HD-12 Special Election Result

In Butler County, Democrat Brandon Dukes defeated Republican Scott Timko in the House District 12 special election. (Unofficial returns are available here.) The victory marks a notable political shift for the local district.

Both candidates are set to face off again in the upcoming November general election. 

Data Center Infrastructure Executive Order

Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, establishing tighter governance over tech infrastructure proposals in Pennsylvania. The mandate directs Commonwealth agencies to require all data center projects seeking state permits to adhere to the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements.

This action aims to ensure large-scale data facilities align with state standards for grid stability and sustainable development. 

Learn more.

Innovate in PA 2.0 Tax Credit

As part of the Fiscal Year 2026–27 state budget, Pennsylvania launched the Innovate in PA 2.0 Tax Credit, authorized at $125 million over the remainder of the decade to support early-stage ventures. Funded through the state's sale of Insurance Premium Tax Credits to insurance companies, the program directs grants to startups in life sciences, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and regional venture studios.

The initiative reflects the administration's ongoing strategy to leverage state tax credits to boost business growth, job creation, and workforce development partnerships across high-tech sectors. 

Multimodal Transportation Fund Investments

PennDOT announced nearly $54 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund awards supporting 50 projects across 27 Pennsylvania counties. The investments target improvements across highways, bridges, aviation, ports, bike paths, and pedestrian networks. 

View the full list of awards here.

School Safety and Mental Health Grants

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School Safety and Security Committee allocated over $140 million to boost school safety and mental health resources across public and nonpublic schools.

Marking the largest single-year state investment of its kind, the funding draws from $120 million secured in the 2026–27 state budget combined with unspent PCCD funds.

The state grants will directly support physical security upgrades and student mental health initiatives. 

Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program Funding

State officials, led by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley, highlighted successful remediation efforts under the Act 2 Land Recycling Program at the former Hazelwood Coke Plant site in Pittsburgh.

To sustain this work, the 2026–27 state budget includes a one-time $20 million transfer into the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) program. This funding ensures the DEP can continue environmental investigations and site cleanups while the state seeks a permanent long-term funding source. 

PA Chamber Named 2026 State Chamber of the Year

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry was awarded the 2026 State Chamber of the Year title by the National Association of State Chambers.

This recognition represents the organization's highest national honor.

Representing over 13,000 businesses statewide, the PA Chamber was commended for its advocacy work and results-driven support for the state’s business community. 

Back to School Safety Guidance

As the new school year begins across the Commonwealth, it's the perfect opportunity to reminders all of us of important tips as drivers and families navigating school zones and bus routes.

Motorists are reminded to slow down for flashing yellow lights and stop completely for red flashing lights and extended stop arms.

Parents are encouraged to teach children bus stop safety rules, including standing ten feet back from the curb, waiting for the driver's signal to board, and looking left-right-left before crossing the street. 

What's Next

The House is scheduled to have a ceremonial session day in Philadelphia on September 9 before returning to session on Monday, September 28.

The Senate is scheduled to return to session on Monday, September 28.

At C&G Strategies, our communications and government relations professionals have leveraged their decades of experience to provide helpful Insights for our clients and the Influence to ensure they are heard. As a C&G Strategies client, you always have an “IN.”