Michael Herzing

Early Childhood Education Programs // MAJORITY POLICY POINT

NEPA ranks 6 in the US for economic development <p>WILKES-BARRE — Northeast Pennsylvania continues to be a region of choice for companies looking to grow, says John Augustine III, president/CEO of Penn’s Northeast.</p>

Pennsylvania's investments in workers, infrastructure, and strong public schools mean growth, good-paying jobs, and thriving communities across the Northeast region.
www.timesleader.com/news/1734434...

Pennsylvania’s abused children need more support – and legislation to protect them The Epstein Files scandal has spotlighted child sexual abuse – but far from the headlines, the victims of abuse in Pennsylvania and those who help them are in need of much more funding than what the s...

Children’s Advocacy Centers are the frontline response to child abuse in Pennsylvania, but they’re severely underfunded. @repkylemullins.com is working on bipartisan legislation to create sustainable funding and better support survivors.
www.cityandstatepa.com/opinion/2026...

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro joins other states challenging Trump’s latest swing at global tariffs The lawsuit marks the 21st time Shapiro has filed or joined a legal case against President Donald Trump since he returned to office last year.

Trade wars and illegal tariffs don’t lower costs; they raise them. Gov. Josh Shapiro is taking action in court to stop Trump’s latest scheme that would hurt Pennsylvania farmers, businesses, and families.
www.inquirer.com/politics/pen...

Hearing Testifiers Paid $50 Amazon Gift Cards in Exchange for Public Comment A typical hearing devolved into questions of ethics and money in government.

Pennsylvanians shouldn’t have to compete with $50 gift cards to have their voices heard at the Capitol. When companies try to buy favorable testimony, it’s a sign we need stronger consumer protections, not fewer.
@repvenkat.com
www.erienewsnow.com/news/harrisb...

Live Updates: U.S. Employers Cut Jobs in Sign of a Shakier Economy

February’s jobs report shows warning signs: job growth stalling and unemployment ticking up to 4.4%.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/03...

“Just keep killing them until they’re gone.” – U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, speaking on CNN this week in support of the Trump administration’s attacks on Iran and of Israel’s killing of Iranian leaders
www.pennlive.com/politics/202...

Now he’s handing DHS to a political ally while inventing a new title to save face. This administration treats national security like a loyalty test—not a responsibility.

The Constitution is clear: the power to declare war belongs to Congress. No president—Democrat or Republican—should take this nation into war alone. Our troops and the American people deserve accountability.

When you “spring forward” this weekend, take a minute to save a life. Change the batteries in your smoke & CO alarms, test them monthly, and make sure your home has a fire escape plan.

Without Weighing Costs to Public Health, EPA Rolls Back Air Pollution Standards for Coal Plants - Inside Climate News The federal Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for coal and oil-fired power plants were strengthened during the Biden administration.

Experts say the economic “savings” are largely symbolic, and the health consequences of mercury, lead, arsenic, and particulate matter—ranging from cancer to asthma and heart disease—aren’t counted in the administration’s accounting.
insideclimatenews.org/news/2802202...

Raising the wage floor would boost incomes for many low-wage workers, especially women, young people, and service workers, and help bring Pennsylvania closer to neighboring states that already have much higher minimum wages.
www.inquirer.com/business/min...

The state’s ‘maternity deserts’ are reaching a crisis point as rural hospitals continue to close childbirth services Health officials blame the closures on a national OB-GYN shortage, along with rural population decline, high liability costs, a drop in immigration and the particular challenges of recruiting rural ob...

With 23 counties now lacking labor and delivery services, expectant mothers often must travel an hour or more for care, raising serious concerns about access and maternal health outcomes.
@repdanfrankel.com
www.cityandstatepa.com/policy/2026/...

‘You are failing’: Residents berate Quakertown council for inaction after students’ arrest Nearly everyone who spoke also asked the council to take action against Police Chief Scott McElree.

The confrontation in Quakertown and the images that followed have shaken residents’ sense of safety and confidence in local leadership.
www.inquirer.com/crime/quaker...

Federal funding for people in poverty heading to anti-abortion centers instead • Stateline The bulk of the money Missouri gives to its crisis pregnancy centers comes from federal funds meant to assist families experiencing poverty with basic necessities and child care, Republican Rep. Jason...

Outrageous...Millions in federal anti-poverty funds meant for food, housing, and child care are being diverted to anti-abortion "crisis pregnancy centers" that don’t provide comprehensive medical care.
stateline.org/2026/03/04/r...

State and local officials are right to stand against expanding ICE detention centers | Editorial Leaders should push back against detention facilities proposed by a Trump administration that has shown open contempt for the law and human rights.

As ICE expands facilities in PA and NJ, state and local leaders are right to push back.
www.inquirer.com/opinion/edit...

Pennsylvanians are sending a clear message: they want leaders who protect democracy, defend voting rights, and focus on the economy, not chaos from Washington.
www.pennlive.com/politics/202...

Pennsylvania's new tax credit to benefit 1 million residents Learn how the Working Families Tax Credit in Pennsylvania will provide $193 million in tax breaks to nearly 1 million taxpayers. Find out more.

Nearly 1 million Pennsylvanians are getting a tax cut thanks to the new Working Families Tax Credit—putting about $193 million back into the pockets of people who need it most.
@pahousedems.com
pro.stateaffairs.com/pa/budget/pe...

Home equity loan firm paid for testimony before PA House A lending firm, Point, offered Amazon gift cards to customers who submitted testimony for a Pennsylvania House hearing, drawing backlash from legislators.

Public policy should be shaped by honest input from Pennsylvanians—not corporate astroturf.
@repvenkat.com
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/03...

Lawmaker proposes grants to rescue nursing homes The chair of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee is calling for a grant program to help nursing homes make repairs and renovate their facilities. Nursing home operators say that the sta...

A capital grant program—like the one PA uses for school repairs—would help homes serving Medicaid patients fix critical infrastructure and protect care for our most vulnerable.
@repmadden.com pro.stateaffairs.com/pa/budget/la...

Cutting the penny without a plan created headaches for local governments and workers who handle cash every day. @repdavidson.com bill offers a simple, fair fix: round cash transactions to the nearest nickel so counties can keep serving residents smoothly.
www.abc27.com/pennsylvania...

PA governor race 2026: Shapiro’s huge cash lead Shapiro tapped billionaires, unions, and more to raise $23 million in 2025. Garrity relied more heavily on small donations and raised $1.5 million.

“People want to give to Josh rather than Josh asking.” – Larry Ceisler, a Philadelphia-based public affairs consultant, on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s fundraising prowess
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/03...

AI in mental health: Helpful or harmful? Pa. mental health experts debate AI's role in therapy. Can it support without replacing human connection? Dive into the concerns on privacy and AI's future in care.

ICYMI: Chatbots are putting people with mental health struggles at risk. @repomara.com & @ryanbizzarro.bsky.social hosted a hearing on AI and counseling and what can be done to protect people:
www.fox43.com/article/news...

@pahousedems.com are taking a stand against AI-driven price hikes on essential goods. Dynamic pricing may boost profits, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of working families.
@padempolicy.bsky.social @repmaryisaacson.com
www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommit...

So now our military strategy is the lyrics from some jingoistic Toby Keith country song?

Nearly half of Americans can’t afford basics while CEOs rake in millions. This isn’t “market forces”, it’s a choice by corporations & lawmakers to prioritize profits over people.

Gas Prices // MAJORITY POLICY POINT

Pennsylvania’s 345th birthday is a reminder that our history belongs to all of us. Celebrate this Sunday with free access to William Penn’s charter, historic sites, and museums across the Commonwealth. Let’s honor our past and make history accessible to everyone!
www.paheritage.org/sites-on-the...

Grassroots resistance to data centers rises in Pennsylvania • Pennsylvania Capital-Star Plans to build more than 50 data centers in Pennsylvania face opposition from a growing network of community groups, environmental activists and state lawmakers from both major parties.

Pennsylvanians deserve innovation AND a voice.
penncapital-star.com/energy-envir...

Pennsylvanians deserve affordable heat, not another hit to their wallets. While UGI Utilities Inc. raises supply costs and seeks nearly $100M more in distribution revenue, families are already stretched thin.
www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2026/03...