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Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

Capitol Reporter

Email: scaruso@spotlightpa.org
Twitter: @StephenJ_Caruso
Telephone: (267) 846-9034
Signal: (267) 846-9034

Focus: Governor’s office, legislature
Pennsylvania’s governor and 253-member General Assembly drive decision making in Harrisburg. Their often closed-door dealings dictate how billions in taxpayer dollars are spent each year. They also make public policy decisions on issues from energy and criminal justice to naming an official state amphibian. Caruso analyzes what gets done and why, and holds lawmakers accountable for what lingers on Harrisburg’s agenda.

A New York native, Caruso attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he learned how to report at his student newspaper, The Pitt News. After graduating, he moved to Harrisburg in March 2018, where he has covered state government and politics, in particular the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Latest by Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA


Democrats again secure one-vote Pa. House majority after special election win

The vacancy was created when progressive state Rep. Sara Innamorato resigned to focus on her run for Allegheny County executive.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

A bipartisan bill seeks to crack down on Harrisburg’s ‘revolving door’ of lobbyists

Lawmakers and public officials can start lobbying their ex-colleagues within a year. A new bill would add another year to that ban.

By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

Elecciones Pa. 2023: Una guía completa de los candidatos a la Commonwealth y las Cortes Superiores

Durante las elecciones del 7 de noviembre, seis candidatos se presentarán a las cortes de apelación intermedias de Pensilvania, que ejercen un poder significativo sobre las disputas legales y los casos penales que afectan directamente su vida.

By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA and Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Elecciones Pa. 2023: Una guía completa de los candidatos a la Corte Suprema del estado

En las elecciones del 7 de noviembre, el demócrata Daniel McCaffery y la republicana Carolyn Carluccio competirán para ocupar un asiento vacante en la Corte Suprema de Pensilvania.

By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA and Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Pa. election 2023: What to know about the judicial retention questions on the November ballot

Pennsylvania voters will be asked to consider giving two Superior Court judges new 10-year terms. These little-noticed ballot questions can have huge ramifications.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

Pa. election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for Commonwealth and Superior Courts

During the Nov. 7 election, six candidates will run for Pennsylvania’s intermediate appellate courts, which wield significant power over legal disputes and criminal cases that directly affect your life.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA and Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Pa. election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for state Supreme Court

During the Nov. 7 election, Democrat Daniel McCaffery and Republican Carolyn Carluccio will compete to fill an open seat on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA and Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

A plan to stop diverting road dollars to Pa. State Police could be a final piece of this year’s budget

Pennsylvania gives millions of dollars meant for road and bridge repairs to the State Police each year. Lawmakers are weighing how to end those transfers.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

How a recent court ruling could put the brakes on water and sewer privatization in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court found a state commission should not have approved the sale of a municipal sewer system to a private company.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

Pa. budget impasse nears end as Gov. Josh Shapiro signs main spending bill

The governor signed a $45.5 billion appropriations bill after a month-plus dispute over a private school voucher program.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA and Katie Meyer/Spotlight PA
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