First Read - Dec. 6, 2023

WEATHER: Philadelphia: partly sunny, with a slight chance of rain and snow showers, high of 42; Harrisburg: mostly cloudy, with a chance of morning snow showers and a chance of afternoon rain, high of 41; Pittsburgh: mostly cloudy, with snow showers likely before 8 a.m., high of 40.

FROM CITY & STATE:

* Lt. Gov. Austin Davis yesterday was elected vice chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, a national group focused on electing Democratic candidates to lieutenant governor’s offices around the country. 

NEW THIS MORNING:

* U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, a Republican who represents the state’s 15th Congressional District, said yesterday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, KDKA reports. 

* Freedom Caucus Chair and U.S. Rep. Scott Perry spoke in a recent interview about last week’s vote to expel George Santos from Congress, as well Perry’s actions following the 2020 presidential election, WGAL reports.

* Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker unveiled a “roundtable” of Democrats from all levels of government to help her achieve her legislative priorities, a group that includes the state’s two U.S. senators, three members of Congress, state House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

* Allegheny County Council voted 10-5 yesterday to approve an amended budget that would increase funding for the Community College of Allegheny County by $3.6 million, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. 

* During a City Council meeting yesterday, Harrisburg residents voiced anger and frustration with a plan to force homeless encampments to relocate for the third time this year, PennLive reports.

* Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis kicked off the holiday season in the state Capitol during the building’s annual tree lighting ceremony yesterday, Politics PA reports. * Billy Penn has everything you need to know about Keystone Opportunity Zones, which provide tax breaks to those living within designated areas and have prompted pushback in Philadelphia.

* University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill was one of three college presidents grilled by members of Congress yesterday over the colleges’ handling of antisemitism on their campuses, the Inquirer reports.

* The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s board of governors is expected to call a special meeting this month to select PennWest University interim President Lorraine “Laurie” Bernotsky as the next president of West Chester University, the Tribune-Review reports.

* The Center Square reports that a leaky roof damaged areas above the state House chamber will delay legislative work in 2024, meaning lawmakers won’t cast their first votes of 2024 until March 18.

EDITORIAL PAGES:

* The Inquirer Editorial Board addresses the recent protest outside a Jewish-owned restaurant in Philadelphia, and writes that the protest chant only helped inflame already heightened tensions.

NATIONAL POLITICS:

* Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity last night, former President Donald Trump said he will not be a dictator “except for day one,” when asked by Hannity if he would disavow taking retributive action against his opponents, though Trump emphasized he was referring to two issues: closing the border and drilling, Politico reports.

* New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has scheduled a special election to replace expelled U.S. Rep. George Santos for Feb. 13, 2024, Axios reports.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: …to Christopher Dezzi, president, The Dezzi Group … to Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge David H. Conroy … and to Kirsten Burkhart, executive director, AIDS Resource … Want to wish someone a happy birthday in our newsletter? Email their name, job title and upcoming birthday to editor@cityandstatepa.com.

TODAY’S SKED:

9 a.m. – The House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee meets for an informational meeting on modernizing the state’s 911 system, Montgomery County Emergency Operations Center, 50 Eagleville Road, Eagleville. Watch here. 

10 a.m. – The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Licenses and Inspections meets, remotely. Watch here. 

10 a.m. – The Pittsburgh City Council Standing Committee meets, Council Chambers, City-County Building, Pittsburgh. Watch here. 

12 p.m. – Shapiro administration to celebrate 33rd Annual Holiday Wish Program, provide gifts to hundreds of Pennsylvania families, Keystone Building Atrium, 400 North St., Harrisburg. 

12 p.m. – The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Technology and Information Services meets, remotely. Watch here. 

1 p.m. – The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Education meets, remotely. Watch here. 

1 p.m. – The House Finance Committee meets, Room G-50, Irvis Office Building, state Capitol, Harrisburg. Watch here. 

3 p.m. – The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce & Economic Development meets, remotely. Watch here. 

6 p.m. – The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing meets, Harrisburg Hilton and Towers Hotel, One N. Second St., Harrisburg.

KICKER: 

“​​Anyone who’s worked with me knows I am a person of faith as well as an eternal optimist, both of which will guide me as I undergo treatment.” – U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson on his prostate cancer diagnosis, via KDKA