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 […]

Election Laws and PA Budget, February 1, 8 PM

Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware and Philadelphia, is the House Democratic Leader who introduced a bill to change election laws to make it easier to vote and allow more time to pre-canvas mail-in ballots. She also tells us her budget priorities for the 2022-23 fiscal year. On the Issues airs Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 8 PM.

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 […]

January 24, 8pm: Proposed PA House Legislative Map

The borders that define legislative districts for the Pennsylvania House are being redrawn.  A preliminary map has been created and proposed by an official commission charged with that task.   A window for the public to submit its reaction and suggestions for changes to the map is set to close before the end of January.  Rep. […]