Jesse Topper
Coverage of Jesse Topper in the Nexus archive.
- Allegheny County DA asks court for more time on legislative fix to felony murder sentencing
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala petitioned the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for a 120-day extension to address legislative changes to second-degree murder sentencing after a March ruling deemed mandatory life sentences unconstitutional. The House passed a partisan bill allowing parole after 30 years for such cases, but Senate GOP leaders opposed it, and the court deadline approaches.
- Pa. budget negotiations to drag past deadline, Independence Day holiday
Pennsylvania's state budget will not be passed on time for the fifth consecutive year as the Republican-controlled Senate adjourned without a spending plan. Democratic leaders expressed frustration over Republicans' refusal to share their proposal, while House Democrats pledged to continue negotiations. The Senate's recess delayed a resolution until next week.
- Pa. House votes to fund property tax cut for seniors with a levy targeting big tech companies
The Pennsylvania House voted to tax digital advertising revenue from tech companies to fund property tax rebates for seniors. The bipartisan 139-63 vote expands a 5% gross receipts tax, targeting firms like Meta and Google, with projected revenue of $329 million by 2026-2027. Critics argue the tax could harm businesses or drive companies out of the state.