AGP Executive Report

Victim Services: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bipartisan bill creating a Child Victim Recovery Fund, financed by fees on offenders and people under supervision, to support Pennsylvania’s child advocacy centers. Election Stakes: With control of the state Senate potentially up for grabs, a recent Franklin & Marshall poll has Shapiro leading Republican Stacy Garrity 52% to 30%; rising household costs are also weighing on suburban voters. Data Center Debate: The AI boom is turning data centers into a flashpoint in Pennsylvania races, as communities raise concerns about power bills and local impacts and tech companies promise more transparency and payments. Schools: The state Senate approved a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for public schools and sent it to Shapiro’s desk.

Pennsylvania Politics: With Election Day nearing, polls show Gov. Josh Shapiro leading Republican Stacy Garrity, while Democrats report stronger engagement. Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is also calling for a federal investigation into Elon Musk’s reported interference with Ukraine’s satellite service. School Policy: The Legislature passed a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for public schools, and Shapiro has said he will sign it; lawmakers also advanced a bill to close a loophole in the state’s public-meeting notice law. Business and Jobs: GSK plans to invest $800 million in Philadelphia-area life sciences and manufacturing facilities, creating 300 jobs, while U.S. Steel authorized nearly $3 billion for a new Mon Valley Works mill. Data Center Debate: Opposition is growing as Archbald officials rejected plans for a hyperscale campus and tech firms face pressure to offer communities more benefits and transparency. Household Costs: Pennsylvania heating oil reached $6.01 a gallon as families also contend with rising grocery bills.

Governor’s Race: Democrat Jessica Crowley and Republican Stacy Tiffany clashed in their only debate, while a Franklin & Marshall poll found Gov. Josh Shapiro leading Republican Stacy Garrity and Pennsylvania Democrats more engaged ahead of the midterms. Election Oversight: A federal judge blocked Homeland Security election-related field interviews in Pennsylvania and eight other states, citing unreliable target lists; faith groups also plan poll chaplains to help de-escalate tensions on Election Day. Schools: The Legislature passed a statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban, expected to take effect in the 2027-28 school year, with limited exceptions. Data Centers: Archbald officials rejected zoning for a proposed hyperscale campus as community resistance grows. President Donald Trump urged developers to pay host communities, but offered no payment formula or enforcement plan. Jobs and Costs: Mitsubishi Electric opened a $86 million switchgear factory in western Pennsylvania, while home heating oil prices reached $6.01 a gallon, adding pressure on families.

Election Oversight: A federal judge blocked Homeland Security from conducting election-related field operations in Pennsylvania and eight other states, citing the risk that faulty data could lead to U.S. citizens being questioned. Campaign 2026: Pennsylvania’s competitive races are drawing fresh attention: the contest between Republican Brian Fitzpatrick and Democrat Bob Harvie in the 1st District has tightened, while U.S. Rep. Meuser and challenger Wallace debated key issues. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has reached about 1,300 cases and caused at least five deaths; a CDC investigator is examining why it has been unusually deadly. Children and Schools: State lawmakers and Head Start advocates warn proposed federal changes could threaten services for 30,000 Pennsylvania children. Household Costs: Pennsylvania’s largest electric utility is seeking new protections for customers who choose an alternative supplier, amid concerns about higher bills and shutoffs. Jobs and Infrastructure: Shapiro’s administration announced $190.3 million for water projects across 19 counties, while a planned Luzerne County manufacturing plant is expected to bring 309 jobs. Consumer Rules: A new state law limits legal vape sales to products from six manufacturers reviewed by federal regulators, with penalties for retailers selling unlisted devices.

Russia Sanctions: Sen. Dave McCormick is pushing back on President Trump’s pause of new Russia sanctions, saying pressure on Vladimir Putin should continue even as the administration seeks to lower fuel prices. Campaign 2026: An AI-generated ad from Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity has renewed questions about political advertising rules; the spot targets Gov. Josh Shapiro but reveals its AI use only near the end. In the close Bucks-Montgomery congressional race, Democrats are also courting Asian American voters, while childcare costs weigh on families in the battleground Lehigh Valley district. Pittsburgh Business: Agility Robotics plans a 50,000-square-foot Pittsburgh hub for software, AI and customer deployments as it expands commercial use of its humanoid robots. Community Investment: Pennsylvania announced nearly $72 million in tax credits for 443 local projects, including childcare expansion in Milton and food distribution by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Skill Games: With lawmakers missing a state Supreme Court deadline to act on skill games, Pennsylvania police have launched a tip line for illegal machines.

Election 2026: Democrat Bob Brooks pulled out of the only planned debate in Pennsylvania’s closely watched 7th Congressional District race, citing Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s campaign ads, which Brooks calls defamatory. The Lehigh Valley contest is among the races that could decide control of the U.S. House. Jobs and Investment: Apple plans to invest up to $100 million over three years with Pennsylvania titanium maker Perryman Company, which supplies material for its latest iPhones. In Luzerne County, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $63.2 million manufacturing investment expected to create 309 jobs. Energy: The federal government is backing up to $42 million for early work on the proposed Constitution Pipeline, which would run from Susquehanna County into New York. Critics have raised concerns about local impacts. Emergency Services: A bill from Rep. Brenda Pugh would offer grants to small volunteer fire companies and incentives for departments that choose to consolidate, as officials warn of staffing and funding strains. Education and Labor: Pennsylvania’s labor board ruled Penn State research assistants can join the graduate-worker union, overturning the university’s appeal. Philadelphia’s school district, meanwhile, reports enrollment is down nearly 2,500 students year over year, with the main reasons still unclear.

Pennsylvania Business: SGL Carbon celebrated a $100 million expansion at its St. Marys plant, supporting jobs and production of materials for nuclear power and semiconductors. Conair is also investing $9.75 million to expand in Franklin, with 126 jobs planned. Election 2026: Several Pennsylvania congressional contests are closely watched, and Democrat Bob Brooks withdrew from the only scheduled debate in the PA-7 race amid a dispute over an attack ad. Consumer Rules: Pennsylvania’s vape registry law is now being enforced. Retailers risk fines of up to $500 per unregistered product, with repeat violations potentially costing them their licenses. Household Finances: Bankruptcy filings in Western Pennsylvania have climbed to a five-year high, as attorneys point to rising living costs, credit-card debt and loan payments.

Pennsylvania Elections: The Oct. 19 voter-registration deadline has passed, with Nov. 3 ballots set to decide congressional and state races that could shift the balance in Harrisburg and Washington. Philadelphia Port: The state is investing $371.5 million in a port expansion; Hyundai Glovis plans a dedicated car-carrier berth and more vehicle storage, extending its lease through 2056. Privacy and Policing: The state House voted 190-13 to restrict automated license-plate readers, limiting their use to specified investigations; the bill now needs Senate approval. Jobs and Business: Pennsylvania’s skill-game ban is prompting layoffs, including 81 at a Camp Hill amusement company. Meanwhile, Conair plans a $9.75 million Franklin expansion expected to add 126 jobs. Schools: Elanco’s school board unanimously approved a policy barring transgender athletes from teams aligned with their gender identity, without public comment during the vote. Farming: Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled the state’s first strategic agriculture plan, aimed at supporting farmers and driving economic growth.

Election 2026: Pennsylvania voters have until Monday to register for the Nov. 3 election. Democrats are aiming to flip the state Senate, while the high-stakes Bucks County race between Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Bob Harvie is sharpening. Development Battles: Chester County residents are organizing against housing and data center proposals, as growth puts pressure on rural communities. Energy: The Trump administration pledged up to $42 million for permitting and pre-construction work on a stalled pipeline carrying Marcellus Shale gas toward New York. Separately, the Energy Department offered up to $4.2 billion to upgrade Beaver Valley’s nuclear reactors. Business: Medical-device maker STERIS plans to buy Pittsburgh-area Xodus Medical for $2.1 billion, expanding its surgical-products business. Farm Economy: Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled Pennsylvania’s first 10-year agriculture plan, focused on financing, profitability, modernization and public engagement for an industry supporting 600,000 jobs. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has topped 1,200 cases, and federal health officials have sent help to contain it.

Campaign Trail: Gov. Josh Shapiro rallied union members and volunteers in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, touting workforce programs and urging support for Democratic candidates ahead of Nov. 3. House Battlegrounds: Pennsylvania has three toss-up congressional races, including Scott Perry’s rematch with Janelle Stelson and Brian Fitzpatrick’s contest with Bob Harvie. Energy Costs: Shapiro is seeking to join a PPL rate case, arguing the utility’s approach to serving data centers should not saddle customers with higher bills. Manufacturing: Warrendale-based Eos Energy received an $87 million federal loan advance to support its zinc-battery production line. Health Costs: Pennsylvania is suing Eli Lilly, CVS Caremark and others, alleging insulin prices were inflated by as much as 1,000%.

Health Costs: Pennsylvania is suing Eli Lilly, CVS Caremark and others, alleging they helped inflate insulin prices by 1,000%. City Finances: Reading may draw up to $24 million from reserves over two budget cycles to cover projected deficits, raising concerns about its recovery from years of financial distress. Agriculture: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new 10-year plan aims to grow farming and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy as farmers face rising costs, land loss and labor shortages. Energy Bills: Shapiro wants to join a PPL rate case to change how data-center costs are handled and protect customers from higher bills. Youth and Safety: Pennsylvania is opening applications for more than $60 million in grants for violence prevention and youth programs; Pittsburgh-area leaders are also pressing for clearer career pathways to address workforce needs.

Skill Games: Republican gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity backed small businesses and community groups affected by Pennsylvania’s skill-game shutdown. Enforcement is now active, and one Camp Hill company has cut 81 jobs. Agriculture: Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled the state’s first 10-year agriculture plan, aimed at supporting farmers and growing the industry. Utility Costs: Shapiro joined a PPL rate case, seeking changes to how the utility serves data centers and to shield customers from higher costs. Midterms: No Kings rallies in Scranton, Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia suburbs urged Pennsylvanians to vote early; voters can request and cast mail ballots in person at county election offices.

Utility Costs: Gov. Josh Shapiro is joining a PUC case seeking separate rates for data centers, so PPL customers don’t bear their electricity costs. Agriculture: Shapiro unveiled Pennsylvania’s first 10-year agriculture plan, aimed at growing jobs and markets and helping new farmers enter the industry. Campaign 2026: The governor’s new federal PAC will support Democratic candidates, including in Pennsylvania, and is fueling speculation about a 2028 presidential bid. Energy and Jobs: A state-backed study is assessing former power plant sites for new generation as data center demand climbs; meanwhile, the skill-game ban has forced a Camp Hill company to cut 81 jobs. Trade: A planned $837 million expansion at the Port of Philadelphia is set to add capacity and jobs.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported more than 1,200 cases and five confirmed deaths, with another death under investigation. The state will accept CDC help to track the outbreak, while Health Secretary Debra Bogen presses the agency to acknowledge the toll. Skill Games: A Camp Hill amusement company plans to lay off 81 workers after Pennsylvania’s ban forced it to pull thousands of machines from businesses statewide. Agriculture: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration released the state’s first agriculture strategy, aimed at helping farmers facing rising costs, labor shortages and land loss. Election 2026: Democratic congressional hopeful Bob Brooks led Pennsylvania candidates in third-quarter fundraising, while Shapiro’s new federal PAC fuels speculation about his national ambitions. Investment: Shapiro says Pennsylvania has secured $4 billion in investments, including an $837 million Port of Philadelphia expansion and Merck’s $2.9 billion commitment to state manufacturing sites.

Midterm Watch: Pennsylvania’s Oct. 19 voter-registration deadline is approaching, with Election Day set for Nov. 3. Gov. Josh Shapiro launched a federal PAC, fueling speculation about 2028 as he seeks reelection. In a closely watched rematch, Democrat Janelle Stelson is again challenging Republican Scott Perry in the 10th District. Public Health: The state’s measles outbreak has topped 1,200 cases and six deaths, prompting CDC assistance. Business and Jobs: Merck plans a $2.9 billion expansion of vaccine and medicine operations in Montgomery County. Philadelphia’s port is also set for nearly $837 million in investment, including a new berth and thousands of anticipated jobs. State Policy: Pennsylvania has begun enforcing its skill-games ban; 81 workers are expected to lose their jobs as machines are removed. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Dave Sunday sued Western Pennsylvania men over an alleged rent-to-own scheme that left homeowners facing foreclosure and buyers at risk of eviction.

Data Center Backlash: Hazle Township residents are organizing against a proposed Amazon-linked campus despite a developer’s offer of $10,000 per resident, citing concerns about property values and new power lines. The fight is becoming a flashpoint in Pennsylvania’s midterm politics. Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has topped 1,200 cases and claimed six lives, prompting the CDC to send an investigator as officials work to contain the spread. Business Investment: Merck plans to invest $2.9 billion to expand vaccine and medicine manufacturing in Montgomery County, adding to a wave of life-sciences investment in the state. Midterm Races: Candidates in key Pennsylvania contests are clashing over affordability, health care, data centers and campaign finance, with the Perry-Stelson rematch among the races drawing attention. Skill Games: State police have begun enforcing a crackdown on illegal skill-game machines after lawmakers failed to agree on regulations. Erie Investigation: Police say the man accused of killing eight relatives and family members in Erie had controlled their finances and movements for years; investigators have yet to establish a motive.