Check out the week as tweeted from lawmakers, influencers, and others around Pennsylvania state government.

Many lawmakers and conservationists breathed a sigh of relief when the Department of Environmental Protection announced last week it would halt permit review on the controversial Mariner East pipeline.

But not Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester).

“On the heels of that announcement, I’m watching bulldozers roll into my neighborhood right now,” Friel Otten said. “As I drive through my community, they are ramping up to get started on construction throughout Chester County again.”

In this week's 3 under 3, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman kicked off his marijuana listening tour, legislators and school districts discussed Gov. Wolf's proposal to raise the minimum pay for teachers, and lawmakers are working on bills that would lead to safer conditions for the staff in prisons. 

Pennsylvania Democrats are hoping that one of their latest legislative packages will help curb discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus released a seven-pronged plan earlier this week that aims to make work a fear-free environment for Pennsylvanians.

 

Titled “Work Without Fear – It’s Your Right,” the Democratic plan aspires to give both workers and companies the resources they need to limit harassment and discrimination. Democrats will include measures to require interactive harassment and discrimination training for all employees, interns and volunteers across the state, as well as proposals to help protect employee rights in the workplace.

Philadelphia’s City Council passed an ordinance Thursday to ban cashless businesses from the city by a 12-4 vote, following a vigorous floor debate.

Council took up the measure to ensure citizens who operate without credit or debit cards have access to businesses across Philadelphia. Certain food establishments and other tech-savvy retailers have gone cashless to expedite service and lower costs. The measure has received national coverage, including mention on “CBS This Morning” Thursday before the vote.