All articles tagged with #gov josh shapiro
Pennsylvania's lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro have approved a $50.1 billion state budget, ending a four-month impasse. The budget, the largest in state history, includes increased funding for public schools, investments in education, and the end of efforts to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, with bipartisan support. However, it does not fund mass transit, and the delay has impacted counties, schools, and nonprofits.
Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a $49.9 billion budget to break a two-month deadlock with state lawmakers, focusing on increased spending and new revenue sources like sin taxes, amid ongoing disagreements over spending priorities, transit funding, and revenue strategies, with negotiations continuing to seek a comprehensive agreement.
Gov. Josh Shapiro plans to propose $282.8 million in new state funding for public transit, with SEPTA receiving the largest share, to address looming service cuts and fare increases. The measure aims to increase sales tax revenue allocation for transit systems, generating an estimated $1.5 billion over five years. Transit advocates and officials have welcomed the proposal, emphasizing the importance of stable state support for transit. SEPTA is preparing for possible service cuts and fare increases in the absence of timely funding, while the governor is urging the agency to address safety and cleanliness concerns.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has adopted a new slogan, "get s--- done," as the governing philosophy of his administration, using the initials "GSD" to title his latest statewide media tour and on his website to tout his accomplishments. The use of profanity by politicians, increasingly breaking free from taboos, has been attributed to the influence of social media and the post-Trump era. While some view it as a sign of authenticity, others question its appropriateness and impact on public perception.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned a pro-Palestinian protest outside a Jewish-owned restaurant in Philadelphia, calling it a "blatant act of antisemitism." The protest, part of the "Flood Philly for Gaza" rally, demanded a complete end to the siege on Gaza and an end to U.S. complicity with Israel. The restaurant, Goldie, owned by chef Michael Solomonov, has faced boycott calls due to its association with Israeli relief efforts. Protesters chanted anti-Israel slogans outside the restaurant, prompting condemnation from Gov. Shapiro, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, and the White House. Several businesses were also vandalized during the protest. The Anti-Defamation League has criticized the use of the term "genocide" in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to launch an investigation into the house explosion in Plum that killed six people and caused extensive damage. The DEP will search for methane in the soil and structures, inspect unconventional well sites, and investigate pipelines in the area. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but residents have raised concerns about gas drilling and mining activities in the area. The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet indicated whether it will investigate the incident.
Pennsylvania's state Capitol witnessed a dramatic week as the House and Senate went into recess without completing budget talks, leaving the state at an impasse. Governor Josh Shapiro secured significant wins in his first budget negotiation, including $700 million in new education funding and $7.5 million for public defenders. House Democrats successfully protected their chamber from a potentially damaging vote on school vouchers, while "crisis pregnancy centers" received a 30% budget increase. Homeowners in need of repairs will benefit from a $50 million home repairs program, but Pennsylvania counties were left disappointed as their requests for additional aid were not included in the final spending bill. Students at the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, and Temple face the risk of losing their in-state tuition discount due to a lack of state funding.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has withdrawn the nomination of Dr. Debra Bogen for the position of Secretary of Health. No reason was given for the withdrawal, but the governor's office has stated that they will provide more information about next steps in the coming days. Dr. Bogen currently serves as the acting state health secretary and previously served as the director of the Allegheny County Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro quietly withdrew his nomination of Debra Bogen as the next Department of Health secretary due to concerns from Republican members of the state Senate. Bogen, a pediatrician who led the Allegheny County Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, appeared before a Senate committee that voted against recommending her for confirmation. Shapiro recalled her nomination as he negotiated his first budget deal. Despite the withdrawal, Bogen will remain as the acting secretary for the time being, and Shapiro may nominate a new candidate or renominate Bogen in the future.