March 1, In The Middle

Hello, March. Welcome to the third month of the year.

PA Weather


Johnstown | Increasing Clouds, 47


Kutztown | Sunny, 46


Levittown | Sunny, 48

PA Sports


Sixers (33-25) | Fri vs. Charlotte


Flyers (31-22-7) | Fri vs. Washington


Penguins (27-22-8) | Seattle 0-2 | Sat vs. Calgary

What We’re Hearing
Democratic group WinSenate is reserving fall ad time in Pennsylvania markets. So far, we’ve seen $33.6M reserved for #PASen. The Keystone State becomes the fourth Senate race (OH, NV, MT) the group has targeted with fall TV reservations – AdImpact

Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Sen. Cris Dush.

Pennsylvania Political News Sent Directly to You
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Top Story

1. Bill by U.S. Rep. Susan Wild At The Center Of Nationwide IVF Debate

“U.S. Rep. Susan Wild has found herself at the center of a raging national debate as Democrats rally around her proposal to safeguard in vitro fertilization procedures across the country.

Wild introduced the Access to Family Building Act last month to little fanfare. Her office didn’t even immediately post a news release about the bill, which would guarantee access to assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF and other treatments, for people struggling to conceive.

But weeks later, the Alabama Supreme Court kicked a hornet’s nest when it ruled embryos can be considered children under state law. As a result, hospitals and fertility clinics across the Yellowhammer State have halted IVF operations.” (LehighValleyNews.com)

Related

The Implications of Alabama’s IVF High-Court Ruling For Pennsylvania Families And Politicians. “Part of the fear is that what happens in Alabama may not stay there.” (WESA Politics)

Women of the Year: Chief Justice Debra Todd Always Knew She Would Practice Law. “Debra Todd is one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have made a significant impact in their communities and across the country.” (Beaver County Times)

What Is Super Tuesday? Why It Matters and What To Watch. “The biggest day of this year’s primary campaign is approaching as 16 states vote in contests known as Super Tuesday.” (AP)

Freedom Fighter. “Does Governor Shapiro have a winning argument for Biden and the Dems in the fall? Judging by how many are borrowing it from him, yes.” (Philadelphia Citizen)

State

2. PA University Leaders’ Stance On Antisemitism Wins Favor Of Lawmakers

“The leaders of the four state-related universities made it clear on Thursday they would not get in the same bind as the former Harvard and Penn presidents found themselves last year when questioned about antisemitic activity on campus.

Responding to Rep. Kristin Marcell’s pointed question posed during a House budget hearing, the higher education leaders individually affirmed that “antisemitic behavior and calls for the genocide of the Jewish people is not consistent with the cultural values of” their universities and said that conduct would be actionable under their student code of conduct as a form of bullying, harassment and intimidation.” (PennLive)

Related

PA Lawmaker Again Questions Flow Of State Money To Pitt, Temple Used To Get Matching Funds. “Questioned by a state lawmaker, executive leaders from Pitt and Temple universities on Thursday defended a practice in which hundreds of millions of dollars in state support has taken an indirect path to reach the schools, helping them get federal matching funds for associated hospitals.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Fourfold Tax Increase For Small Businesses Proposed In Pennsylvania House. “Against the backdrop of escalating economic uncertainties, House Democrats have introduced a bill that would substantially raise the tax rate on passive income for small businesses across the state.” (Broad + Liberty)

Shapiro Administration Unveils Election Security Task Force. “Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has said that one of his most important roles is to combat election threats in the Commonwealth in 2024.” (PoliticsPA)

In Open Records Lawsuit, Department of State Frets About ‘Misinformation’ If Data Is Released. “The Department claims to want transparency, but goes to court to hide data that is publicly available in other states.” (Broad + Liberty)

Around The Commonwealth

3. How to Judge The Effectiveness Of Your Local Government in PA

“What do your nearest park’s playground equipment, your neighborhood’s trash pickup frequency, and your closest library’s services all have in common?

They are probably overseen by your local government, which deeply influences our daily lives in big and small ways.” (Spotlight PA)

Related

Republicans Choose Jeffrey Olsommer As State 139th House District Special Election Candidate. “Republican Party committee members in Wayne and Pike counties have picked their candidate for a special election for a vacant state House seat.” (WVIA)

Ex-Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown Is Endorsing Sajda ‘Purple’ Blackwell For State Representative. “Plus, a city spokesperson criticizes a city policy, and an attorney general hopeful has made an eyebrow-raising campaign personnel decision.” (Philadelphia Inquirer Clout)

A New PAC Cut Checks To All Philly State House Incumbents Facing Primary Challengers — Except Kevin Boyle. “Rep. Morgan Cephas said the PAC gave to all “viable Democratic members,” delivering another blow to Boyle’s campaign following a recent outburst at a Montco bar.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

McCormick, GOP State Senators Call For Lancaster City Council To Rescind Immigration Status Ordinance. “Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick has joined other GOP elected officials in condemning a measure passed by Lancaster City Council this week that codifies a city policy to not ask people about their immigration status in non-criminal situations.” (PennLive)

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

• How The Promise of 1973 Failed Young Women. (Adriana E. Ramírez)
• The G.O.P. Returns to its Bad Old Self. (David Brooks)
• The Republicans Are a Party in Search of a Future. (Alex Castellanos)

1 Thing

5. Say Goodbye to Dollar Dog Night

“The dollar-dog days are over.

The Phillies are retiring Dollar Dog Night after 27 years and replacing the popular promotion with two games in April when fans will be able to buy two hot dogs for the price of one. The team said it eliminated Dollar Dog Night after raucous crowds last season began to throw hot dogs and lines at concession stands clogged the concourses.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

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