The mayor of Lancaster, Penn., says the stalled state budget has serious implications for her city and beyond. Lawmakers missed the June 30 deadline for the fourth consecutive year, and a prolonged impasse could strain local governments, schools, health initiatives and nonprofits that depend on state funding. More than 58,000 Lancaster residents stand to be directly affected. Comments from Danene Sorace (suh-RAH-chee), mayor of Lancaster.

A LANCASTER FARMING/MIT CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM/KEYSTONE STATE NEWS CONNECTION COLLABORATION – A public-private partnership is urging Pennsylvania farmers to adopt "climate-smart" agriculture practices to lessen their contribution to climate change. However, many farmers argue the upfront costs are too high. Comments from Jeremy Martin, owner of Mountain View Holsteins in Bethel, Penn.; and Jayne Sebright, executive director, Center for Dairy Excellence, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

A new study shows that women in Pennsylvania and other states who are recent college graduates experience a significant pay gap compared to their male counterparts. A report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers blames the disparity on occupational segregation. Comments from Mary Gatta (GAH-tuh), director of research and public policy, National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Pennsylvania educators are voicing concerns as the U.S. Senate hands the Trump tax and spending bill back to the House for a final vote. They warn it would lead to deep funding cuts for children’s health care, school meals, and education – while delivering large tax breaks mostly to wealthy Americans. Pennsylvania relies on about $28 billion a year in federal funds, including Medicaid for nearly 3 million residents, close to 1 million of them kids. Comments from Christopher Lilienthal (LILY-en-thall), assistant director of communications, Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Today (7/1), the Philadelphia chapter of Professional Women in Construction relaunches its Empowering Committee, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and empowerment. The move comes as more women enter the construction industry up nearly 45% nationwide over the last decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But some fear growing political attacks on DEI programs, including an executive order from President Donald Trump, could slow that progress. Comments from Amy Novak, president, Philadelphia chapter, Professional Women in Construction.

Two youth-focused organizations in Chester City and Philadelphia are getting a funding boost. Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region and the Boys & Girls Club of Chester will receive a $500,000 grant to support their summer enrichment programs. The funding comes from employee-led giving circles as part of a national initiative by Power Home Remodeling and Philanthropy Together. Comments from Jim Myers, director of community impact, Power Home Remodeling, and Tyeshia (tie-EE-shuh) 'Ty' Wilson, senior director of community, Philanthropy Together.

Pennsylvania leaders and clean energy advocates are calling on Congress to protect federal EV tax credits. At a press event in Bethlehem, they said the credits help cut pollution, save drivers money, and support the Lehigh Valley economy. The groups warn the cuts in the budget reconciliation bill would stall progress on clean transportation and public health. Comments from Sarah DeGrendel, sustainability manager, City of Bethlehem, Tony Bandiero, executive director, Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation, and Andrea Wittchen, president, Lehigh Valley Sustainability Network.

This week, the Senate Parliamentarian rejected several parts of the Trump administration’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” including major Medicaid provisions. A Pennsylvania nurse warns that if the proposed Medicaid cuts go through, they would impact seniors in long-term care and force rural hospitals to close, leaving many without care. Comments from: Molly McCullough (muh-KULL-uh), MSN, a telemetry float registered nurse, Southwestern Pennsylvania

The “Fair Share for Americans” bus tour rolled into Pennsylvania this week, spotlighting the U.S. House version of the budget reconciliation bill that would cut Medicaid funding by $700 billion. A Pennsylvania nurse warns the move could strip coverage from hundreds of thousands – including her son, who relies on Medicaid to manage a chronic health condition. Comments from Jennifer K. Graham Partyka (par-TEE-kuh), MSN, a registered nurse in Northeast Pennsylvania.

LIHEAP, which helps low-income Pennsylvanians pay heating bills, is at risk under the Trump administration’s proposed budget, which includes no funding for the program. About 1.2 million people are eligible, but only 346,000 received help last winter. Advocates warn cutting LIHEAP could have serious consequences, especially during freezing weather. Comments from Bill Johnston-Walsh, state director, AARP Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania environmental groups are keeping a close eye on Congress as lawmakers consider the reconciliation bill that could delay a Methane Emission Reduction Program, which includes a fee to hold oil and gas companies accountable for their methane emissions. In Pennsylvania, oil and gas operations release more than 1.1 million tons of methane each year – more than 15 times what’s reported to state regulators. Comments from David Jenkins, president, Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship.

Today is the Juneteenth federal holiday, which commemorates the day in June 1865 that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their freedom. A Pennsylvania organization celebrates this national Independence Day by educating the public on the importance of Black history through literacy. Comments from Vanesse J. Lloyd-Sgambati (SKAHM-bah-tee), founder of the African American Children's Book Project in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania’s clean energy future is at risk under the federal budget reconciliation package now in the U.S. Senate. Advocates for keeping Biden-era clean energy tax credits in place warn that repealing them could hike electric bills, cut 25,000 jobs, and stall billions in investment dollars in the manufacturing and energy sectors. Comments from Stephen Herzenberg, executive director, Keystone Research Center.

The EPA is proposing the repeal of Biden-era climate rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying the move would cut costs and improve energy reliability. The agency estimates $19 billion in savings over 20 years. Critics warn the move will worsen pollution and harm public health in Pennsylvania. Comments from Thomas Schuster (SHOE-ster), director, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter.

A new study shows Black and Latino drivers are disproportionately burdened by gasoline costs, spending 15 percent of their paychecks on average to fill their tanks. Experts say adoption of electric vehicles offers a promising solution but systemic barriers persist. Comments from Dr. Shelly Francis, co-founder and director, EVHybridNoire.

This Saturday (6/14) is a National Day of Action, with thousands of “No Kings” protests planned across the United States, including more than 80 in Pennsylvania. They'll target President Donald Trump's administration policies including the budget reconciliation bill that will affect education, Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP and more. Comments from Vicki Miller, group leader, Indivisible Philadelphia.

The Keystone State has made progress in child well-being, especially in economic well-being, in the new 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. But the same report shows the data on kids' health is dismal. Advocates for families say it should be proof that safety net programs must be protected. Comments from Kari King, president and CEO, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children; and Leslie Boissiere (BOSS-ee-air), vice president of external affairs, Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Educators, parents, and advocates will rally at the State Capitol in Harrisburg at 1:30 p.m. today (6/10) for Early Childhood Workforce Day. They’re calling on lawmakers to support Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget, which includes 55 million dollars for recruitment and retention of child-care workers. The plan offers thousand-dollar bonuses to help with hiring and retaining staff. Comments from: Diane Barber, executive director, Pennsylvania Child Care Association.

A WORKINGNATION/KEYSTONE STATE NEWS CONNECTION COLLABORATION – Allentown, Penn., once a steel and truck powerhouse, now hosts over 700 local manufacturers. Legacy brands like Crayola and Martin Guitar anchor its revival, and a $20 million federal grant is boosting the momentum. Comments from two spokespersons from Allentown Economic Development Corporation: Manuela Guevara (mon-WEH-lah geh-VAH-rah), Recompete program manager; and Brittany Butkowski (but-KOW-skee) incubator program manager at Bridgeworks Enterprise Center; and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk (TURK).

Pennsylvania’s clean energy gains are at risk under the federal budget reconciliation bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Advocates of the clean energy tax credits say repealing them would raise electric bills, cut 26,000 jobs, and drain billions in clean energy investment. Comments from Mike Zimmerman, senior attorney, electrification, EDF Action, Pittsburgh; Robbie Orvis, senior director, modeling and analysis, Energy Innovation; and Aaron Nichols, solar policy and research specialist, Exact Solar, Bucks County, Penn.