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These powerful interests donated $18M to PA’s top lawmakers

Pennsylvania lawmakers raised $42.2 million in campaign funds between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, with $25.1 million going to legislators and $17.1 million to Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro.
Pennsylvania's campaign finance laws are considered uniquely lax, contributing to a system where political fundraising and policy negotiations are intertwined.
Donors connected to K-12 schools, including teachers' unions, charter school operators, and private school backers, contributed $8.9 million to legislative leaders and campaign committees, while casinos gave $550,000 to top legislators.
According to a Franklin & Marshall poll conducted in August 2023, 93% of Pennsylvania voters believe that the influence of money in politics is a threat to democracy.
The influx of campaign money can create a financial incentive for lawmakers to adhere to their positions during policy debates, potentially influencing access and decisions on legislation ranging from school vouchers to bike lanes, despite denials from lawmakers that donations buy influence.

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WFMZ

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Center

Powerful interests poured $18M into top Pa. lawmakers’ campaign coffers

Lobbyists say such donations can lead to access, but the state's weak transparency laws make it nearly impossible to trace influence.

9 days ago·Pennsylvania, United States

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Spotlight PA

Center

These powerful interests donated $18M to PA’s top lawmakers

The Capitol Access Harrisburg Powerful interests poured $18 million into top lawmakers’ campaign coffers. Lobbyists say such donations can lead to access, but the state's weak transparency laws make it nearly impossible to trace influence. March 24, 2025 by Stephen Caruso Spotlight PA Photo illustration by Emily Scherer for Spotlight PA Support This Work HARRISBURG — Power plant operators, gambling magnates, charter school backers, and trade …

9 days ago

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newtownpanow.com

Powerful Interests Poured $18 Million Into Top State Lawmakers’ Campaign Coffers

Lobbyists say such donations can lead to access, but the state's weak transparency laws make it nearly impossible to trace influence.

7 days ago

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BCTV

Powerful Interests Poured $18M Into Top PA Lawmakers’ Campaign Coffers

Lobbyists say such donations can lead to access, but the state’s weak transparency laws make it nearly impossible to trace influence. By Stephen Caruso, Spotlight PA Photo courtesy of Emily Scherer / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. Powe…

8 days ago

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statecollege.com

Powerful Interests Poured $18M Into Top Pa. Lawmakers’ Campaign Coffers

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Power plant operators, gambling magnates, charter school backers and trade unions are among the interests that gave almost $18 million to Pennsylvania’s top lawmakers last session, ahead of debates over polici…

9 days ago·State College, United States

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