GOP lawmaker tests positive, Democrats are fuming

Democrats in the Pennsylvania House are demanding answers after learning Wednesday a GOP colleague tested positive for COVID-19 — a week ago.

Rep. Andrew Lewis said in a statement he sought a test May 18 and received a positive result two days later. He said he had been in the Capitol as recently as May 14. At least one of his colleagues, Rep. Russ Diamond, self-quarantined after being told of Lewis' test result. The GOP is refusing to say who else was notified of the test result because they might have come in contact with Lewis.

The revelation brought the House to a standstill, as Democrats scrambled to figure out their risk of exposure. Several have called for Republican leaders to resign. 

Meanwhile, the state Senate pressed on and sent Gov. Tom Wolf a short-term budget that does not raise taxes and keeps funding level for all state departments. Lawmakers are also moving forward with plans to start spending some of the $3.9 billion in discretionary federal dollars the state has been sitting on for weeks.

Finally, we're excited to welcome three new partners: Mon Valley Independent in Monessen, North Penn Now in West Point, and Saucon Source in the greater Saucon Valley area. We now provide our journalism to 35 newsroom partners in all corners of the state.

— Sarah Anne Hughes, Spotlight PA