Moves on the Board: March 23 - 27, 2026
Denotes a Bellevue Strategies client.
♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
Mayor Parker made a significant announcement this week regarding funding for Philadelphia public schools, proposing an amendment that would increase the city's rideshare tax from 20 cents to $1 per trip. The administration testified before City Council that following the budget address, a prescheduled meeting with the School District revealed the district's deficit was far larger than anticipated — a consequence of expiring federal COVID relief funds — prompting the amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 tax plan. If approved by Council, the tax would take effect on January 1, 2027, and is projected to generate $48 million annually, all of which would be directed entirely to the School District. Without the additional funding, the administration warned that the School District planned to eliminate approximately 340 school-based positions, with direct consequences for teachers and student outcomes.
On the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative, the city issued $400 million in bonds through the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) — the first installment of the $800 million bond component of the broader $2 billion housing initiative. The city capitalized on strong investor demand during the sale to reduce overall borrowing costs, cutting total debt service by approximately $7.5 million.
Over the weekend, Mayor Parker attended the 14th annual UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball, which raised $1 million in support of scholarships and educational opportunities at historically Black colleges and universities. The black-tie event drew more than 800 attendees, including business leaders and elected officials.
Earlier in the week, the mayor attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Community College of Philadelphia's new naval welding and non-destructive testing training facility, where officials recognized the inaugural cohort of students to complete the program. The curriculum provides hands-on preparation for careers in welding and inspection.
Tuesday brought a full slate of public appearances. Mayor Parker first kicked off a block party celebrating America's 250th birthday, where she announced the launch of the Block Party Bonanza initiative — a program designed to bring festive, community-centered celebrations to neighborhoods across the city. She then attended the Women in Public Safety Conference at the Fairmount Horticulture Center, an event focused on advancing the leadership and professional growth of women in the field. To close out the day, the mayor joined Villanova University's Praxis Award Ceremony, which honored Della Clark for her service and contributions to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia City Council
This week the Committee of the Whole held the first two budget hearings for FY27, focusing on the Administration’s overall financial plan and revenue outlook, followed by initial departmental testimony that outlined proposed spending priorities, baseline operations, and key investments, with Councilmembers raising early questions around funding assumptions, areas of increased or reduced investment, and the proposed tax increases all around. .
Philadelphia City Council held its regular stated meeting on Thursday with a focus on more honorary resolutions in honor of Women’s History Month. Along with those, City Council continued to discuss the Home Rule Charter and is going back to the drawing board on Councilmember Thomas’ “Resign to Run” bill that had been previously passed out of council.
Please see below for other bills and resolutions of note.
Ordinances
Bill 260263 (Councilmember Thomas) Repealing Bill No. 241056 requiring city employees to resign from their city office before becoming candidates for public office.
Bill 260264 (Councilmember Thomas) Amending the Home Rule Charter to allow for the creation and incorporation of the Office of Creative Philadelphia into the City Government.
Resolutions
Resolution 260271 (Councilmember Thomas) Authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings on Philadelphia County’s plan to preserve election integrity and public safety amid worries of the federal government’s potential deployment of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to polling locations.
Next Week’s Moves
Coming Up:
On Monday, March 30, the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless will meet to discuss two bills relating to licensing and inspection requirements as well as ongoing protections for tenants.
On Tuesday, March 31, the Committee of a Whole will hold a budget hearing discussing Administrative & Government Operations. This hearing will cover the Chief Administrative Office, the Office of Human Resources, and the Office of Innovation & Technology.
On Wednesday, April 1, the Committee of a Whole will hold two budget hearings. In the morning, the Department of Human Services and the Mayor’s Office of Education will testify. In the afternoon, Parks and Recreation and the Free Library of Philadelphia will present their testimonies.
There is no City Council Session on Thursday, April 2, ahead of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
♟️COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
Governor Josh Shapiro announced this week that three new free FIFA Fan Zones will be located across the Commonwealth for the 2026 World Cup matches in Philadelphia. The Fan Zones will be set up in Redding, Scranton, and Pittsburgh and will feature live entertainment, interactive programs, vendors, and family-friendly activities. The World Cup is expected to draw 500,000 visitors to Philadelphia and bring over $700,000 in economic benefits to the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlighted the Administration’s recent $6 million investment over 2 years to provide free menstrual products in public schools. Secretary Bogen went on to promote the Governor’s budget proposal, which calls for an additional $3 million to ensure the initiative continues.
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich visited a vacant, 80,000-square-foot facility with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, which will soon be turned into 65 affordable housing units for older adults. As part of this visit, the Secretary highlighted the Governor’s Housing Action Plan, which aims to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to safe, affordable housing.
Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
Governor Shapiro Unveils Three Free FIFA Fan Zones Across Pennsylvania for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Governor Shapiro Appointed as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Governors' Sportsmen’s Caucus
Statement from Governor Shapiro on Today’s Decision from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate were in Harrisburg this week for a voting session from Monday, March 23, to Wednesday, March 25. The House held several informational hearings and passed critical pieces of legislation out of their chamber, including amending the liquor code ahead of America250 celebrations, raising the minimum wage to $15/Hour, and codifying marriage equality.
Democratic state Representatives Jen Mazzacco and Ana Tiburcio were sworn into office this week, after both winning a special election at the end of February. There are now 65 women serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which has a total of 203 members, which is an all-time high.
Legislative Movement
Presented to the Governor:
Passed House Chamber:
HB200: The Family Care Act
HB562: UC Eligibility for Education Support Professionals
HB802: Right-to-Know Law Disability Accommodations
HB1191: Rail Safety
HB1257: Expanding the Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption
HB1718: Flood Insurance Disclosure
HB1800: Marriage Equality
HB1834: Data Centers and Consumers
HB1851: Expanding Midwifery Access
HB2024: Increasing Awareness of Military Sexual Trauma
HB2163: Easing Restrictions on Dental School Faculty
HB2189: Raising Minimum Hour to $15/Hour
HR385: Rosie the Riveter Day
HR394: Bayard Rustin Day
HR406: National Social Work Day
HR418: Honoring Former PA Supreme Court Justice Sandra Schultz Newman
HR424: Prince Hall Mason Day
HR440: Fight of the Century Day
HR445: THON 2026: Love Leads Forward
HR446: Greek Independence Day
HR450: Black Midwives Day
HR454: Bangladesh Day
HR456: Recognizing the Pennsylvania-Canada Relationship
Passed Senate Chamber
Committee News:
House:
House Energy - Public Hearing
HB2076: Advancing Geothermal Energy Development
On Tuesday, March 24, the House Energy Committee held a public hearing to discuss HB 2076, a bill by Rep. Venkat that would establish a regulatory framework for emerging technologies in the geothermal energy sector. The bill would expand the definition of geothermal technologies to encompass new technologies and techniques, such as injection wells. The bill would also establish subsurface ownership rights for these wells and permit the repurposing of abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal use. Representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and the Sebree Law Firm provided testimony. The testifiers spoke to the importance of both encouraging the further development of geothermal energy throughout the Commonwealth and ensuring that the geothermal sector works in conjunction with traditional oil and gas industries. The panel discussed the efficiency of geothermal energy but acknowledged that the Commonwealth's overall energy production potential is still being determined.
House Housing & Community Development - Informational Meeting
The House Housing and Community Development Committee held an informational hearing in East Stroudsburg on workforce and attainable housing, with lawmakers and stakeholders emphasizing affordability challenges across the Poconos and statewide. Tarah Probst highlighted rising costs impacting seniors and first-time homebuyers, while panelists pointed to zoning restrictions, regulatory burdens, and limited funding as key barriers to expanding housing supply. Testimony underscored the need for senior housing, workforce housing, and adaptive reuse of existing properties, alongside continued support for programs like PHARE. Industry leaders also warned that housing shortages are constraining economic growth, particularly in tourism and hospitality, and contributing to workforce shortages. Lawmakers, including Brandon Markosek, discussed potential legislative solutions, such as sealing eviction records and zoning reforms. At the same time, members raised concerns about private equity’s role in the housing market, short-term rentals, and the need for greater coordination among municipalities. Overall, the hearing reinforced housing affordability as a complex, statewide issue requiring policy, regulatory, and market-based solutions.
Events & Press Conferences:
The Arts and Culture Caucus held its annual Arts Advocacy Day press conference this week, where Kelley Gibson of Creative Pennsylvania and caucus co-chairs Rep. Lee James and Rep. Joe Ciresi called for increased state investment in the arts. Speakers highlighted the sector’s economic impact, generating roughly $30 billion annually and supporting over 200,000 jobs, while noting Pennsylvania ranks just 33rd in per capita arts funding. While Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposes a $2 million increase, advocates are pushing for $5 million, citing years of flat funding and inflation. Eric Cesar Morales of the Philadelphia Folklore Project also emphasized the broader cultural and developmental importance of the arts, particularly for children and communities.
PHAC Press Conference
On Wednesday, March 25th, the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Coalition (PHAC) gathered in Harrisburg to advocate for food access throughout the Commonwealth. The speakers extolled the crucial work that food banks throughout Pennsylvania have done as food prices have continued to increase and households face other rising costs. The coalition met with several legislators throughout the day to advocate for increased funding for Pennsylvania’s emergency food system.
Next Week’s Moves
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will return to Harrisburg for a voting session from Monday, April 13, to Wednesday, April 15.
♟️ON THE TRAIL
State Races
Pennsylvania House District 12
State Representative Stephenie Scialabba (R) has announced that she will resign from the House on March 31, 2026. Rep. Scialabba has been in the House since 2022 and represents part of Butler County including the townships of Adams, Cranberry, and Jackson. A special election will need to be held at the Speaker's discretion.