HARRISBURG, Pa. – With the midterm elections less than a month away, Gov. Josh Shapiro and his Republican challenger, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, went head to head in their first and only debate Wednesday night.
The two candidates were questioned on everything from data centers to affordability.
This debate came just weeks before Pennsylvania voters will go to to the polls to cast their ballots for governor.
The debate focused on a number of issues impacting Pennsylvanians, starting off with data centers.
Candidates were also questioned on how they plan to make Pennsylvania more affordable.
Another hot button topic Wednesday: skill games.
The state Supreme Court ruled the games are illegal, and the attorney general says they must be removed by Oct. 14.
Treasurer Garrity expressed her support for how skill games generate income for American Legions and help them give back to the community.
Garrity was asked how much she thinks skill games should be taxed.
“I support a flat dollar per month, $500 per month, for 50,000 machines,” she said. “That brings about $300 million in revenue to the state.”
Shapiro has proposed a 52% tax on skill games. Some argue this is too high. Shapiro was asked for his response to the criticisms.
“I’ve ben consistent on this issue for the last four years,” he said. “I’ve urged lawmakers to pass my legislation which would allow roughly 45,000 of these machines to be regulated. Right now, they are illegal.”
Election Day is quickly approaching. The polls open at 7 a.m. on Nov. 3. The last day to register is Oct. 19.