Public News Service

In March, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced House Bill 2063, which would reform the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. (Jasmina/AdobeStock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: PA track record on private-school vouchers finds still no accountability

A new report analyzes Pennsylvania's existing voucher programs, that divert public funds to private schools. This comes on the heels of Gov…

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is seeking $112 million in new funding to produce more graduates in six high-growth jobs, including social services. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

'Empowering Social Workers,' in March and beyond

Social workers are in the spotlight in March for National Professional Social Work Month. They play a crucial role in addressing society's most …

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Educators voice concern PA school voucher programs 'discriminate'

Pennsylvania's teachers' union is voicing concerns that the state's public school voucher program will negatively affect public education in lower-inc…

La Federaci�n Estadounidense de Maestros dice que su campa�a

Educadores preocupados por 'discriminación' en programas de vales escolares

El sindicato de maestros de Pensilvania expresa su preocupación de que el programa de vales para escuelas públicas del estado afecte negativ…

Pennsylvania offers online, mail-in and in-person options to register to vote, including at PennDOT driver's license centers. (KilmerMedia/Adobe Stock)

Group pushes to register 60,000 new voters in Pennsylvania

The Keystone State's primary election is less than 90 days away, and a nonpartisan, grassroots organization is already getting the word out to …

Pensilvania ofrece opciones en l�nea, por correo y en persona para registrarse para votar, incluso en los centros de licencias de conducir PennDOT. (KilmerMedia/Adobe Stock)

Grupo presiona registro de 60,000 nuevos votantes en Pensilvania

Faltan menos de 90 días para las elecciones primarias del estado de Keystone, y una organización de base no partidista, ya está …

The number of people granted asylum in the United States has more than doubled, from 16,628 in 2021 to 36,615 in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

MLK Day online forum highlights difficulties of asylum system

Today, a virtual "Ask Me Anything" program will address some of the pressing issues of asylum-seekers, in Pennsylvania and across the country…

In addition to funding for community redevelopment, developers who construct new infrastructure in defined energy communities may receive an additional 10% bonus from the Inflation Reduction Act. (Creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

Report examines private-equity power plants, growing risks for communities

Pennsylvania communities could be hit hard by rising financial uncertainty in the country's biggest electricity market, according to three new …

Journalism student Zoe Baker Herron, a freshman at Manheim Township High School, says students want to listen to the podcast to hear their peers talk about things that they're passionate about.<br />(Manheim Township High School)

Beyond bookshelves, PA high school library rocks with student podcasts

A Pennsylvania high school has created a space in its library that's fostering learning and creativity that benefit students and educators. Manheim …

Despite efforts to move the Pennsylvania primary to March to avoid a conflict with Passover, the date remains set for April 23 since House Bill 1634 didn't receive enough votes to pass.(Rawpixel/AdobeStock)

Bills would open PA primaries to unaffiliated voters

Pennsylvania is one of only seven states that shuts out independent voters from voting in primary elections. Two bills proposing to open the …

A pesar de los esfuerzos por trasladar las primarias de Pensilvania a marzo para evitar un conflicto con el Passover, la fecha sigue para el 23 de abril, ya que el proyecto de ley 1634 de la C�mara de Representantes no recibi� suficientes votos para ser aprobado.(Rawpixel/AdobeStock)

Proyectos de ley abrirían primarias de PA a votantes no afiliados

Pensilvania es uno de los siete estados que impide a los votantes independientes votar en las elecciones primarias. Dos proyectos de ley que …

By August 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Education is expected to establish a streamlined pathway to certification for educators who earned their certification outside Pennsylvania. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

A call for 'bold action' to address PA school funding disparities

During a public hearing on improving school funding, the Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission heard from people who stressed the need to …

The Recompete Pilot Program provides financial assistance and flexibility to revitalize rural economies through economic development strategies, according to the Rural Policy Action Report. (Gary L Hider/Adobe Stock)

PA town, college partner to write grants for community projects

CLARIFICATIONS: Mayor Jaime Kinder was not the coauthor of the report mentioned, and her office was not the source of the interviews with 700 …

Pennsylvania's educational system includes a network of 604 state-supported public libraries and 29 District Library Centers, which provide resources, technology and programs for pre-K-to-12 students, as well as adult learners, in all 67 counties. (Lightfield Studios/AdobeStock)

PA group pushes to educate voters ahead of Nov. 7 general election

As the November 7 municipal elections fast approach, there's a push for voter education in the Keystone State. The Commonwealth is home to more …

El sistema educativo de Pensilvania incluye una red de 604 bibliotecas p�blicas subsidiadas por el Estado y 29 Centros Bibliotecarios de Distrito, que proporcionan recursos, tecnolog�a y programas para estudiantes de preescolar a 12�, as� como para estudiantes adultos, en los 67 condados. (Estudios Lightfield/AdobeStock)

Grupo de PA presiona para educar a votantes antes de las elecciones del 7 de nov.

A medida que se acercan las elecciones municipales del 7 de noviembre, hay un impulso para la educación de los votantes en el estado de Keystone…

New Jersey's Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act requires a physician to determine whether the patient is a New Jersey resident before writing a prescription for the medication. (Jon Anders Wiken/Adobe Stock)

Some Terminally Ill PA Patients Seek Medical Aid Across State Lines

Some Pennsylvania patients with long-term chronic illnesses are hoping to make legal headway, allowing them to seek medical aid in dying across state …

In 2022, the FBI noted that American Jews account for 2.4% of the U.S. population, but antisemitism drove 63% of reported religiously motivated hate crimes. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Pennsylvania Takes Stand Against Antisemitism

Pennsylvania, like many other states, has not been immune to the recent wave of antisemitic acts and rhetoric - and the state is working to prevent …

In 2017-2018, boys of nearly all races were disproportionately disciplined, but Black boys in pre-K through 12th grade were suspended and expelled at proportions three times their enrollment, according to the U.S. Department of Education. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Restorative Practices Strengthening Relationships with PA Students, Communities

Restorative practices have gained a foothold in Pennsylvania schools as districts look for ways to reduce suspensions and improve their school climate…

In June 2019, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in the state. (Be Pro/AdobeStock)

Juneteenth: Celebrating Literacy, Artistic Freedom

A Pennsylvania literacy organization is commemorating the Juneteenth holiday by highlighting the history and contributions of Black people in the Unit…

The federal government stipulates that districts must have nearly equal populations and must not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, according to Ballotpedia. (Richelle/AdobeStock)

Teaming Up to Tackle Redistricting Reform in PA

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling yesterday about making voting maps more fair in Alabama gives new hope to groups in Pennsylvania that have teamed up to …

El gobierno federal estipula que los distritos deben tener poblaciones casi iguales y no deben discriminar por motivos de raza u origen �tnico, seg�n Ballotpedia. (Richelle/AdobeStock)

Equipo aborda reforma de redistribución de distritos en PA

La sentencia dictada el jueves por el Tribunal Supremo de EE.UU. para hacer más equitativos los mapas electorales de Alabama da nuevas …

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 more than a third of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Alberto/AdobeStock)

Report: Black Girls Speak Out About Public Schools in Pennsylvania

A new report found Black girls across the Keystone State are subjected to "daunting educational barriers" in K-12 public schools and offers recommenda…

Pennsylvania voters also have the option of voting at the polls on May 16, provided they have not already voted by mail ballot. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Tsado/AdobeStock)

Group Reminds Pennsylvanians of Mail-In-Ballot Deadline Ahead of Primary

With fewer than two weeks until the municipal primary election, Pennsylvanians planning to vote by mail ballot will need to apply online or in person …

The Federal Trade Commission estimates its new proposed rule on noncompete agreements could increase wages by nearly $300 billion per year. (Adobe Stock)

FTC Proposes Rule to Help PA Workers Trapped in Non-Competes

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a new rule which seeks to aid Pennsylvania workers who are stuck in noncompete agreements with low-paying jo…

Voters in Pittsburgh-area districts 32, 34 and 35 will head to the polls Tuesday to fill three vacancies in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. (MoiraM/AdobeStock)

Group Continues Calls for Better Legislative Rules in PA

While the Pennsylvania House is still out of session and won't resume until late February, the public and advocacy groups are voicing their concerns…

Los votantes de los distritos 32, 34 y 35 del �rea de Pittsburgh acudir�n a las urnas el martes para llenar tres vacantes en la C�mara de Representantes de Pensilvania. (MoiraM/AdobeStock)

Grupo continúa pidiendo mejores reglas legislativas en PA

Si bien la Cámara de Pensilvania aún está fuera de sesión y no se reanudará hasta fines de febrero, el público y los …

Over 41% of people who earn minimum wage or less are in families that earn less than $50,000 per year, and 19% are in families that make less than $30,000 per year, according to the Analysis of Pennsylvania Minimum Wage report. (Fizkes/AdobeStock)

As Other States See Pay Hikes, PA Minimum Wage Stuck at $7.25

Low-wage workers in Pennsylvania are missing out on the pay hikes in 23 other states that took effect this month, when those states raised their …

Senate Bill 1277 in the Pennsylvania General Assembly would require parental notification of content and materials that expose students to sexually explicit content in schools. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Group Advocates for Inclusive Schools in Keystone State

A Pennsylvania group has responded to what it says are "discriminatory policy proposals in the state education system" by launching the "Inclusive Sch…

Restaurant workers are among the groups that make minimum wage, which in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour. It was last changed in 2008, when it was raised from $7.15. (Tigercat_lpg/Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Join Call to Action for Congress to Support Restaurant Workers

Food-service workers in Pennsylvania and their advocates want Congress to consider and support a new "Restaurant Workers Bill of Rights." The document…

Pennsylvanians voting for the first time must provide proof of identification, such as a Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card. (Vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

It's Here: PA Voter Registration is Today

In Pennsylvania, today is the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration before the November 8 midterm election. You have until …

Los residentes de Pensilvania que votan por primera vez deben proporcionar una prueba de identificaci�n, como una licencia de conducir de Pensilvania o una tarjeta de identificaci�n de PennDOT. (Vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

Ya está aquí: el registro de votantes de Pensilvania es hoy

En Pensilvania, hoy es el último día para registrarse para votar o actualizar su registro de votante antes de las elecciones de medio …

As of 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Keystone State is home to more than 600,000 union members. (Sittinan/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Workers Benefit from Tight Labor Market, Unions

The latest research on the "State of Working Pennsylvania" says a tight labor market and new levels of union organizing are offering new opportunities…

According to a 2021 report, defendants in about half of all criminal cases in Pennsylvania had counsel provided by a public defender. (Adobe Stock)

New Bill Would Fund PA's Ailing Public Defender System

A new bill in Pennsylvania would provide money for public defenders, who say they're struggling to take on the cases of people charged with crimes …

Gov. Tom Wolf said of a tougher gift ban, "That new standard of accountability remains an important step to restore faith in government and has worked successfully for more than seven years." (Mandritoiu/Adobe Stock)">

Group Turns Up Heat on PA Lawmakers to Pass Gift Ban

Pennsylvania law allows an elected official to accept a gift - including cash - as long as it's disclosed in annual reports. But that raises some …

En octubre de 2021, el gobernador Tom Wolf coment� sobre una prohibici�n de obsequios m�s estricta:

Grupo aumenta presión para aprobar ley de prohibición de obsequios en PA

La ley de Pensilvania permite que un funcionario electo acepte un obsequio, incluso dinero en efectivo, siempre que se informe en los reportes …

In Pennsylvania, there are more than 71,500 Black-owned businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

PA Group Works to Encourage, Fund Black Entrepreneurs

August is National Black Business Month, and this year, for Black-owned companies in Pennsylvania that have managed to survive through the pandemic…

In Pennsylvania's Nov. 8 General Election, voters will decide races for governor, U.S. House and Senate, and several state offices. (Zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Public Hearing Set to Allow Independents to Vote in PA Primaries

Opening up Pennsylvania's primary elections to voters who aren't registered either as Democrats or Republicans is the topic of a State House of Repres…

En las elecciones generales del 8 de noviembre en Pensilvania, los votantes decidir�n las carreras para gobernador, la C�mara y el Senado de EE. UU. y varios cargos estatales. (Zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Prevista audiencia que permitirá a independientes votar en primarias de PA

Abrir las elecciones primarias de Pensilvania a votantes que no están registrados como demócratas o republicanos es el tema de una audiencia…

The economic gains made through 2021 were not shared equally across racial groups. Women of color continue to have trouble paying for such necessities as food and housing, and many say they'll have trouble repaying student loans. (Black Queen Design/Adobe Stock)

Report: Black Women Face Higher Student-Debt Burden in Pandemic

COVID-19 has touched just about every facet of life, and a new report from the Center for Responsible Lending says women repaying student loans have …

Las ganancias econ�micas logradas hasta 2021 no se repartieron por igual entre los grupos raciales. Las mujeres de color contin�an teniendo problemas para pagar necesidades como alimentos y vivienda, y muchas dicen que tendr�n problemas para pagar los pr�stamos estudiantiles. (Dise�o de Reina Negra/Adobe Stock)

Mujeres de color enfrentan mayor carga de deuda estudiantil en la pandemia

El COVID-19 ha tocado casi todas las facetas de la vida, y un nuevo informe del Centro de Préstamos Responsables dice que las mujeres que pagan …

Pennsylvania has the lowest minmimum wage among its neighboring states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and West Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Minimum-Wage Increase in PA Would Benefit 1.4 Million Workers

Pennsylvania's budget deadline is looming on Thursday. Gov. Tom Wolf is calling for a minimum-wage increase that would get the state to $15 an hour …

During the U.S. Senate primary, Pennsylvania saw $99 million spent with a large portion of that coming from Super PACs, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Dark Money in PA Senate Race Distracts from Issues that Matter

Pennsylvania's Senate race is garnering national attention, with Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz running to replace retiring …

Philadelphia lawmakers present a check for $1 million to Tracy Wood, executive director of Black Doctors Consortium. (Screenshot via Facebook Live)

Philadelphia Lawmakers Secure $13.8M for Health Equity

The gaps in the U.S. health care system were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with racial health inequities laid bare. On Monday, Philadelphia …

Gov. Tom Wolf's proposed Pennsylvania Opportunity Program is meant to help families still recovering economically from the pandemic or the increasing costs of living. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Wolf, Community Leaders Seek $2,000 Payments for Pennsylvanians

Gov. Tom Wolf, lawmakers and community leaders are calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation that would send checks of up to $2,000 to …

The Sentencing Project report found that, despite the number of young people arrested declining over the last 10 years, the number of referred youths who were detained increased slightly. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA's, Nation's Incarcerated Youth Undercounted

Young people in the U.S. were incarcerated in juvenile facilities 240,000 times in 2019, according to a new report, and the research contended …

Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission, which selects state House and Senate maps, is made up of two Republican and two Democrat lawmakers, along with one nonpartisan chair. (Adobe Stock)

House, Senate Redistricting Comes to a Close in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, rejected legal challenges to new state House and Senate maps last week, finalizing the …

Pennsylvania ranks 45th in the nation for the share of K-12 school funding provided by the state. (Adobe Stock)

PA's Historic School-Funding Lawsuit to Hear Closing Arguments

Closing arguments in Pennsylvania's landmark school-funding trial will take place on Thursday, after several months of testimony from teachers…

Public hearings are expected to be held in early January for Pennsylvanians to provide feedback on the proposed House and Senate voting-district maps. (Adobe Stock)

PA Redistricting Commission Unveils House, Senate Map Proposals

Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission has voted on its proposals for state House and Senate voting-district maps. Good-government …

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PA: Social Justice