Election opens key spots in Harrisburg
Behind closed doors in the majority caucus room, House Democrats will gather in a couple weeks to elect a new leadership slate. Posts ranging from majority leader to caucus administrator are at stake. The lawmaker occupying the latter post, Rep. Dan Surra, D-75, went down in defeat election night.

Dispelling the many election day myths
As Pennsylvania voters contemplate standing in long lines at the polls Tuesday, they may want to consider an official statement about election day myths.

Budget shortfall remains a hot topic
Five months ahead of Gov. Ed Rendell’s next state budget address, Pennsylvania’s fiscal health is increasingly a subject of public debate.

Health care biggest unresolved issue
Health care is the biggest issue left unresolved from the fall legislative session.

No easy fix for transportation trouble
Federal highway officials rejected Interstate 80 tolls.

Shale-drilling water use flap on tap
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee plans a hearing Tuesday on the natural gas boom in the Marcellus Shale formation covering a large part of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Testifying will be state environmental officials and oil and gas industry representatives.

Add toll gantries to scrap heap, for now
Get ready to add “Open-Road Tolling Facilities” along Interstate 80 to a list of state-sponsored projects that haven’t been built in Pennsylvania.

Winter energy costs heat up public policy
A bit of a chill in the late summer air has policymakers focusing on the cost of heating homes this winter.