Welcome to the latest edition of Voices of Reason where we’ll recap exclusive news and data featured in our most recent podcast.
This new segment dives into what you need to know about Gen Z voters, trades vs. college, Philly's big Super Bowl win, and more.
PA State Senator Joe Picozzi and Commonwealth Foundation Senior Fellow Guy Ciarrocchi share insights you don’t want to miss.
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PA State Senator Joe Picozzi explained why he thinks partisanship is getting less intense. "I think amongst young people, there is a sense of 'I don't really care about the party, who's the person? What are they all about? What's their deal, what's their motivation for doing this? What's their vibe?'" [Watch]
Commonwealth Foundation Senior Fellow Guy Ciarrocchi breaks down how the proposed Governor's budget has "more want to, than wallet" highlighting how the State's independent fiscal office has said, "if we keep spending all the money we have saved it is going to run out." [Watch]
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Youth Population
- Young voters (18-34) made up over 80% of new registrations after Biden's July resignation from the 2024 election. [NewPAProject]
- Voters 18-24 shifted 21 points toward Republicans in 2024, reflecting a broader rightward trend among those under 40. [City&StatePA]
Voter Interests
- Approximately 12.6% of PA adults lack basic literacy; 18% of residents aged 16–74 are at or below PIAAC literacy level 1. [PAACE]
- Shapiro's 2025-26 budget invests in vocational and technical education, with 75,000+ youth participating. [Commonwealth]
Elections
- Only 42% of young PA voters aged 18-29 went to the polls in 2024—the lowest youth vote since 2000. [TuffsCircle]
- The number of young registered voters in PA declined by 6% between 2020 and 2024. [Statista]
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State Sen. Joe Picozzi gets candid about starting out in Harrisburg, PA's youth vote, and Philly's big win 🦅🏆
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The Voices of Reason podcast has covered the most important issues in Pennsylvania politics – from education funding to trust in elections. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity, and House Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris are just a few of many influential guests who have joined us for exclusive interviews and roundtable discussions.
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