Election 2022, February 28, 8pm

Democrat Ray Sosa says his experience working on task forces for past governors makes him qualified to be Pennsylvania’s next lieutenant governor. He looks forward to being the next chair of the Board of Pardons since he believes strongly in second chances. February 28, 8 PM on PCN and PCN Select.

Election 2022, March 2, 8pm

Brian Sims is running for lieutenant governor in the Democratic primary in May.  He’s been a member of the PA House of Representatives for ten years, and he says this experience sets him apart from other Democrats on the ballot.  March 2, at 8pm on PCN and PCN Select.

Small Business Assistance, February 21, 9:30 pm

Senator John Yudichak, chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee,  found out at a public hearing just how difficult conditions have become for the state’s lodging, restaurant, and bar industries.   Two Senate bills were discussed that could mean relief in the form of loans and grants.

PA Counties Budget Priorities, February 23, 8pm

Governor Tom Wolf has presented his new state budget proposal for this year into 2023.  Lisa Schaefer, Executive Director of the County Commissioners Association of PA, explains the impact of the proposal on all sixty-seven counties.  An item they’re watching closely is investment in mental health services.  February 23, 8pm.

PA Prison System, February 14, 8pm

Rep. Stephen Kinsey, Democrat from Philadelphia, had a news conference to talk about bills that could help address what he calls “systemic problems” within the state prison system.  One of several bills reduces the time that low-risk, nonviolent offenders would be subject to active supervision.    Kinsey says lawmakers must pass legislation so the incarcerated […]

Liquor Privatization, February 16, 8pm

The Sharon-Herald reports that Pennsylvania is one of two states with a government monopoly on liquor sales.  House Bill 2272 would change that by adding simple language to the state constitution:  “The commonwealth shall not manufacture or sell, at wholesale or retail, liquor.”  But Democrat Senator Jim Brewster says he doesn’t want to eliminate 5,000 […]

Cocktails-to-Go, Sen. Dan Laughlin, February 7, 8pm

Early in the pandemic, the governor’s emergency declaration allowed bars and restaurants to sell mixed alcohol drinks-to-go on a temporary basis.  But that policy has come to an end.  Sen. Dan Laughlin, Republican from Erie county, wants to bring back cocktails-to-go permanently.  He says the service would give bars and restaurants a chance to earn […]

Governor’s Budget Proposal, February 9 , 8pm

Fletcher McClellan, Professor of Political Science at Elizabethtown College,  examines the governor’s new spending plan and weighs its chances of being accepted by the legislature.    Since the occasion marks the governor’s final budget, reporters at Spotlight PA predict the governor will be reflective by emphasizing his past accomplishments.  February 9th, at 8pm.

State-Related Universities Accountability, January 31, 8pm

Rep. Ryan Warner points out that the state-related universities – the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, Temple, and Lincoln – are exempt from the state’s Right-to-Know Law.   Given the fact these four schools receive state funding, he believe it’s appropriate for lawmakers to have more information about their finances.  This new level of transparency called […]

Health Care Staffing, February 2, 8pm

Rep. Bridget Kosierowski is sponsoring a bill that addresses a shortage of workers who care for residents in nursing homes.  The idea is to keep more workers on the job by providing retention bonuses, while establishing a program that functions with transparency.  She also supports a bill called the “Patient Safety Act”, and applauds a […]