Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 17/09/2026New: I went to Joe Torsella's one man show about a fictional one term state treasurer. It features ~32 characters, a full recital of the Declaration of Independence, some Catholic guilt, and pointed critiques about money in politics. 040
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 13/09/2026Inside how one powerful moneylender uses his clout (including a friendship with David Ortiz) to convince the families of prospects as young as 10 to sign predatory deals in the accountability vacuum that is Dominican baseball. www.propublica.org/article/how-...propublica.orgHow the Dominican Baseball Factory Traps Young Players and Their Families With False PromisesTeams make handshake deals with players as young as 11 while moneylenders prey on their families. The industry is corrupt, but Major League Baseball and the players union have done little about it. 021
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 09/09/2026New: Pennsylvania legislators have introduced at least nine bills to restrict or outright ban automated license plate readers like Flock. Gov. Josh Shapiro says he supports the latter; his admin is also removing Flock from a state contracting databse. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/09...spotlightpa.orgPA lawmakers eye ban, limits on Flock camerasPA Gov. Josh Shapiro is working with lawmakers “on what piece of legislation could make it to” his desk that protects people’s privacy. 063
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 02/09/2026Prevention is a matter of changing incentives. As to punishing those who do it anyway, basic enforcement beyond reporters writing snarky stories would be a start. That probably requires a brand new state ethics law. 040
Reposted by Stephen CarusoJaxon White @jaxonwhite.bsky.social · 01/09/2026At least 48 former state lawmakers are now registered lobbyists in Pa. Many lobby on issues they once helped shape, and represent industries they previously worked to regulate — or deregulate. @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social and I dug into the revolving door. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/09...spotlightpa.org48 former PA legislators are now registered lobbyistsCritics warn that PA’s lax revolving-door law allows ex-lawmakers to profit from relationships formed while in office. 113
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 01/09/2026New: At least 48 former Pennsylvania legislators are now registered lobbyists, using the knowledge and connections they built in public service for private gain. Advocates argue the potential of such offers can disincentivize legislators from action. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/09...spotlightpa.org48 former PA legislators are now registered lobbyistsCritics warn that PA’s lax revolving-door law allows ex-lawmakers to profit from relationships formed while in office. 186
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 31/08/2026No need to apologize. But I still don't understand how your statement relates to the shared quote. The Shapiro admin opened the conversation on the measles matter; not the Trump admin. 000
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 31/08/2026ICYMI: Gov. Josh Shapiro has now backed a ban on Flock Cameras and other such automated surveillance technology, per @johnlcole.bsky.social www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...thecentersquare.comShapiro backs Flock camera ban(The Center Square) – Regulating Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems, or ALPRs, has drawn the attention of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. 161
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 31/08/2026"The public is entitled to know about measles-associated deaths, but in this case the information provided would have better served a fractured ecosystem had it been more complete, honest and clear." www.nytimes.com/2026/08/30/o...nytimes.comOpinion | How Not to Announce a Measles DeathJosh Shapiro announced two measles deaths. Things went downhill fast. 101
Reposted by Stephen CarusoDanielle Ohl @dtohl.bsky.social · 28/07/2026and lest you think I am only being mad in the newspaper with Republicans spreading disinfo and playing politics, I am being mad at Democrats too because what the absolute [redacted] is this 112
Reposted by Stephen CarusoDanielle Ohl @dtohl.bsky.social · 27/07/2026So, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's ruling on felony murder is now in effect. Find out if it means that bloodthirsty murders now prowl the streets, as implied by many a legislator over the past couple weeks. (Spoiler: It does not!)spotlightpa.orgNo fix for PA's second-degree murder sentencing. What’s next?State lawmakers are no closer to reaching a compromise on PA’s unconstitutional sentencing for second-degree murders. Here's what it means for current cases. 031
Reposted by Stephen CarusoDanielle Ohl @dtohl.bsky.social · 28/07/2026I'll be in Scranton for an in-person event hosted by Spotlight PA! We'll be discussing my reporting on the mental health system, and hearing from people directly affected. Please join us! 073
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Memo here: www.palegis.us/house/co-spo...palegis.us 010
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 27/07/2026State Reps. David Rowe (R., Union) and Josh Bashline (R., Clarion) want to "establish reasonable safeguards" for automated surveillance tech, including requiring warrants to search for an individual, limit data retention, and require signage for some automated systems. 141
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 20/07/2026Gov. Josh Shapiro wields 100+ years of American liberal rhetoric to retell an old story: That government can be a force for good. But as he offers himself as a leading party voice, what does his record show? W/ @angelasink.bsky.social www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/07...spotlightpa.orgJosh Shapiro's rise to power reveals wins, losses, and broken promisesAs voters nationwide get to know Josh Shapiro, Spotlight PA examines where he has succeeded as governor but also where he has arguably fallen short. 191
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 12/07/2026In the state budget before lawmakers as of Saturday night: -$900 million+ in new ed spending. -Pension boosts for public workers retired for 25+ years -No use of rainy day fund Not in: -Tax policy changes -Minimum wage hike -Skill games W/ @jaxonwhite.bsky.socialspotlightpa.orgPA poised to adopt $50.8B budgetThe plan also preserves the state’s nearly $8 billion rainy day fund — a key priority for Republicans, who control the state Senate. 198
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 10/07/2026The latest on where budget talks stand, from @jaxonwhite.bsky.social and I. Details on a final deal are sparse, but the potential inclusion of either an elimination of the data center sales tax exemption or the state's GRT on electricity are key debates. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/07...spotlightpa.orgPA’s 2026 budget could be finished this weekendTwo unresolved issues in PA’s 2026 budget talks are whether to cut a data center sales exemption and lower an electric utilities tax. 044
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Happy July 1st. For the fifth straight year, Pennsylvania's budget is late. Not all late budgets are created equal, and it's weeks until there is an impact. Still, partisan tensions boiled over yesterday as Democrats blamed the GOP for the delay. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/07...spotlightpa.orgPA’s budget is late for the 5th year in a rowSenate Republicans say a deal is close on a PA budget, but House Democrats are accusing them of “not finishing the job.” 0104
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 30/06/2026News: A three year statewide moratorium on data center development in Pennsylvania failed in a Senate committee procedural vote 2-9, earning support from one Republican and one Democrat. 024
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 25/06/2026I wouldn't assume too much rn. Legislators are feeling hear on this issue due to voter feedback and its scrambling plans. If you told me a year ago 197 people would vote to end the exemption I would have been skeptical, but here we are. 010
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 25/06/2026-HB 2496, letting local governments implement a 180 day pause on data center applications. Passed 201-1. -HB 2198, axing the sales tax exemption. Passed 197-5. 130
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 25/06/2026For those keeping track at home, those bills were: -HB 2650, Gov. Josh Shapiro's GRID standards which used the exemption as carrot to push for stricter transparency, labor, energy and environmental standards. Passed 134-68 120
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 25/06/2026No votes were: -Manny Guzman (D., Berks) -Marci Mustello (R., Butler), an original sponsor of the exemption -Eric Nelson (R., Westmoreland) -Jim Struzzi (R., Indiana), whose district includes a massive data center project to replace a coal plant -Tim Twardzik (R., Schuylkill) 310
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 25/06/2026News: A bill to end a multi-billion sales tax exemption for the data center industry in Pennsylvania has passed the state House 197-5, capping a week in which the chamber approved a raft of bills restricting an industry facing wide grassroots blowback. 32210
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 24/06/2026New: Pennsylvania lawmakers will, in all liklihood, have to pull from the state's almost $8 billion rainy day fund to balance this year's budget. That fact will undergird closed door talks as the commonwealth creeps toward the June 30 deadline. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...spotlightpa.orgPA lawmakers may tap rainy day fund to balance the budgetPennsylvania may need to tap its $8 billion rainy day fund as lawmakers confront a growing budget deficit and limited new revenue options. 063
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 18/06/2026The fact that Peregrine falcons roost on the state office building named for a woman who dedicated her career to saving birds and locals turn out every year to rescue the fledglings if they fall will never not be a favorite Harrisburg fact. 1479
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 17/06/2026New: @jaxonwhite.bsky.social and I look at what's next for skill games. With potentially billions in revenue up for grabs, few talk about upholding an outright ban. But how to regulate the devices and what to do with the money (say, funding public transit) will define coming talks.spotlightpa.orgSkill games are illegal, PA court says. Now what?Skill game taxation rates and ensuring public safety are among the policy questions PA lawmakers need to hash out. 084
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 11/06/2026New: Pennsylvania legislators are looking at either levying new taxes on, or axing tax exemptions for, Big Tech to bring in new revenue. But such efforts won't be enough to balance the budget, and must overcome powerful special interests to implement. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...spotlightpa.orgCould Big Tech taxes fill PA budget holes?A tax break for data centers worth $2B by 2031 could be on the chopping block in PA, and lawmakers are floating digital ad taxes. 171
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 10/06/2026News: A GOP-controlled Pennsylvania Senate panel advanced a bill to implement an employee payroll tax funded state program guaranteeing 20 weeks of paid family leave for the commonwealth by a 9-2 margin. It now heads to the full chamber. 1132
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 09/06/2026The proposal passed with bipartisan support and opposition. Two Democrats voted no; 39 Republicans voted yes. 130
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 09/06/2026News: A bill to place a 5% gross receipts tax on companies that sell digital ads in Pennsylvania to fund property tax relief has passed the state House by a bipartisan 139-63 margin in the lead up to the state's June 30 budget deadline. 2103
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 04/06/2026Due to an almost decade old deal, Philadelphia City Council faces a choice between paying $200 million now to buy the city's police HQ amid a bitter budget fight or pay double the rent in future years to an influential city landowner. www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...inquirer.comPhilly City Council is holding up a proposal to borrow $200M to buy the police headquarters buildingOfficials warned if the city does not exercise its option to buy the building this year, the annual rent price is set to nearly double. Council members balked at the price tag. 031
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 03/06/2026News: House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery) said in an interview that he supports this proposal. "These are the biggest, most profitable companies that are bringing data centers and all of the challenges to our commonwealth. 100% they should pay their fair share." 021
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 03/06/2026News: A bill to levy a 5% tax on digital ad sales revenue in Pennsylvania has passed out of a Democratic-controlled House committee along party lines. Supporters say it raises millions from big tech companies but opponents say the cost will be passed on to consumers. 162
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 02/06/2026ICYMI: A bill requiring all Pennsylvania school districts to ban the use, but not possession, of cell phones by students by the start of the 2027 school year passed the state House 126-75. It goes to the state Senate, which already passed a similar proposal. 071
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 02/06/2026Nine of Pennsylvania's biggest data center projects will be excluded from Shapiro's plan to tie fast tracked permits and a tax break to higher environmental and transparency rules because they were underway before his announcement. www.pennlive.com/news/2026/06...pennlive.comWhy some of Pa.’s biggest data center projects won’t have to follow the governor’s new rulesShapiro Administration has encouraged developers who are already in its fast track permitting program to use the GRID standards, but says they'll stay on the fast track regardless. 284
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 01/06/2026Inbox: Per the Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania enters June with $45 billion in revenue, about $1 billion more than projected but still billions short of what most spending plans call for. 090
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 01/06/2026Good morning everyone. It's June 1st-- officially budget season in Harrisburg. Both chambers are in session for the next two weeks for a mix of important procedural shuffling and busy work as closed door talks intensify before the June 30th deadline. 030
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 28/05/2026(Okay the law was signed earlier this month but in my head it is already June so sorry!) 010
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 28/05/2026This story, plus more musings, scooplets and links, was published in my weekly subscription only newsletter Access Harrisburg. You can sign up here: www.spotlightpa.org/newsletters/...spotlightpa.orgAccess Harrisburg - Insider Access to PA PoliticsGet weekly scoops, expert analysis, and more from Capitol reporter Stephen Caruso. Be the first to know what’s happening in Pennsylvania state government. 110
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 28/05/2026A new law signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro last month will allow the state to again update its codes governing accessibility via regulation rather than legislation, closing a loophole opened by a 2022 court ruling. Because sometimes, the legislature does meaningful stuff. 152
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 27/05/2026More on that tax exemption here: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/02...spotlightpa.orgPA data center tax break expected to cost $2BGov. Josh Shapiro’s administration estimates the annual cost of the tax break will rise by hundreds of millions of dollars in the coming years. 100
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 27/05/2026Inbox: Gov. Josh Shapiro is calling for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to place new conditions on data center development, requiring his proposed transparency, energy, wage and environmental standards in exchange for qualifying for an existing multi-million tax break. 295
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 26/05/2026A patchwork of municipal and state rules for approval of new projects is partially to blame for Pennsylvania's slow growth in housing, developers, citing think tanks and experience, told a House GOP panel last week. Via @wdownard.bsky.social \ penncapital-star.com/housing/pa-z...penncapital-star.comPa. zoning, permitting process named as barriers to homebuilding • Pennsylvania Capital-StarThe commonwealth's homebuilding industry identified two barriers to its work before Republican lawmakers this week. 010
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 24/05/2026Allocation wise, yes. If you have a pressing problem now use the money you have -- and that flex happened. But when capital issues arise -- like a washed out bridge, say -- then theres no money, and no revenue service happens. Either way, it leads to more money. 000
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 24/05/2026If you want to buy a house, do you save money or spend money? 100