Pennsylvania

Governor drafting plan to help Pennsylvania higher ed system that’s among the worst in affordability

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2024

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Governor drafting plan to help Pennsylvania higher ed system that’s among the worst in affordability

CBS News Pittsburgh

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Gov. Josh Shapiro plans next month to propose steps toward fixing a higher education system in Pennsylvania that is among the worst in the nation in affordability, his administration said Friday.

The administration didn’t release many specifics and said the Democratic governor would give more details in his Feb. 6 budget address.

By just about every measure there is, Pennsylvania is ranked at the bottom among states in the level of higher education aid, size of student debt and affordability of its colleges. Pennsylvania spends less per capita on higher education aid than any other state except New Hampshire, Shapiro’s administration said.

This year’s spending of about $2 billion on higher education is about the same as it was 15 years ago.

In his budget, Shapiro will propose “significant” aid for state-owned universities, community colleges and their students, the administration said.

The 14 state-owned universities and 15 independent community colleges should be united under a governance system that improves coordination between the schools and limits the competition and duplication between them, the administration said.

After that, Shapiro wants to cut tuition and fees to more than $1,000 per semester for Pennsylvania students who attend a state-owned university and have a household income under the state median of about $70,000.

The administration could not immediately say how much money that would require, or where that amount of aid would place Pennsylvania in state rankings.

Eventually, the state would develop an aid formula rewarding higher education institutions for factors including growing enrollment and graduation rate, the administration said.

Schools would get incentives to recruit and support students to complete degrees and earn credentials in growing fields and fields with workforce shortages, the administration said.

The ideas sprang from a working group of college and university presidents that were assembled last year by the Shapiro administration.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania House passes bill that would raise minimum wage over several years

Published

3 hours ago

March 24, 2026

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Pennsylvania House passes bill that would raise minimum wage over several years

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would raise the minimum wage statewide.

The bill would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $11 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2027. The minimum wage would then increase to $13 per hour in 2028 and finally $15 per hour in 2029.

Representatives voted 104-95 to pass House Bill 2189, which is sponsored by Rep. Jason Dawkins, the House Democratic Communications Office announced Tuesday.

If the bill passes, counties would have the option to implement the $15 per hour minimum wage sooner than 2029. The bill would also set the minimum wage for tipped employees at 60% of the statewide minimum wage.

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage was last raised in 2009 when the federal minimum wage was increased to $7.25, House Democrats wrote in a press release.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

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“Research shows that increasing the minimum wage does not lead to job losses or business closures,” Dawkins said. “What it does lead to is financial security and better life outcomes for families relying on minimum wage work. To my colleagues in the Senate, I implore you to take up this bill and finally raise the wage in Pennsylvania.”

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lawmaker’s remove one, plant one bill to preserve state foliage advances

Published

15 hours ago

March 24, 2026

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Pennsylvania lawmaker’s remove one, plant one bill to preserve state foliage advances

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — In an attempt to protect and preserve a healthy tree canopy for communities across the Commonwealth, a Pennsylvania lawmaker is taking action.

Rep. Abigail Salisbury (D-Allegheny) previously introduced House Bill 2161, which would require utility companies to plant a new tree for each one they cut down within two years of cutting it down.

“I introduced this bill after residents and environmental advocates in our district expressed concerns that trees were being removed entirely, instead of simply being pruned or trimmed,” Salisbury said. “Maintaining a healthy tree canopy is essential for communities because it reduces stormwater runoff and air pollution, provides shade that lowers energy costs, raises property values, and increases pedestrian traffic for local businesses, among other benefits.

On Monday, the Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee voted to advance the bill to the House for consideration, according to legislative records.

“Monday’s committee action moved us a step closer to making sure those benefits continue,” Salisbury added.

Electric utilities would be required to plant a new one in a location that the municipality chooses.

She said her bill would align with existing regulations that require damage caused by utility work to be repaired, primarily work that would require excavation or other projects that break into streets and sidewalks.

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Pennsylvania

Gas prices continue climb across Pennsylvania as averages near $4 per gallon

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

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Gas prices continue climb across Pennsylvania as averages near per gallon

HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. (WOLF) — Gas prices across Pennsylvania are nearing $4 per gallon, reaching their highest point in several years.

As of March 23, the statewide average stands at about $3.94 per gallon, according to AAA.

Analysts say current prices are now at their highest level since late 2023, with national averages also approaching levels last seen during the 2022–2023 surge.

The last time prices were significantly higher in Pennsylvania was in June 2022, when the average peaked at around $5.07 per gallon, the highest on record.

The increase marks the 24th consecutive day of rising gas prices across the Commonwealth.

The national average has also climbed, reaching approximately $3.96 per gallon, as global energy markets remain volatile.

Diesel prices have surged even more sharply. AAA reports the Pennsylvania average is now about $5.67 per gallon, reflecting significant increases tied to global supply concerns.

Analysts point to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to key shipping routes as major factors driving prices higher. Oil prices have climbed above $90 per barrel, adding pressure across all fuel types.

Across the country, California continues to have the highest gas prices, while states in the Midwest remain among the lowest. Current prices are now the highest seen since late 2023.

Pennsylvania Gas Price Trend

Prices have steadily climbed since late February:

Feb. 27 — about $3.10 per gallon
Feb. 28 — above $3.15
March 1 — surpassed $3.20
March 2 — near $3.24
March 3 — about $3.28
March 4 — above $3.30
March 5 — around $3.35
March 6 — high $3.30s, some above $3.40
March 7 — about $3.45
March 8 — about $3.50
March 9 — near $3.55
March 10 — around $3.60
March 11 — about $3.65
March 12 — about $3.66
March 13 — around $3.67
March 14 — about $3.69
March 15 — about $3.70
March 16 — about $3.72
March 17 — about $3.74
March 18 — about $3.80
March 19 — about $3.81
March 20 — about $3.82
March 21 — about $3.85
March 22 — about $3.93
March 23 — about $3.94

Gas Prices in Nearby States

Drivers in Pennsylvania continue to pay slightly more than those in surrounding states, though prices are rising across the region:

New Jersey: about $3.88 per gallon
New York: about $3.90 per gallon
Ohio: about $3.74 per gallon
Delaware: about $3.70 per gallon

Northeast Pennsylvania Prices

Northeast Pennsylvania remains among the most expensive regions in the state, with many stations now charging between $3.90 and $4.10 per gallon, especially along major roadways and in metro areas.