Moves on the Board: January 5 - 9, 2026
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♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
Mayor Parker began the week by holding a ceremonial signing for the revitalization of the bus facility at 1001 Filbert Street. The mayor was joined by the Philadelphia Parking Authority and members of City Council, and she spoke about providing a clean, welcoming bus terminal for tourists attending major events in 2026.
Mayor Parker also participated in the Avenue of the Arts ceremonial groundbreaking, marking the start of a 10-block, $150 million transformation. The project aims to enhance pedestrian accessibility and establish the area as a focal point for civic life.
In addition to beautifying The Avenue of the Arts, the mayor joined America250 to unveil 22 Liberty Bells designed by local artists, which will be placed across the city. This is part of a larger arts initiative in which bells will be placed in all 67 counties to commemorate the upcoming semiquincentennial celebration.
Closing out a busy week, on Thursday, the mayor joined several officials and tax professionals to launch the Free Business Tax Preparation Program. The program, which aims to help small businesses earning less than $250,000 in revenue, provides free business tax preparation services at multiple city locations.
Next Week’s Moves
City Council is recessed until January 22, 2026.
♟️COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
The Pennsylvania Farm Show kicked off this week in Harrisburg and will last until January 17. As one of the largest indoor agricultural functions in America, it brings together people from throughout the region. During the event, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding hosted a luncheon, expressing continued support for the agriculture industry in Pennsylvania. The Governor spoke to the crowd touting his administration’s achievements for the agriculture industry during his three years in office, which include fully funding the PA Farm Bill in a bipartisan manner, launching the first-ever Agricultural Innovation Fund, and streamlining the permitting process by eliminating backlogs and providing a money-back guarantee policy. To read Governor Shapiro's full remarks, click here.
Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly was on recess this week for the state’s Farm Show. Many elected officials from across the Commonwealth attended the event, and hosted different roundtables and committee meetings discussing the importance of investing in Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry.
Committee News:
During the Farm Show, the Joint House and Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee held a hearing on farmers’ mental health and related policy gaps affecting rural communities. Lawmakers and advocates noted the elevated risk of suicide among farmers, attributed to the stressors within the agricultural sector. Senator Gene Yaw discussed challenges particular to Pennsylvania, such as the 27% of residents living in 43 rural counties. Low population density, travel distances, and limited provider availability complicate access to care, underscoring the need for flexible policy solutions tailored to rural realities.
The House Democratic Policy Committee convened on Wednesday to address Universal School Meals, hearing testimony from students, educators, and administrators. Witnesses provided accounts and data on the impact of hunger and nutrition on academic outcomes. The impact of federal SNAP cuts was discussed, and all participants recommended expanding the Commonwealth’s free school breakfast program to include lunches.
The Senate Republican Policy Committee met Monday to examine ways to improve reading performance in public schools. Testimony was received from school officials, community organizations, and advocacy groups. Speakers cited poverty, teacher shortages, funding gaps, and attendance as contributors to literacy challenges, and suggested science-based literacy instruction and Pre-K intervention as potential solutions.
Next Week’s Moves
The General Assembly will be on recess this week, as the Pennsylvania Farm Show will take place from January 10 to January 17. The House and Senate will return to Harrisburg for a voting session from Monday, January 26, to Wednesday, January 28.
♟️ON THE TRAIL
State Races
Pennsylvania House: State Representative Sheryl Delozier announced she will not seek reelection in 2026. Delozier, who has represented the 88th Legislative District since 2008, currently serves as the House Republican Caucus Administrator. Her prior roles include positions in the Auditor General’s office and the Ridge and Schweiker administrations.