The PCN Capitol Preview highlights the top news and issues before the Pennsylvania state government and allows viewers to connect directly with public officials, advocates, and newsmakers on political and public policy topics.
Watch LIVE Mondays and Tuesdays at 9 AM or stream FREE On Demand with PCN Select. A taped encore of the day's program airs at 7 PM.
UPCOMING EPISODES
Monday, September 30
James Lee, President of Susquehanna Polling and Research, discusses his most recent poll. Then we shift our focus to transportation, with Rep. Ed Neilson, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, and Sec. Wayne Langerholc, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Later, Greg Kline, Deputy 911 Director at PA Emergency Management Agency, tells us about being about to text 911.
Tuesday, October 1
Senate leaders Joe Pittman and Jay Costa discuss their chamber's priorities for the rest of this year’s session. Later, Rep. Tom Mehaffie talks about the planned reopening of Three Mile Island.
PREVIOUS EPISODES
Full Episodes available on YouTube.
Monday, September 23
Katie Meyer, Government Editor and Reporter from Spotlight PA, talks about Democratic registration numbers going in to the election. David Taylor, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, and Stephen Herzenberg, Executive Director of the Keystone Research Center, discuss how the presidential candidates' proposed economic plans would impact Pennsylvania. Later, David Masur, Executive Director of PennEnvironment, talks about the findings of a recent study on lead in school drinking water.
Tuesday, September 24
Berwood Yost, Director of the Floyd Institute Center for Opinion Research at Franklin and Marshall College, tells us about the results of his recent poll. Senators Cris Dush and Amanda Cappelletti, Chairs of the Senate State Government Committee, discuss voting laws in PA. Later, Sen. Rosemary Brown talks about her legislation to help those suffering from Alzheimer's and their families.
Monday, September 16
Stephen Caruso, Government Reporter for Spotlight PA, tells us about his recent article on the state legislature’s fall legislative agenda. Jeremy Griffin, Chair of the Green Party of Pennsylvania, and Gregory Deal, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, discuss the process of getting on the state ballot as a third-party candidate. Later, Rep. Brad Roae talks about his bill to bring back online casted-ballot tracking.
Tuesday, September 17
John Cole, Reporter for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, talks about his recent article on reactions to the Presidential debate. Mike Manzo, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Triad Strategies, and Sam Chen, Principal Director of the Liddell Group, discuss the upcoming election. Later, Margarita Lopez-Uribe, Associate Professor of Entomology at Penn State, tells us about the new species of bees that have recently been discovered in PA.
Tuesday, June 25
Aliya Schneider, Politics & Governing Reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, discusses the election. Then, Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Rep. Greg Vitali, and Rep. Joshua Kail, Chair of the PA House Republican Policy Committee join us to discuss Gov. Shapiro's energy plans. Rep. Joe McAndrew talks about his new child car safety legislation.
Monday, June 24
Borys Krawczeniuk from WVIA discusses the House Republicans' income tax cut plan. Rep. Arvind Venkat and Rep. Jim Struzzi of the House Appropriations Committee talk about the state budget. Kayla Whitfield-Bradley, Veterinary Medical Director with the Central PA Humane Society, then tells us about the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
Tuesday, June 18
Our Education Week programming continues with Sen. Dave Argall, Majority Chair of the Senate Education Committee, discussing education bills currently before the legislature. Later, Rep. Mary Jo Daley tells us about her bill that would require mental health training for high school coaches.
Monday, June 17
It's Education Week on PCN. To kick it off, John Finnerty, Bureau Chief at Capitolwire, tells us about the state House education funding plan. Then, Elizabeth Stelle, Director of Policy Analysis for the Commonwealth Foundation, and Laura Boyce, Executive Director of Teach Plus PA, discuss the potential role of school vouchers in the state budget. Later, Rep. Darisha Parker talks about her legislation that would supply schools with free menstruation products.
Tuesday, June 11
Former Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governors, Mark Singel and Jim Cawley, discuss the state budget. Then, Rep. Rob Matzie talks about his legislation on rail safety.
Monday, June 10
Berwood Yost, Director of the Floyd Institute of Opinion Research at Franklin and Marshall College, discusses recent poll data on the Presidential and 10th Congressional races. Then, we’ll continue our focus on Election 2024 with Chris Borick, Director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, and Alison Dagnes, Professor of Political Science at Shippensburg University. Later, Rep. Scott Conklin tells us about his legislation to allow pre-canvassing during elections in PA.
Tuesday, June 4
Taylor Millard, reporter for the Delaware Valley Journal, discusses his recent article on Pennsylvania becoming more competitive. We then focus on the General Election with Ray Zaborney of Red Maverick Media, and Jim Burn, former Democratic State Committee Chair. Later, Rep. Dane Watro tells us about his legislation to allow autistic children to delay going to school.
Monday, June 3
Aliya Schneider, Politics and Governing reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, discusses her recent article about Sen. John Fetterman. Then, Christopher Nicholas, of Eagle consulting, and Brittany Crampsie, from Brit Crampsie Communications, talk about the state budget. Later, Sen. Jimmy Dillion tells us about his legislation to prevent illegal street racing.
Tuesday, May 21
Aaron Chapin, President of PSEA, and Silas Russell, Vice President of Politics for the SEIU, discuss how Gov. Shapiro's budget proposal would impact labor unions. Later, Sen. Lynda Culver tells us about her support for after-school programs.
Monday, May 20
Representatives Justin Fleming and Dawn Keefer discuss Gov. Shapiro's proposal to increase the state's minimum wage. Later, Rep. Jill Cooper talks about her bill that would allow school days to start later.
Tuesday, May 14
John Finnerty, Bureau Chief for Capitolwire, discusses a bill banning handheld cell phone usage while driving. Then, Representatives Joe Webster and Brad Roae tell us about voter ID. Later, Rep. Jamie Flick talks about his bill to allow cameras in courtrooms.
Monday, May 13
Charlie Gerow, CEO of Quantum Communications, and former PA Lt. Gov. Mike Stack join us to discuss the state budget. Later, Rep. Mandy Steele tells us about her proposal to repeal the ban on Sunday hunting.
Tuesday, May 7
Marc Levy, of the Associated Press, joins us to talk about a House bill that would allow counties to process mail-in ballots faster. Then, Representatives Joseph Hohenstein and Donna Scheuren discuss immigration. Later, Rep. Zachary Mako tells us about his bill that would require the Inspector General to audit the PA Department of Corrections.
Monday, May 6
Ed Mahon, Investigative Reporter for Spotlight PA, discusses how millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds were utilized. Then, Representatives Ed Neilson and Kerry Benninghoff, Chairs of the House Transportation Committee, discuss various topics related to transportation, including the Governor’s mass transit funding plan, and a proposed electric vehicle fee. Later, Rep. Kyle Donahue tells us about his bill that would grant limited punishments for those who harm their abusers.
Tuesday, April 30
John Cole of the Pennsylvania Capital Star, joins us to talk about upcoming US Senate debates. PThen, we discuss Governor Josh Shapiro’s energy plan with André Béliveau, Senior Manager of Energy Policy for the Commonwealth Foundation, and Robert Routh, Pennsylvania Policy Director for NRDC’s Climate & Energy Department. Later, Rep. Kyle Mullins talks about the right-to-repair bill.
Monday, April 29
Bruce Siwy, of the Erie Times-News, joins us to discuss what the Primary election results mean for Presidential candidates in Pennsylvania. Then, we dive deeper into an analysis of election results with Fletcher McClellan, Professor of Political Science at Elizabethtown College, and Berwood Yost, Director of the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin and Marshall College. Later, Rep. Jamie Barton talks about his bill on campaign finance transparency.
Monday, April 22
Charlie Wolfson, reporter for the PublicSource, joins us regarding his recent article on trends among young voters. Lawrence Tabas, Chair of the PA Republican Party, and Sen. Sharif Street, Chair of the PA Democratic Party, discuss the upcoming Primary Election. Later, Sen. Rosemary Brown talks about her bill to ban handheld cell phone usage while driving.
Tuesday, April 16
Carter Walker of Votebeat joins us to talk about an appeal on undated mail in ballots. Rep. Russ Diamond then discusses the legislative agenda in the State House. Later, Rep. Joe D'Orsie talks about his bill on child labor.
Monday, April 15
PennLive's Jan Murphy tells us about the new student-teacher stipend program. Then we shift our focus to paying for college. Diona Brown, manager of PA School Services at PHEAA, Frederic Cassivi, financial advisor at Wealth Management Services, and Julie Peachey, Deputy State Treasurer for Consumer Programs, join us. Later, Rep. Danilo Burgos talks about his bill to provide drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants.
Tuesday, April 9
On Tuesday's episode of the PCN Capitol Preview, Anthony Hennen of the Centre Square joins us to talk about regulation of skills games. Then, Representatives Mike Sturla and Rich Irvin, Chairs of the House Housing and Community Development Committee, discuss housing issues in Pennsylvania.
Monday, April 8
Berwood Yost from the Franklin and Marshall Poll talks about the results of the school’s most recent public opinion poll. Then we’ll talk about the upcoming Primary election with Mike Harris, Founding Partner at ColdSpark, and Mike Mikus, Principal at Chartiers Group. Finally, Sen. Wayne Fontana joins us to speak about his bill to ban credit cards from online gambling.
Tuesday, March 26
Kim Lyons for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star talks about her article on state efforts to train election officials. Then, we’re joined by the Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senators Scott Martin and Vincent Hughes to talk about the state budget. Later, Sen. Lindsey Williams discusses about her plan to place a moratorium on cyber charter school approvals.
Monday, March 25
Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA joins us to talk about a proposed performance-based funding model for State-Related universities. Our main discussion centers on legalizing recreational marijuana, following the Governor’s call to do so in his budget address. Chris Goldstein, Regional Organizer for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), and Dan Bartkowiak, Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania Family Institute, join us. Then, Sen. Tracy Pennycuick talks about protecting local governments from cybersecurity threats.
Tuesday, March 19
Rep. Jordan Harris and Rep. Seth Grove, Chairs of the House Appropriations Committee, discuss the recent budget hearings. Then, PCN's Ellen Frantz speaks with Rep. Bob Merski about his bill to criminalize A.I. misrepresentations of political candidates.
Monday, March 18
Min Xian, local accountability reporter for Spotlight PA, appears regarding her recent article on cybersecurity. PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll joins us to talk about recent transportation efforts, including the Governor’s Mass Transit proposal and work zone safety enforcement. Then, Matthew Knittel, Director of the State Independent Fiscal Office, discusses the state budget.
Tuesday, March 12
Senators Judy Schwank and Kristin Phillips-Hill discuss the Senate's legislative agenda. Then, PCN's Phil Beckman speaks with Rep. Tim Brennan about his proposal to ban guns at polling places.
Monday, March 11
James Lee from Susquehanna Polling and Research discusses his latest survey. Then, we turn our focus to minimum wage with Marc Stier of the PA Policy Center and Alex Halper of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry. Finally, Donna Greco, Government Relations Director for the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, discusses how Gov. Shapiro's budget proposal will affect those battling cancer.
Tuesday, March 5
Justin Sweitzer of City & State PA joins us to talk about his article on the newly-created Election Threats Task Force. Then, David Taylor, President and CEO of the PA Manufacturers' Association, and Greg Moreland, PA State Director of the National Federation Independent of Business, discuss the impact that Governor Shapiro's budget proposal will have on the business sector in Pennsylvania. Finally, PCN's Francine Schertzer speaks with Rep. Jeanne McNeill on her proposal to provide prisoners with parole reduction in exchange for earning an educational degree or certificate.
Monday, March 4
Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA discusses her recent article on the Whole-Homes Repair program. Congressman GT Thompson talks about his role as Chair of the US House Agriculture Committee in creating the US Farm Bill, which is due this month. Then, PCN's Larry Kaspar speaks with Rep. Napoleon Nelson about a proposal to allow students to have excused mental health days.
Tuesday, February 27
Ivy DeJesus of Pennlive, and Representatives Aaron Bernstine and Chris Rabb discuss Pennsylvania's Gun Laws. PCN's Francine Schertzer speaks with Rep. Jill Cooper about her proposal to pause lawmakers' legislative salaries during a budget impasse.
Monday, February 26
Taylor Milard of Delaware Valley Journal, Sen. Cris Dush, Majority Chair of the Senate State Government Committee, and Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, Minority Chair of the Senate State Government Committee, discuss voting laws in Pennsylvania. Then, PCN's Larry Kaspar speaks with Rep. Brian Munroe on his proposed bill on keeping children safe on social media.
Tuesday, February 20
Lizzy McLellan Ravitch from the Philadelphia Inquirer discusses her article how the city of Philadelphia is training people to build electric vehicle chargers. Then, we’ll talk about transportation with Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Rep. Joshua Siegel, Subcommittee Chair on the House Transportation Committee. Finally, PCN’s Francine Schertzer speaks with Rep. Gina Curry regarding her proposal to cover all diagnostic breast imaging.
Tuesday, February 13
David Taylor, President and CEO of the PA Manufacturers' Association, and Greg Moreland, PA State Director of the National Federation Independent of Business, discuss the impact that Governor Shapiro's budget proposal will have on the business industry in Pennsylvania. PCN's Francine Schertzer speaks with Rep. Jill Cooper about her proposal to pause lawmakers’ legislative salaries during a budget impasse.
Monday, February 12
PennLive’s John Baer joins us to give his perspective on the new state budget proposed by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Then, Hannah Barrick, Executive Director of the PA Association for School Business Officials, Sherri Smith, Executive Director of the PA Association of School Administrators, and Donna Cooper, Executive Director of Children First PA, discuss the impact Governor Shapiro's budget proposal will have on schools in Pennsylvania. PCN's Larry Kaspar speaks with Rep. Joe Adams about his proposed legislation to require cursive writing to be taught in schools.
Monday, February 5
J.D. Prose, Political Reporter for PennLive, discusses a recent debate for the 12th Congressional district. Lisa Schaefer, Executive Director of the PA County Commissioners Association, and John Brenner, Executive Director of the PA Municipal League, appear to review this year's priorities for local government. Rep. Keith Greiner talks with PCN's Francine Schertzer about his proposal to move the date of Pennsylvania's presidential primary elections.
Tuesday, January 30
Bryan Burhans, Executive Director of the PA Game Commission, discusses hunting in PA. Later, PCN's Francine Schertzer talks with Rep. Tarik Khan about regulating Artificial Intelligence.
Monday, January 29
Steve Ulrich of Politics PA discusses what PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton's goals are for this year. House Majority and Minority leaders, Rep. Matthew Bradford and Rep. Bryan Cutler, join us to discuss the House's legislative agenda. Later, PCN's Larry Kaspar talks with Amaya Capellan, Chief Information Officer within the PA Office of Administration, about how AI is used in state government.
January 23
James Lee, President and CEO of Susquehanna Polling and Research, discusses a newly released poll. Then, Representatives Peter Schweyer and Jesse Topper, Chairs of the House Education Committee, join us to discuss school funding, including the recent report released by the Basic Education Funding Commission. Later, we hear from Sen. Jarrett Coleman as he discusses his legislation on allowing drones when hunting.
January 22
Gillian McGoldrick of the Philadelphia Inquirer, joins us to talk about Gov. Shapiro’s efforts to fulfill bi-partisan initiatives. Later, Mike Manzo of Triad Strategies and Sam Chen of the Liddell Group discuss the State Legislature's agenda and priorities for this year. Later, PCN's Larry Kaspar talks with Sen. Katie Muth about fracking wastewater disposal.
November 14
Marc Levy of the Associated Press joins us to discuss why Pennsylvania judicial races may continue to grow more expensive. In our main segment, energy-related issues take center stage on The PCN Capitol Preview, as Sen. Gene Yaw and Rep. Greg Vitali, Chairs of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committees in their respective chambers, both join us to discuss issues including the recent Commonwealth Court decision regarding the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and the emergence of hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania. Later in the program, PCN hears from Tim Schaeffer, PA Fish and Boat Commissioner, about a new license plate that features the state amphibian.
November 13
Charlie Thompson, of Pennlive, joins us to talk about the many factors that brought voters out to the polls in last week’s General election. Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill and Rep. Mike Sturla, Chairs of the Basic Education Funding Commission, appear to discuss what they’ve leaned as they’ve held a series of hearings throughout the fall to consider difficulties and solutions tied to Pennsylvania’s school funding system. Later, PCN's Larry Kaspar talks with Sen. John DiSanto about a bill that would prohibit candidates from running for more than one office during a single election.
November 6
PCN Capitol Preview is joined by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA, to look at funding behind the State Supreme Court races. Then TJ Rooney and Alan Novak of Rooney, Novak, Isenhour Group, appears to talk about Pennsylvania’s role in not only the 2023 election, but 2024 as well. Finally, PCN's Larry Kaspar talks to Rep. Tim O'Neal about a resolution that would change the operating rules for the PA House.
October 31
We hear from Jim Lee, President of Susquehanna Polling and Research, to discuss recent poll results, including public opinion of the Presidential and Congressional races. Later, Kevin Harley of Quantum Communications, and Brit Crampsie of Brit Crampsie Communications, consider various issues before the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Finally, Nathan Reigner, talks about the new PA Outdoor Recreation Office that he oversees.
October 30
Berwood Yost, Director of the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College, joins us to share the results of their latest poll, including public official job performance and upcoming elections. Then, Speaker of the PA House, Joanna McClinton, discusses her legislative priorities and Rep. KC Tomlinson discusses a bill that would post a crisis hotline in state parks.
October 24
We hear from Ben Wasserstein, Capitol Bureau Chief for WITF, on the sudden phenomenon of Republican leaders promoting the use of mail-in ballots. Unfinished issues tied to the state budget include proposals to accelerate reduction of the Corporate Net Income Tax, and to enact combined reporting. In addition, President Biden recently announced investments into two hydrogen hubs that will impact Pennsylvania. David Taylor, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, and Alex Halper, Vice President of Government Affairs for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, join us to these and other issues affecting Pennsylvania’s business climate. Later, Rep. Eric Nelson talks about a bill that would replace annual standardized testing for elementary and middle school students.
October 23
We hear from Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA. She recently reported on the Shapiro Administration’s agreement to pay $295K to settle sexual harassment allegations against a top aide. In September, House Speaker Joanna McClinton predicted to raise the minimum wage this fall. Steve Bloom, Vice President of the Commonwealth Foundation, and Stephen Herzenberg, Executive Director of the Keystone Research Center, join us to discuss the merits and drawbacks of raising the minimum wage. Later, Rep. Mike Cabell talks about a bill that would prohibit mask mandates on public transportation.
October 17
Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA starts off The PCN Capitol Preview, discussing her article on the Shapiro Administration’s reaction to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative workgroup recommendations. Senate Minority Leader, Jay Costa, joins us to discuss various issues before the state Senate. Anticipated topics include Code bills peripheral to the State Budget, minimum wage, moving Pennsylvania’s Primary election date, and skill games.
October 16: Election and Voting Policy
We hear from Hallie Lauer of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about Allegheny Co. Executive candidate, Sara Innamorato’s, condemnation of statements by the Democratic Socialists of America. We’re then joined by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and Rep. Roae, both who serve on the PA House State Government Committee regarding Election Policy. Anticipated discussion includes moving Pennsylvania’s Primary election earlier in Presidential elections, the Shapiro Administration’s enactment of automatic voter registration, and open Primaries. Finally, PCN's Larry Kaspar talked to to Sen. Amanda Cappeletti about a bill that would prohibit book bans in Pennsylvania.
October 10
Secretary of the Commonwealth, Al Schmidt, joined PCN to discuss topics related to voting in Pennsylvania. These include the Administration’s recent enactment of automatic voter registration and legislative attempts to move the date of Pennsylvania’s Primary election. Later in the program, Mike Barley, of Pace-o-Matic, discusses legislative attempts to ban skill games.
October 3: PA Budget
Evan Robinson-Johnson, technology reporter for the PIttsburgh Post-Gazette, joined us at the top of the hour to discuss artificial intelligence in Pennsylvania. Following his interview, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, and House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, talks about the latest news about the Pennsylvania budget. At the end of the program, Rep. Jim Struzzi, R-Indiana, talks about his proposal to address the substitute teacher shortage in Pennsylvania.
October 2: Education
Anthony Hennen, staff reporter for the Center Square, leads off the show to talk about the conversation revolving around criminalizing Xylazine. Following his interview, House Education Chair Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, and House Education Minority Chair Jesse Topper, R-Bedford and Fulton, discuss the latest education news in Pennsylvania. To wrap up the program, Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, discusses his legislation aimed at combating “grinch bots.”
September 26: House Agenda
Kim Lyons, reporter for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, leads off the show to discuss automatic voter registration in Pennsylvania. Following her interview, House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, and House Minority Whip Tim O'Neal, R-Washington, will join us to discuss the latest news from the PA House Agenda. At the end of the program, Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, discusses her proposal about animal tranquilizer abuse.
September 25: Education
Anne Clark, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, and Donna Cooper, Executive Director of Children First PA, discusses the latest education news in Pennsylvania. To wrap up the program, Rep. Marla Brown, R-Lawrence, talks about her proposal to make falsely reporting threats towards a school a felony.
September 19: Legislative Preview
Jon Delano, KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh Money & Politics Editor, joined us at the top of the hour to discuss the Special Election for the state House’s 21st District. Following his interview, Chris Nicholas, President of Eagle Consulting Group, and Danielle Gross, Partner at Clear Point Communications, provides a preview of the Pennsylvania legislature as they return to session. To wrap up the program, Rep. Jamie Barton, R-Berks and Schuylkill, talks about his proposal aimed at increasing transparency of campaign finance reports.
September 18: PA Senate Agenda
Maddie Hanna, reporter with the Philadelphia Inquirer, leads off the show to update us on basic education funding discussions in Pennsylvania. Following her interview, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin, R-Berks & Lancaster, and Sen. Art Haywood, D-Montgomery & Philadelphia, will join us to discuss the latest news from the PA Senate Agenda. At the end of the program, Rep. Michael Stender, R-Montour & Snyder, discusses his proposal about an escapee alert system.