📖 Today’s PoliticsPA Playbook. Shapiro Proposes $53.3B Budget For FY27. Shapiro’s New Memoir Doesn’t Tell Full Story About Time As AG. Why Bucks May Be Among Most Consequential Counties In Midterms. Priceless Win For Penny.
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Top Story
1. Shapiro Proposes $53.3B Budget For FY27; Draws Battle Lines Heading Into 2026 Elections
“Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his 2026-27 budget proposal in an 84-minute address before a joint session of the state House and Senate on Tuesday.
The budget calls for expenditures of $53.3 billion, while estimating the state’s revenues at only $48.68 billion with the shortfall requiring a transfer of $4.6 billion from the state’s reserves.
House Democrats were in a celebratory mood, while Senate Republicans called it a “rinse and repeat” budget that continues to ignore the structural budget deficit. While both sides outwardly said that they do not want another lengthy impasse like the one that occurred last summer and fall, it is clear that the battle lines are drawn for a contentious negotiation.” | PoliticsPA
Elsewhere
Senate Republicans Concerned About Spending Levels in Shapiro’s Budget. “Senate Republicans will work to reduce spending and produce a more fiscally responsible 2026-27 budget than the $53.3 billion plan presented by Gov. Josh Shapiro.” | Pennsylvania Senate Republicans
PA’s Approach to Joining the AI Race Must Put People First, Shapiro Said In Budget Address. “Pennsylvania’s status as a leading energy producer and hub for technological innovation positions it to play a leading role in the AI race, but it must do so in a way that puts its people first, Gov. Josh Shapiro said in his budget address Tuesday.” | Penn Capital-Star
Shapiro Takes New Approach In PA Minimum Wage Conversation. “Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his fourth budget address in the state capitol on Tuesday, and once again renewed calls to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. This time, however, Shapiro took a new approach to convince lawmakers that a wage hike is needed.” | The Keystone
State
2. Shapiro’s Memoir Doesn’t Tell Full Story About Time As Attorney General
“Gov. Josh Shapiro spent six years as Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor, a notch on his resume that has become an important part of his political brand.
He touts himself as someone who can bridge the uncomfortable divide between law and order and criminal justice reform.
But Shapiro’s account leaves out key details about his record on commutations and pardons.” | Spotlight PA
Elsewhere
Nonprofit Calls On Shapiro, House Leaders To Pass Bill Banning Trans Athletes In Women’s Sports. “A newly-formed conservative nonprofit is launching an ad campaign aimed at Gov. Josh Shapiro and state House Democratic leaders who it says are blocking a bill banning transgendered athletes in women’s sports.” | PennLive
Bucks County Democrats Fail In Effort To Limit Candidates Seeking To Challenge Jarrett Coleman In PA Senate Race. “The Bucks County Democratic Committee held an informal vote last weekend intended to limit the primary candidates for a state Senate seat. But the move created a backlash from some party officials that has left all three candidates planning to run.” | Allentown Morning Call
As An American Muslim, I Felt Compelled: PA Democrat Slams Antisemitic Rally Glorifying Hamas. “Pennsylvania state Sen. Sharif Street unloaded on antisemitic protesters who flooded Philadelphia’s iconic Rittenhouse Square over the weekend, saying that as an American Muslim he felt compelled to speak out.” | Fox News
Around The Commonwealth
3. Why Bucks May Be Among The Most Consequential Counties In Midterms
“Whether because of election integrity, culture wars in public schools or campaign stops at a local McDonald’s, the national spotlight has recently shined on Bucks County near Election Day.
With Republicans and Democrats vying to control Congress, the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania governorship, there may be good reason to expect the 2026 midterms to swing back onto a county that narrowly reelected U.S. President Donald Trump one year, then historically packed its row offices with Democrats the next.” | Bucks County Courier Times
Elsewhere
Why Philly DA Larry Krasner Keeps Picking Political Fights. “Philadelphia’s progressive District Attorney Larry Krasner is slamming Gov. Josh Shapiro, calling him a “wimp” and accusing the governor of not doing enough to confront the Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns.” | Axios Philadelphia
Deluzio Presses ICE After Oakmont Arrest. “U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio is pressing ICE for answers after federal agents detained an Oakmont immigrant whose family and local leaders say had legal U.S. status.” | Axios Pittsburgh
Oakmont To Prohibit Police From Partnering With ICE After Resident’s Arrest Sparks Concerns. “The borough of Oakmont is set to pass legislation that would prohibit the municipal police from partnering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a resident was arrested by the federal agency last week, sparking outrage throughout the community.” | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Editorial
4. What Do You Think?
* PA Politicians Must Not Let National Politics Delay The State’s Budget | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
* Trump Hands Democrats a Golden Opportunity | Rahm Emanuel
* Why 2028 May Be Democrats’ Last Best Chance | J.T. Young
* Data Center Race a Marathon, Not a Sprint | Chris Kelly
* How AI is Changing Democracy | Jenna Spinelle
* Pennsylvania is Shrinking. We Need More Workers | Nathan Benefield and Jacob Custer
* Farmers’ Meetings With D.C. Policy Makers a Mix of Education and Frustration | Liz Wagner
1 Thing
5. Penny the Doberman Pinscher Wins 150th Westminster Dog Show
“The dog was Penny. The win was priceless.
A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, netting U.S. show dogs’ most coveted prize — and giving veteran handler Andy Linton another win after nearly four decades. Linton got best in show in 1989 with another Doberman, named Indy.” | Associated Press
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