Pennsylvania Capitol

A review of annual ethics disclosures on the Pennsylvania state website revealed financial interests of politicians. Specifically, it was noted that Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity leases land to two natural gas companies and profits from it. This raises ethical questions given his vow to 'fast-track permits for natural gas production' if elected.

Immigration advocates in Pennsylvania called on Gov. Josh Shapiro to close a youth detention center in Berks County and end state collaboration with ICE. Over 100 participants from 15 counties urged limits on ICE detainers and access to state databases. The Shapiro administration stated it is reviewing federal agency access to state systems, while advocates linked Shapiro's response to November election outcomes.

The article discusses the 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit in Chicago and reflects on 'e pluribus unum' as a guiding principle for unity amid political divisions. It highlights historical debates among U.S. founders and current challenges in partisanship, urging collaboration to address societal issues and preserve democratic values.

Pennsylvania's House passed a bill to ban ride-share companies from using surveillance pricing based on personal data. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Andre Carroll, aims to prevent price discrimination by services like Uber and Lyft, and will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Hundreds of veterans, volunteer firefighters, and small business owners rallied in Harrisburg on June 24, 2026, opposing a proposed tax on skill games comparable to casino slot machines. The tax, with rates up to 52%, is criticized for threatening funding for charitable organizations and small businesses, including the Ephraim Slaughter American Legion Post, which relies on revenue from the games to support veterans.