Articles by: Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Voters May Never Again Get to Choose Pa.’s Lieutenant Governor Candidates

Voters May Never Again Get to Choose Pa.’s Lieutenant Governor Candidates

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Senate is advancing a measure that would give the state’s political parties final say over candidates for lieutenant governor, taking power away from voters. FULL ARTICLE
The $1 Billion Plan To Close the Gap Between Growing and Shrinking PA. School Districts

The $1 Billion Plan To Close the Gap Between Growing and Shrinking PA. School Districts

HARRISBURG, Pa. — When Pennsylvania passed a new formula to distribute money for public schools in 2016, it was hailed as a major step toward equity and away from an arbitrary system built on decades-old enrollment data. FULL ARTICLE
Pa. Voters Will Get the Last Word in Struggle Between Wolf and Lawmakers. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Pa. Voters Will Get the Last Word in Struggle Between Wolf and Lawmakers. Here’s What You Need to Know.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — This spring, Pennsylvania voters will be asked to weigh in on one of the most contentious battles between Gov. Tom Wolf and the GOP-controlled legislature. FULL ARTICLE
Wolf Asks for Tax Increase on Pa.’s Top Earners Amid Pandemic, GOP Pans Proposal as ‘Irresponsible’

Wolf Asks for Tax Increase on Pa.’s Top Earners Amid Pandemic, GOP Pans Proposal as ‘Irresponsible’

HARRISBURG, Pa. — In one of his boldest budget proposals since taking office, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is asking the legislature to significantly boost funding for public schools, legalize recreational cannabis, and approve the first major tax increase in nearly two decades. FULL ARTICLE
Pa. GOP Lawmakers Want Voters to Give Them the Power to End Governor’s Emergency Orders

Pa. GOP Lawmakers Want Voters to Give Them the Power to End Governor’s Emergency Orders

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Republicans in the Pennsylvania House are advancing a measure that would give the legislature more power over the executive branch, the result of long-festering resentment against Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf over his actions to control the coronavirus pandemic. FULL ARTICLE
Top Pa. Lawmakers Who Rejected Election Results Denounce U.S. Capitol Mob

Top Pa. Lawmakers Who Rejected Election Results Denounce U.S. Capitol Mob

HARRISBURG, Pa. — State lawmakers in Pennsylvania denounced violence in Washington on Wednesday after a mob of Trump supporters breached the U.S. Capitol to impede the official count of Electoral College votes. FULL ARTICLE
Frustrated by the Pa. Legislature? How Obscure Rules Kill Reforms and Fuel Partisan Gridlock

Frustrated by the Pa. Legislature? How Obscure Rules Kill Reforms and Fuel Partisan Gridlock

HARRISBURG, Pa. — It looked like Rep. Steve Samuelson’s proposal had a bright future. FULL ARTICLE
In Rare Move, Bipartisan Panel Rejects Pa. House Request to Audit 2020 Election

In Rare Move, Bipartisan Panel Rejects Pa. House Request to Audit 2020 Election

HARRISBURG, Pa. — An attempt by Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled legislature to audit the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election failed Monday when a bipartisan panel rejected it, citing its redundancy. FULL ARTICLE
Pa. Lawmaker Claims Capitol Unsafe After Fifth Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

Pa. Lawmaker Claims Capitol Unsafe After Fifth Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A state lawmaker has filed a formal complaint against the Pennsylvania House alleging unsafe working conditions, citing potential exposure risks after another member tested positive for the coronavirus. FULL ARTICLE
Two Women Just Made History in the Pa. Legislature. Will That be the Last Thing They Have in Common?

Two Women Just Made History in the Pa. Legislature. Will That be the Last Thing They Have in Common?

HARRISBURG, Pa. — One is a former health-care worker and political veteran from Westmoreland County. The other is an ex-public defender and relative newcomer from Philadelphia. Two different women, two different parties, two different sides of the state. FULL ARTICLE