19th Century’ Problem

September 14, 2023September 13, 2023 The Center Square

As Pennsylvania’s divide over education funding continues, House Republicans once again championed their plan to give scholarships to students in low-performing schools to enroll elsewhere.

The House Republican Policy Committee met Tuesday in Philadelphia to hear testimony from education professionals, private school students, and parents on how families would benefit from Lifeline Scholarships, which has been controversial with Democrats who worry about diverting funding from public schools.

‘Warehouse’ Growth Worrying Pennsylvania Environmental Groups

September 13, 2023September 12, 2023 The Center Square

The online shopping industry, and the multi-billion dollar logistics and distribution network at its core, depend on Pennsylvania’s roads, land and workers for its warehouses.

And yet, environmental groups say that zoning ordinances for these facilities fall short, leaving the state’s land, air and water vulnerable to destruction.

Pennsylvania Podiatrists May Soon Prescribe Medical Marijuana

September 10, 2023September 9, 2023 The Center Square

Podiatrists may soon prescribe medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, that is if the Legislature takes the advice of the state’s advisory panel.

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board voted this week in favor of a recommendation to add podiatrists to a list of more than 1,800 medical providers that includes among others psychiatrists, primary care physicians, specialists, anesthesiologists, and oncologists.

Pittsburgh Mass Transit Budget Still Treading Water

September 9, 2023September 8, 2023 The Center Square

Amid declining ridership rates, Pittsburgh’s public transit system has become more dependent on federal funds to remain afloat.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County, which serves Pittsburgh’s 300,000 residents, budgeted $95 million in federal emergency funding to prevent the system from going into debt in fiscal year 2023, according to budget documents. The transit agency received $502.5 million in federal stimulus funding.

Philadelphia City Council Mulls Lawsuit over Unenforced Herbicide Ban

September 8, 2023September 7, 2023 The Center Square

The Philadelphia City Council may soon file suit against the city’s administration over an unenforced law.

A resolution on the council’s Sept. 14 agenda would permit legal counsel to compel Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney to enforce a ban on toxic herbicides on all city-owned or used public grounds. That would include parks, trails, recreation centers and playgrounds.

Philadelphia’s Police Commissioner to Resign, Mayor Confirms

September 7, 2023September 6, 2023 Just the News

Philadelphia’s first black female police commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, will leave her post in late September.

Outlaw assumed the post in February 2020 and will depart on Sept. 22 to assume a position with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fox News reported.

Upcoming Supreme Court Elections in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan Could Tip Majorities on the Bench Just in Time for the 2024 Elections

September 3, 2023September 4, 2023 Admin

Three swing states will hold elections to their supreme courts over the next 18 months, potentially altering court compositions amid key cultural and political flashpoints such as abortion, guns and redistricting.

Pennsylvania College Credits No More for State Trooper Cadets

September 2, 2023September 1, 2023 The Center Square

Broadening opportunities for aspiring law enforcement officers, Gov. Josh Shapiro this week removed the 60-credit minimum requirement for state trooper applicants.

“This is the finest law enforcement agency in the nation,” he said during a news conference. “We need to show those who want to serve that this door of opportunity is open – and we want you on our team.”

Pennsylvania Moves to Shift Primary Date Up

September 1, 2023August 31, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

A Pennsylvania state Senate committee unanimously voted Wednesday to move its presidential primary election up in 2024.

The State Government Committee approved the bill, proposed by Vice Chair Republican Sen. David Argall, which would change Pennsylvania’s presidential primary from late April to March 19, according to the state legislature’s website. The proposed new primary date for the third Tuesday in March comes just two weeks after Super Tuesday, when over a dozen states hold their nominating contests.

Pennsylvania Higher Ed System Hopes for Boost from Certificate Programs

August 31, 2023August 30, 2023 The Center Square

In an effort to attract students and the general public alike, Pennsylvania’s higher education system will partner with Google to offer certificate programs that demonstrate their skills to potential employers.

Students can earn a certificate as they get college credit within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and the public can earn a certificate through non-credit courses and workshops without enrolling in PASSHE.

Data Analysis Reframes Pennsylvania Education Issues

August 30, 2023August 29, 2023 The Center Square

As Pennsylvania’s legislators prepare to return to Harrisburg to sort out the state’s education system and budget, a new report challenges what they call “funding cuts and teacher shortage myths.”

A recently released report by the Commonwealth Foundation provides data showing increased spending and hiring alongside dropping enrollment numbers – suggesting more efficient spending options, including pension system reforms.

Policymakers Debate Skill Games Regulation

August 28, 2023 The Center Square

Corner stores, malls, and independent businesses that dabble in the unregulated gray area between games of skill and chance may soon find themselves facing stricter — or clearer — guidance from legislators.

The Democratic Policy Committee in Radnor this week to discuss the proliferation of skill games across Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Waives Bus Driver Regulation amid Persistent Shortage

August 27, 2023August 26, 2023 The Center Square

The pandemic revealed all sorts of problems in Pennsylvania’s education system. School districts struggling to recruit school bus drivers was an overlooked one, and the problem hasn’t abated.

PennDOT, however, took a step forward recently in removing a licensing requirement that’s long been a stumbling block.

Two Pennsylvania Local Level Officials Join Forward Party

August 26, 2023August 26, 2023 The Center Square

A third party seeking to bridge the political divide and offer more choices for voters has added two local Republicans to its roster.

One official, a longtime Democrat – although defeated in the primary election – won enough write-in votes to secure the GOP nomination. He will again be facing his opponent in November, but from the other side of the fence.

Addiction Recovery Services Grant Possible in Pennsylvania

August 25, 2023August 24, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania’s state government has taken action in recent years to legalize fentanyl test strips and expand medication for opioid use disorder in county jails and state prisons.

Now, some are looking to provide more funding for recovery services to help people stay sober and find community.

Despite Budget Crisis, Penn State Offers In-State Tuition to Illegal Immigrants

August 24, 2023August 23, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

Amidst a budget crisis, Pennsylvania State University offers in-state tuition rates to qualifying illegal immigrants while American citizens across the country are charged out-of-state tuition.

An admissions page on the university’s website states that “Undocumented students, with or without DACA, can be eligible for in-state tuition if they meet Penn State’s residency requirements.”

Pennsylvania School Voucher Battle Heads Back to Campaign Trail

August 23, 2023August 22, 2023 The Center Square

Though school choice supporters lost a budget fight over a $100 million voucher program, the next battle appears to be at the ballot box.

On Monday, the Commonwealth Partners PAC announced plans for a $10 million campaign “to elect school-choice lawmakers,” saying the group would “continue to fight for kids’ interest against special interests,” according to a press release.

Solar Power Comes to University of Pittsburgh Campus

August 22, 2023August 21, 2023 The Center Square

Officials and community members recently cut the ribbon on one of the largest solar projects in western Pennsylvania.

Through a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh and Vesper Energy, the school says it is achieving its renewable energy commitments while providing educational opportunities.

Natural Gas Well Setbacks Questioned After Health Impact Study in Pennsylvania

August 20, 2023August 19, 2023 The Center Square

Regulations that dictate appropriate setbacks for natural gas wells from drinking water sources and buildings may not be generous enough, according to the state’s agency tasked with overseeing the industry.

The Department of Environmental Protection said it would support efforts to reconsider whether 1,000 feet constitutes a safe distance after a study from the University of Pittsburgh suggested links between unconventional wells and incidences of asthma and childhood cancer.

Study Finds ‘Dirty-to-Clean’ Pennsylvania Job Transition Rare

August 19, 2023August 18, 2023 The Center Square

Though more workers have jumped in recent years from carbon-intensive jobs – like natural gas extraction – to “green” jobs in renewable energy, the numbers remain miniscule.

Fewer than 1% of workers make a fossil fuel-to-renewable jump, while most end up in another carbon-intensive job, an unrelated job, or find no work at all.

Undone Pennsylvania Budget Leaves Struggling Schools Empty-Handed

August 18, 2023August 17, 2023 The Center Square

As the first day of school nears across Pennsylvania, the undone budget will leave the poorest districts without the earmarked funds the state promised.

Teachers, administrators, and advocates recently told the House Education Committee that without the money, schools can’t address worker shortages, or provide mental health support, programs for pandemic-induced learning loss, technology upgrades, and building maintenance.

More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Coming to Pennsylvania

August 17, 2023August 16, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday Pennsylvania will spend $34 million on dozens of projects in the commonwealth to build out charging stations for electric vehicles.

The money is part a five-year, $172 million federal grant and the latest installment will support 54 projects in 35 counties.

In-State Tuition at Pennsylvania State University, University of Pittsburgh Among Costliest Nationwide

August 15, 2023August 14, 2023 The Center Square

Attending a public college is an affordable choice for many students, and the costs are significantly lower for those in-state.

Even so, two Pennsylvania state-related universities rank among the top 10 of those with the highest in-state tuition in the nation.

Rural Health Care Safety Net Faces Irreparable Tear in Pennsylvania

August 13, 2023August 14, 2023 The Center Square

Health care access in rural Pennsylvania becomes less tenable day by day, and many fear what this means for the state’s efforts to revive its most remote communities.

“The people in rural PA are truly scared about access to health care,” said Rep. Marty Causer, R-Bradford, during a recent meeting of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania hosted in his district.

Labor Shortages, Red Tape Mean Pennsylvania High Home Prices, Months of Delay

August 12, 2023August 11, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania homebuilders are caught in a bind: labor costs are high and the state’s bureaucracy slows down construction.

The result is a situation where it takes months longer to build a house in the commonwealth and prices are higher.

Pennsylvania Agriculture Leaders Worry About Research Funding, California Regulations

August 11, 2023August 10, 2023 The Center Square

As the federal farm bill gets debated in Congress, Pennsylvania lawmakers and agricultural leaders hope to see a boost in research funding along with action to improve broadband internet and child care in the rural reaches of the state.

Senate and House lawmakers from around Pennsylvania came together Wednesday to talk about their priorities and concerns for farmers.

Manufactured Pennsylvania Homeowners Rally for Lot Rent Caps

August 10, 2023August 9, 2023 The Center Square

Residents of manufactured home communities often face the same problem: constantly rising lot rental fees that some critics say “predatory” investors use to hold residents “hostage.”

That’s why Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Reading, offered a simple solution that’s gained the approval of advocates long battling the issue: rent caps.

Pennsylvania Considers Letting Psychologists Prescribe Medicine for Patients

August 9, 2023August 9, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a shortcut of sorts to expand health care access: let psychologists, not just psychiatrists, prescribe medication.

A handful of states and the federal government already do so, but critics worry about a lack of proper training and other innovations of the past that have not panned out.

Governors Highway Safety Association Suggests Improvements to Prevent Accidents on Pennsylvania’s Rural Roads

August 8, 2023August 8, 2023 The Center Square

Rural America has 20 percent of the country’s population and 46 percent of the nation’s car crashes. A lack of resources, both in cash and workers, poses a challenge to avoiding wrecks and deaths.

Though rural traffic studies have been of questionable quality, a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) suggests broader cooperation to pool local resources, more public outreach, and better road design to curb collisions.

Hemp and Pennsylvania’s ‘Bio-Based Future’

August 6, 2023August 5, 2023 The Center Square

A circle of farmers in Pennsylvania have embraced hemp as state and federal money encourages growth of the industry.

With government support, farmers troubleshoot how hemp plays a role in the production of textiles, paper, automotive bio-composites, and construction projects.

Pennsylvania Property Tax, Rent Rebate Expansion Crosses Finish Line

August 5, 2023August 4, 2023 The Center Square

Seniors across Pennsylvania can officially look forward to 2024.

That’s because Gov. Josh Shapiro will finally sign a $134 million expansion of the state’s property tax and rent rebate program for low-income seniors and disabled residents that will go into effect in the new year.

Jury Recommends Death Penalty for Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooter

August 3, 2023August 2, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

A jury announced Wednesday that they believed Robert Bowers, who killed 11 people in a targeted attack against Pittsburgh Jews in 2018, should receive the death penalty, according to multiple reports.

A jury determined in July that Bowers was eligible for capital punishment despite his defense team arguing that he suffered from mental disorders that prevented him from understanding the weight of his actions. The jury deliberated for over ten hours during the course of two days before issuing its verdict that Bowers should be put to death for deliberately going after Jewish worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue, according to various reports.

Pennsylvania House Members May Soon Post Expenses Online

August 2, 2023August 1, 2023 The Center Square

Tracking how Pennsylvania legislators spend money in office can be a hassle, requiring a public records request — and patience.

That process, however, could soon change if lawmakers post expense reports online in one place.

Proposal Argues Brownfields Better for Solar than Farmland

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 The Center Square

The growth of solar generation in Pennsylvania over the last decade owes largely to farmers willing to share their land, a fact that leaves others worried about neighboring property values and future sustainability.

As such, Sen. Doug Mastriano – former gubernatorial candidate and right-wing firebrand who represents a district that spans Franklin and Adams counties – recently introduced a bill limiting the use of farmland for solar development in Pennsylvania. The legislation would prohibit development on prime farming land considered class one or class two by the USDA.

Budget Deal Teased in Pennsylvania

July 30, 2023July 29, 2023 The Center Square

On the 28th day overdue, a key budget negotiator released a hopeful, albeit stern, message indicating a budget deal may come together in August after all.

Senate President Kim Ward, R-Greensburg, said Friday that Republican leaders in the chamber are “actively negotiating” with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and “things are moving forward.”

Pittsburgh Starbucks Wants Out of Union

July 29, 2023July 28, 2023 The Center Square

Employees at a Pittsburgh-area Starbucks say they want to de-unionize amid growing workplace tension.

The request comes just one year after the Penn Center East location became one of 25 in Pennsylvania to organize under Starbucks Workers United, which is affiliated with the SEIU.

Months After Train Derailment, EPA ‘Has Failed to Protect’ East Palestine

July 29, 2023 The Center Square

State and federal officials continue to monitor the impact of the Norfolk Southern train derailment on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, but independent scientists worry that indoor air quality has been ignored.

The lack of transparency, too, has made it harder to build and maintain public trust.

Lawsuit Claims Pennsylvania School District Discriminates Against Parochial Students

July 28, 2023July 27, 2023 The Center Square

A group of parents says State College Area School District bars their children from joining extracurricular activities simply because they attend faith-based schools.

The families, members of the Religious Rights Foundation, recently filed a lawsuit against the district for prohibiting their students from participating in sports, clubs, and college-level classes, based on religious discrimination.

State Senators Spar over School Choice in Pennsylvania

July 27, 2023July 27, 2023 The Center Square

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 Senate Education Committee met Tuesday to discuss “student opportunities for success,” hearing from parents of children in public and private schools in Reading, as well as public school leaders of Reading School District.

Pennsylvania Hospitals May Soon Test for Fentanyl

July 26, 2023July 25, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania hospitals may soon test urine samples for fentanyl and xylazine, two of the most common additives found in heroin.

The state government legalized fentanyl test strips for personal use last year, following a number of other states responding to more overdose deaths in the last decade. More than 5,200 Pennsylvanians have died from an overdose death in the last year, according to CDC data.

Treasury Returns Record $274 Million in Pennsylvanians’ Unclaimed Property

July 24, 2023July 23, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania’s treasury holds about $4.5 billion in unclaimed property for residents, businesses and local governments.

Recent efforts, however, have seen more of that get returned as the treasurer announced $274 million was returned in the last fiscal year – a single-year record.

Fifth Year of Tuition Freeze Approved in Pennsylvania

July 23, 2023July 22, 2023 The Center Square

Following on the heels of an expected 6% increase in funding from the General Assembly, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education voted to freeze tuition for the fifth year in a row.

The 6% represents a $33 million increase over last year, though it’s a 2% overall increase because the General Assembly only provides about 30% of the system’s total revenues, Chancellor Dan Greenstein said.

Study: Market Better, ‘Foster Engagement’ for Pennsylvania Rural Growth

July 22, 2023July 21, 2023 The Center Square

Rural Pennsylvania has seen its population drop, with residents moving to suburbs, cities, and out-of-state.

The demand for rural life, however, isn’t always shrinking.

Study: Hard Decisions, Not Tax Increases, Needed for Pittsburgh Public Transit

July 20, 2023July 19, 2023 The Center Square

The relatively high cost of Pittsburgh’s bus and light-rail operations means that, in the near future, Allegheny County officials must choose between raising taxes to fund it or find a way to cut costs.

So argues the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy’s Research Director Eric Montarti and research assistant Scott T. Cross in a policy brief advocating for “hard decisions” to be made instead of raising county taxes and fees.

Pennsylvania’s Addiction Treatment Database Grows

July 19, 2023July 18, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania officials announced an expansion of its directory that helps residents find addiction services near them, part of a multi-year effort to simplify the process of finding licensed providers for drug and alcohol problems.

Information for about 600 licensed treatment facilities in the state have now been submitted for Pennsylvania’s Treatment Atlas, centralizing information for 81% of all licensed centers statewide. The Atlas has been a work in progress since 2021 and 7,000 assessments have been filed through it, DDAP noted.

Pennsylvania Slashes Educational Savings Plan Fees

July 18, 2023July 18, 2023 The Center Square

Recently slashed fees on the state’s educational savings program could save taxpayers more than half a million over the next year.

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity said the 1.25 basis point reduction will impact 286,000 accounts enrolled in the state’s 529 Investment Plan, netting $579,000 in savings.

Red Tape, Low Prices to Blame for Pennsylvania’s Natural Gas Production Decline

July 17, 2023July 16, 2023 The Center Square

As natural gas production expands in other states, Pennsylvania’s has flatlined and seen productivity declines. Industry leaders blame permitting issues and other roadblocks, while environmentalists say the economic outlook for gas has weakened and nature benefits.

“Productivity declines and limits on natural gas takeaway capacity resulted in a 0.4 (billion cubic feet per day) decrease in Pennsylvania’s total natural gas production in 2022,” the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported. “Until last year, output had increased every year since 2013 on the back of drilling efficiency gains.”

Nearly 400 Penn State Faculty Protest White Professor’s Lawsuit Against Race-Based Grading

July 15, 2023July 14, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

Nearly 400 Pennsylvania State University professors have signed a letter that defends antiracism teaching and administrative practices targeted in a lawsuit objecting to giving black students inflated grades.

The four-paragraph “Letter in Support of Antiracist Faculty at Penn State” denigrates a recent lawsuit filed against the university by Zack De Piero, who taught English at the school’s Abington campus and has since filed a lawsuit that alleges he was discriminated against because of his race. He is white.

More Labor Needed for Pennsylvania’s Broadband Expansion

July 14, 2023July 13, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania officials will soon have a five-year action plan for how to build out universal broadband service across the state.

As federal funds roll out nationally, however, demand for labor will be high and could make the task harder.

Pennsylvania Budget Deal Unlikely Before September

July 13, 2023July 12, 2023 The Center Square

Both chambers of the General Assembly officially left Harrisburg for the summer — an ominous sign that the bipartisan wound won’t heal anytime soon.

The development comes nearly two weeks after the Senate recessed until mid-September, furious over Gov. Josh Shapiro’s default on a $45.5 billion budget deal — complete with a new $100 million school choice program he helped draft — amid resistance from Democratic leadership in the House.