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Cynthia Fernandez

Stories by Cynthia Fernandez

The Capitol

The proposal was inspired by former Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, who had a "painfully distant" relationship with Gov. Tom Wolf. — JOSE F. MORENO / Philadelphia Inquirer

Voters may never again get to choose Pa.’s lieutenant governor candidates

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Feb. 23, 2021

Education

Only a fraction of state education funding actually goes through a far funding formula, designed to help poor and underfunded districts. — TIM TAI / Philadelphia Inquirer

The $1 billion plan to close the gap between growing and shrinking Pa. school districts

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Feb. 18, 2021

The Capitol

Currently, Gov. Tom Wolf is the only person who can end a disaster declaration. That would change under the proposed constitutional amendment. — Commonwealth Media Services

Pa. voters will get the last word in struggle between Wolf and lawmakers. Here’s what you need to know.

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Feb. 5, 2021

The Capitol

Rep. Mark Rozzi (seen here in 2018) announced Thursday there was support in the House for an emergency constitutional amendment.

Pa. House moves to get legal relief for clergy abuse victims back on spring ballot

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Feb. 4, 2021

The Capitol

“No matter how great a parent you are, if your local school system lacks the resources it needs to provide your kids with a quality education, that’s a barrier to giving them a better life," Gov. Tom Wolf said in his budget address Wednesday. — TIM TAI / Philadelphia Inquirer

Wolf asks for tax increase on Pa.’s top earners amid pandemic, GOP pans proposal as ‘irresponsible’

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Feb. 3, 2021

The Capitol

Gov. Tom Wolf used his veto power to nix a record 19 bills passed by the legislature in 2020 — 15 more than he did in 2019. — JOSE F. MORENO / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. enacted 140 laws last year. Only 27 of them addressed the coronavirus.

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Feb. 3, 2021

The Capitol

Gov. Tom Wolf and others rallied in September 2018 at the state Capitol in favor of clergy abuse reforms. Wolf on Monday signaled he would support creating a two-year window for retroactive lawsuits through the legislative process. — Commonwealth Media Services

There’s another path for survivors of clergy sex abuse to get justice. It faces an uphill climb.

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Feb. 1, 2021

The Capitol

Law enforcement has erected orange fencing and deployed armed officers outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol. — Mark Pynes / PennLive

Law enforcement in Pa. preparing for possible unrest despite ‘no specific threats’ to the Capitol

by Joseph Darius Jaafari of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Jan. 14, 2021

The Capitol

In a statement, Gov. Tom Wolf said the proposal “would hinder our ability to respond quickly, comprehensively, and effectively” to another wave of COVID-19.” — ALEJANDRO A. ALVAREZ / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. GOP lawmakers want voters to give them the power to end governor’s emergency orders

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Jan. 13, 2021

The Capitol

State Sen. Doug Mastriano is facing calls to resign from state Democrats over his attendance at a rally in Washington that led to the mob attack on the Capitol. — Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA

A Pa. Republican lawmaker who marched to the Capitol before the mob attack is facing calls to resign

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Jan. 8, 2021

Elections

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) — Andrew Harnik / AP

Top Pa. lawmakers who rejected election results denounce U.S. Capitol mob

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Jan. 6, 2021

The Capitol

Amid high emotions and partisan fingerpointing, Republicans also took the rare step of removing the Democratic lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, from running the session. — JOSE F. MORENO / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. GOP senators refuse to seat Democrat and remove Lt. Gov. Fetterman from presiding

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Jan. 5, 2021

The Capitol

Lawmakers from both parties and the anti-gerrymandering group Fair Districts PA want the rules adopted in 2021 to emphasize collaboration, rather than partisan politics. — KALIM BHATTI / The Philadelphia Inquirer

Frustrated by the Pa. legislature? How obscure rules kill reforms and fuel partisan gridlock

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Jan. 5, 2021

Coronavirus

GOP lawmakers largely have not changed their position on how Pennsylvania should approach the crisis — emphasizing personal responsibility, not state mandates. — KALIM BHATTI / The Philadelphia Inquirer

As coronavirus hits home, Pa. GOP shifts messaging but still rejects mandates

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Dec. 15, 2020

Coronavirus

Gov. Tom Wolf is currently isolating at home after testing positive for COVID-19. — Commonwealth Media Services

Wolf temporarily suspends Pa. indoor dining, school sports

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA and Jamie Martines of Spotlight PA

Dec. 10, 2020

Coronavirus

Gov. Tom Wolf — Commonwealth Media Services

Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf tests positive for the coronavirus, other officials in quarantine

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA

Dec. 9, 2020

Elections

House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R., Lancaster) signed onto the letter. — Dan Gleiter / The Patriot-News

GOP leaders ask Congress to reject Pa.’s electors for Joe Biden

by Marie Albiges for Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Dec. 4, 2020

Elections

A hearing organized by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin), one of the chamber’s most conservative members, appears to have violated policies the chamber adopted in the wake of the pandemic. — Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA

GOP leadership silent after Pa. senator tests positive for COVID-19 following maskless election event

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Dec. 1, 2020

Elections

In voting against the state House's request to audit the election, Rep. Jake Wheatley (D., Allegheny) said it was duplicative of the Department of State's audit, which is required by law. — Commonwealth Media Services

In rare move, bipartisan panel rejects Pa. House request to audit 2020 election

by Marie Albiges for Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 23, 2020

The Capitol

House lawmakers voted 104-97 to approve the main budget bill and expected late Friday to also consider the enabling fiscal code, which provides spending instructions. — KALIM BHATTI / The Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. budget doesn’t raise taxes or bail out industries hit by the coronavirus

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 20, 2020

Coronavirus

House Minority Whip Jordan Harris (D., Philadelphia) also announced this week he had tested positive for COVID-19. — Joe Hermitt / The Patriot-News

Pa. lawmaker claims Capitol unsafe after fifth member tests positive for COVID-19

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 20, 2020

The Capitol

The U.S. Treasury Department gives states broad discretion to use aid funding to pick up payroll costs for state employees who spend substantial time responding to the pandemic. — KALIM BHATTI / The Philadelphia Inquirer

Remaining $1.3 billion in coronavirus cash to prop up Pa. state budget rather than help ailing industries

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 19, 2020

Elections

Though Republicans performed exceptionally well in down-ballot races — flipping two row offices and maintaining their legislative majorities — both rank-and-file members and leadership have repeatedly accused the Wolf administration and state Supreme Court of attempting to undermine the election’s integrity. — Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA

Pa. GOP advances audit of 2020 election, says it’s not about fraud

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 18, 2020

The Capitol

Sen. Kim Ward, a Republican, is the first woman to become majority leader in the General Assembly’s 338-year history, replacing Centre County’s Jake Corman (left). — Senate Republican Caucus

Two women just made history in the Pa. legislature. Will that be the last thing they have in common?

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 18, 2020

The Capitol

Lawmakers face a Nov. 30 deadline to pass a budget for the remaining seven months of the fiscal year. — KALIM BHATTI / The Philadelphia Inquirer

Feds reject Pa.’s plan to spend up to $300M in stimulus money for school property tax relief

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 16, 2020

Elections

Roughly two dozen lawmakers called for the creation of an investigatory committee with subpoena power to conduct an immediate audit, saying they had fielded widespread doubts about the fairness of the Nov. 3 presidential election. — Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA

Pa. GOP lawmakers to probe unverified fraud claims in election they largely won

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA and Marie Albiges for Spotlight PA

Nov. 10, 2020

Elections

Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman said while he doesn’t “have any evidence of misdoing,” half of the state will not have faith in the results because of actions taken by Kathy Boockvar, the secretary of the commonwealth, in administering the election. — Matt Rourke / Associated Press

Top Pa. Republican casting doubt on vote while conceding he doesn’t have ‘any evidence of misdoing’

by Marie Albiges for Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 6, 2020

Elections

Volunteers open and sort mail-in ballots in Erie while poll watchers observe. — ROBERT FRANK / For Spotlight PA

The months-long political saga that guaranteed a long vote count in Pennsylvania

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Nov. 4, 2020

Education

In this file photo, a student walks into a classroom at Jay Cooke Elementary in North Philadelphia. Philadelphia is among the school districts most shortchanged by the way Pennsylvania funds public education, according to a new analysis in a lawsuit challenging the system. — HEATHER KHALIFA / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. schools need an additional $4.6 billion to close education gaps, new analysis finds

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA and Maddie Hanna of The Philadelphia Inquirer

Oct. 27, 2020

Elections

A worker organizes mail ballots in Chester County. Pennsylvania counties have been flooded with mail ballot requests, and the days-long process of counting them can’t begin until Election Day under current state law. — Margo Reed / Philadelphia Inquirer

Talks collapse on a deal to let Pa. counties open mail ballots before Election Day

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA and Jonathan Lai of The Philadelphia Inquirer

Oct. 22, 2020

The Capitol

The resolution would have created a committee of five House lawmakers — three Republicans and two Democrats — to investigate and review the Nov. 3 election. — HEATHER KHALIFA / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. Republicans drop effort to create ‘election integrity’ panel with subpoena power

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Oct. 9, 2020

The Capitol

Rep. Aaron Bernstine — seen here at a reopen rally outside the Capitol in April — apologized for “jokes that went too far” during a family vacation. — DAVID MAIALETTI / Philadelphia Inquirer

House GOP leadership calls on lawmaker to resign over vulgar videos

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Oct. 8, 2020

The Capitol

County commissioners for months have pleaded for more flexibility to begin processing mail-in and absentee ballots before Election Day, a practice known as “pre-canvassing.” — TIM TAI / Philadelphia Inquirer

Lawmakers mount new push to give Pa. counties more flexibility in counting mail-in ballots

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Oct. 8, 2020

Coronavirus

The state House of Representatives canceled its voting session Thursday after a Republican lawmaker tested positive for the coronavirus, delaying a crucial vote to extend a rent relief program that has just expired. — STEVEN M. FALK / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. House lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19, delaying legislation on election, rent relief

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Oct. 1, 2020

The Capitol

The resolution would create a committee of five House lawmakers — three Republicans and two Democrats — to investigate and review the Nov. 3 election. — HEATHER KHALIFA / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. Republicans want to create and control an ‘election integrity’ panel with subpoena power

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Sept. 30, 2020

The Capitol

The Pennsylvania legislature could decide to offer its own slate of electors by invoking Article II of the U.S. Constitution. — KALIM BHATTI / The Philadelphia Inquirer

Could the Pa. GOP bypass the popular vote regardless of who wins? Here’s what we know.

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Sept. 25, 2020

The Capitol

Grassroots and good-government groups have long wanted to take lawmakers completely out of the process and hand over the job to a committee of average citizens. — TIM TAI / Philadelphia Inquirer

Lawmakers' power to redraw Pa.'s political maps could be more limited in 2021

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Sept. 22, 2020

The Capitol

Counties are anxiously waiting to see if lawmakers and Gov. Tom Wolf will extend the amount of time elections boards have to begin “pre-canvassing” mailed ballots. — TYGER WILLIAMS / Philadelphia Inquirer

Voting victories for Democrats in Pa. might have closed the door on more election reform

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Sept. 18, 2020

Coronavirus

An at-times tense debate was the latest in what’s become a war between the executive and the GOP-controlled legislative branch over the state’s coronavirus response. — Kalim A. Bhatti / Philadelphia Inquirer

Latest Pa. GOP attempt to strip Gov. Tom Wolf of his coronavirus emergency powers fails

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Sept. 2, 2020

Elections

Drop boxes were used in Philadelphia during the June primary and have been embraced by other counties as a way to ease the anticipated Election Day burden. — YONG KIM / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. GOP advances election bill that would ban drop boxes, get mail-in ballots to voters earlier

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Sept. 1, 2020

Elections

“I think what we need to do is make people feel comfortable and safe in terms of their voting,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. — Commonwealth Media Services

Surge in mail-in ballots could delay election results, so Wolf wants to change the rules

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Aug. 27, 2020

Coronavirus

In June, the legislature voted to force Wolf to end the state’s COVID-19 disaster declaration, which greatly expanded the Democratic governor’s powers. — KALIM A. BHATTI / For Spotlight PA

Thwarted at every turn, Pa. GOP lawmakers hatch new plan to curtail Wolf’s emergency powers

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Aug. 25, 2020

The Capitol

Gov. Tom Wolf delivered a message to lawmakers Tuesday: "We’ve got to get back to doing things that actually matter to people.” — Commonwealth Media Services

Gov. Tom Wolf wants Pa. to legalize marijuana, provide more COVID-19 relief this fall

by Jamie Martines of Spotlight PA and Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Aug. 25, 2020

Coronavirus

State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D., Chester) questioned whether the state's recommendations, in reality, operate as mandates because districts are concerned about being sued. — Office of Sen. Andrew W. Dinniman

Pa. lawmakers concerned ‘guidance’ for schools could open the door to COVID-19 lawsuits

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Aug. 19, 2020

Coronavirus

One major pain point in Congress’ current negotiations is whether the feds will provide any additional money to states. — Carolyn Kaster / AP

How arguments in Washington are holding up coronavirus relief in Pennsylvania

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Aug. 7, 2020

Education

Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera (seen here at the Community College of Philadelphia in November 2019) — MICHAEL BRYANT / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. education secretary will step down in October to lead Lancaster technical college

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

Aug. 4, 2020

Coronavirus

Rep. Russ Diamond (seen here at a Capitol demonstration on May 15, 2020) has been one of the loudest opponents of a Wolf administration order requiring most people to wear a mask while in public. — YONG KIM / Philadelphia Inquirer

Lawmaker mimics top health official’s call for transgender acceptance to defend not wearing a mask

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA and Julia Shanahan for Spotlight PA

July 30, 2020

Coronavirus

In recent weeks, Gov. Tom Wolf (seen here in Harrisburg on July 9) has repeatedly justified the decision, saying he provided ample warning to counties. — Commonwealth Media Services

Gov. Tom Wolf cited his emergency powers to withhold millions from a Pa. county. Now it's suing.

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

July 22, 2020

Coronavirus

Sen. Tom Killion (R., Delaware), seen here in the Capitol in December 2019, plans to introduce a bill that would provide additional financial assistance to individuals and small businesses. — Commonwealth Media Services

More help may be on the way for Pennsylvanians struggling to pay utility bills

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

July 21, 2020

Coronavirus

The debate surrounding how the state should handle the coronavirus pandemic has descended into an all-out interbranch war. — Commonwealth Media Services

Pa. lawmakers want voters to weaken governor’s emergency powers, boost their own

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

July 16, 2020

The Capitol

Democrats have called the measures first steps, as they press GOP leadership to go further and take up more complex issues like curtailing when officers can use deadly force. — KALIM BHATTI / The Philadelphia Inquirer

Everything you need to know about Pa. police reform efforts by the legislature

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

July 9, 2020

The Capitol

Independent research shows gerrymandering protects incumbents and strips communities of political power by heavily concentrating one party’s voters into a single district or spreading them out unnaturally. — TIM TAI / Philadelphia Inquirer

Lawmakers will rule again over redrawing of Pa. political boundaries, but critics aren’t giving up

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

July 8, 2020

The Capitol

States lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow certain municipalities to ban residents from setting off fireworks. — Paul Vasiliades / Flickr

In Pa.’s growing fireworks war, it’s fed-up residents versus cold, hard cash

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

July 3, 2020

Coronavirus

In March, Gov. Tom Wolf issued the emergency order as Pennsylvania began reporting its first COVID-19 infections. — Commonwealth Media Services

Pa. GOP can’t unilaterally end Gov. Tom Wolf’s coronavirus disaster declaration, state Supreme Court rules

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

July 1, 2020

Coronavirus

Gov. Tom Wolf said new "hot spots can be traced to situations where Pennsylvanians were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing." — Commonwealth Media Services

Pennsylvania mandates masks in public for most people amid coronavirus increases

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

July 1, 2020

The Capitol

Black Democrats who demanded action in the wake of Floyd’s death called the reform a first step. — ELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Philadelphia Inquirer

Effort to track police use of force in Pa. would lack racial data, public transparency

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

June 24, 2020

The Capitol

Bryan Cutler's rise comes as the state is grappling with how to best respond to a continuing public health crisis. — Matt Rourke / AP Photo

After sudden Turzai resignation, GOP elevates new leadership in Pa. House

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

June 22, 2020

The Capitol

“It all begins and ends with this database,” said Michelle Kenney, the mother of Antwon Rose II. — Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo

Mother of Antwon Rose II applauds confidential police hiring database, but does it go far enough?

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

June 20, 2020

The Capitol

The LGBT flag flies at the Capitol building in Harrisburg. — Office of Gov. Tom Wolf

Despite landmark ruling, Pa. GOP leaders in no hurry to extend LGBTQ protections under state law

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

June 18, 2020

The Capitol

The House Judiciary Committee considered the bills one week after Black Democrats took control of the chamber to demand Republicans consider a host of reforms in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd and widespread protests. — MONICA HERNDON / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. advances reforms to create confidential police disciplinary database, as NY, NJ take steps to make records public

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA

June 15, 2020

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