Christen Smith

Christen Smith is the Pennsylvania News Editor for The Center Square and has more than a decade of experience covering state and national policy issues from all angles.

Politics
Trump returning to Butler on Saturday

(The Center Square) – On Saturday, former President Donald Trump will return to the same rally stage in Pennsylvania where he stood when a would-be assassin opened fire in… Read More

October 4, 2024
Public Education
Mother laments Pennsylvania’s school choice stalemate

(The Center Square) – Another year, another budget plan adopted in Pennsylvania. Despite a $3 billion increase in spending – including record investment in struggling school districts –… Read More

August 1, 2024
Government
New school tax credit plan emerges in Pennsylvania

(The Center Square) – A new plan quietly introduced in the state Senate would create a refundable tax credit for educational expenses, including private school tuition. The proposal… Read More

July 3, 2024
Government
Policy weighs locking up Pennsylvania students’ cell phones

(The Center Square) – A new plan moving through the state Senate would disconnect students from their cell phones during school years – literally. The pilot program covers… Read More

June 26, 2024
Government
Pennsylvania’s education reform legislative recap

(The Center Square) – Both legislative chambers left town this week after advancing sweeping educational reforms likely to wind up – in some form – woven into the state… Read More

June 18, 2024