Pennsylvania population lag costs state a US House seat
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Official word on Monday that Pennsylvania’s population growth continues to lag behind the nation’s marks the 10th consecutive decade the Keystone State has lost clout, even as it rose a notch to the fifth-most populous state. Pennsylvania will have one fewer electoral votes in presidential elections — from 20 to 19. It also will have one fewer U.S. House seats. Census figures show Pennsylvania’s resident population crept to just over 13 million last year from 12.7 million in 2010, a 2.4% gain. That’s far behind the nation’s growth of 7.4%. That could mean Pennsylvania will see a reduced share of federal money for Medicaid, social programs and infrastructure.