Christen Smith

(The Center Square) – The state’s piecemeal budget negotiations fractured again this week after lawmakers split a key measure in half.

(The Center Square) – After a one-month standoff, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a $45.5 billion spending plan on Thursday.

(The Center Square) – The Senate’s top-ranking Republican called lawmakers back to Harrisburg to face the $45.5 billion spending plan sitting on the chamber’s desk for the last...

(The Center Square) – A state lawmaker crossed the aisle live on talk radio to support a scholarship program for students in low-performing schools to attend private institutions...

(The Center Square) – The governor’s vow to veto funding for a new school choice scholarship program and end the budget impasse may prove ineffective after all.

(The Center Square) – A $136 million deal to expand Pennsylvania’s property tax and rent rebate program will soon head to the governor’s desk.

(The Center Square) – A new poll found that less than two-thirds of young adults in Pennsylvania feel national pride.

(The Center Square) – Lawmakers began debating a key budget bill late Thursday that would devote $100 million to a divisive school choice program.

(The Center Square) – Bipartisan embrace of a state-funded school choice program reframed budget negotiations this week as Gov. Josh Shapiro stands by a campaign promise...

(The Center Square) – Amid startling audit findings, some lawmakers hope the governor will compromise on welfare reform as part of his commitment to strengthening the public safety...

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity leads a coalition of state financial officials pushing back against new federal mortgage fees they call...

(The Center Square) – A constitutional amendment guaranteeing collective bargaining rights – adopted in Illinois six months ago – now finds itself on the legislative calendar...

(The Center Square) – The pandemic’s impact on income growth aside, lawmakers say workers need not wait for another “once-in-a-century” emergency to earn a livable wage.

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania educators say the “dignified” retirement promised to them decades ago no longer exists thanks to record inflation and benefits...

(The Center Square) – Two of Pennsylvania’s most respected economic analysts offered muddy expectations of future revenue estimates on Monday.

(The Center Square) – Norfolk Southern agreed this week to reimburse first responders, county relief funds and state agencies nearly $7.4 million in the wake of the Feb. 3...

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s stalled special session gets a second chance on Tuesday when House lawmakers return to the chamber floor after a month-long break.

(The Center Square) – Commonwealth Court declared Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional recently and, as such, diametrically opposed education advocates all...

(The Center Square) – Democrats cemented control of the Pennsylvania House on Tuesday after winning three special elections near Pittsburgh.

(The Center Square) – Frustration and betrayal befall the story of Pennsylvania’s current legislative gridlock, but for one lawmaker, there’s still a chance for redemption...