Wheels Greased for Pennsylvania’s Adult Use Cannabis Bill
(The Center Square) – A 173-page bill that regulates adult-use cannabis in the commonwealth went from introduction to committee approval in less than 24 hours. While Democrats laud the proposal as long overdue and the best amalgamation of many state models, Republicans argue the process was fast-tracked, secretive and potentially dangerous. Critics argued that’s not true. Without comment from law enforcement advocacy groups or those representing children’s health and well-being, they worry the bill will only cause harm. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxFull story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_ed8c304f-d461-4ee6-b6be-1222418ca405.html
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7:14
Call for New Strategies to Support Pennsylvania EMS Efforts
(The Center Square) - Recruitment and retention were primary challenges for Berkeley Hills Fire Company in Allegheny County. It’s one of the thousands of volunteer fire departments that make up the majority of the state’s network of first responders. It’s not an easy job, and finding those with the time, flexibility, and interest to do it has become increasingly difficult. Some say it’s a shift in values, while others point to the financial strain and life stressors faced by men and women in the potential recruitment pool. The company’s website advertises professional training and certification, gear and uniforms to fight fires, scholarships to learn more about fighting fires, health and wellness perks to keep recruits fit for fighting fires, life insurance and discounts on property tax, and even modest stipends. The company’s live-in program offers extensive training and experience in exchange for 40-hours of shifts per week. That is to say, volunteering is a full-time job.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxFull story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_55ad0a89-7407-4661-a8e8-c5d4d8c027dc.html
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7:24
Poll: School Choice Support Defies Partisanship in Pennsylvania
(The Center Square) – A recent poll suggests that support for school choice doesn’t hinge on any political affiliation, age, ethnicity, region or 2024 presidential vote. Rather, across all demographics, as many as two-thirds of respondents support the concept of educational scholarships that offer state funding directly to families to fund private school tuition. Support for the policy reached as high as 56% among Democrats and Kamala Harris voters – a significant figure given the party’s historical opposition to it. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxFull story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_0c32c760-6239-40b3-93a0-59a0dfe88f8c.html
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10:50
Pennsylvania Map Reveals Complex Nature of Clean Energy Tax Credits
(The Center Square) - Dozens of organizations across Pennsylvania have taken advantage of tax credits and rebates provided by the federal infrastructure bill to fund projects that support renewable energy and climate resiliency. PennEnvironment and Evergreen Collaborative, both environmental organizations who operate in the commonwealth, have created an interactive map to see which companies have benefited from the tax dollars and the fiscal and environmental impact they’re expected to make. The map illustrates a range of projects in every region of the state, including rural areas whose representatives are known for backing the coal industry and eschewing climate concerns. They include various types of clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, environmental cleanup, and tree planting efforts. Solar projects appear most prominently. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxFull story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_672c81d7-26ff-4715-8781-c38b62704506.html
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11:23
Expiring Health Insurance Tax Credits Loom Large in Pennsylvania
(The Center Square) – Expanded tax credits that make health insurance cheaper for 24.3 million Americans face expiration at the end of 2025, leaving many in the field fearful about the future of medicine for the working class. In Pennsylvania, that means premiums for 500,000 residents enrolled through Pennie — the state’s health insurance marketplace — could nearly double. As enrollment drops, prices will rise even higher to fill the gap. “We’re very concerned about what we have headed down the pike,” said Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley during a roundtable discussion on Tuesday in Philadelphia. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxFull story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_566c2522-bd18-4b27-9a8d-0e430ced70cd.html
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