Pennsylvania News Summary - March 2025

A series of significant events have shaped Pennsylvania's landscape this month. In Montgomery County, health officials confirmed the state's first measles case of 2025, related to an unvaccinated child who had recently traveled internationally. The county is conducting contact tracing and urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date (NBC Philadelphia).

On the economic front, Governor Josh Shapiro's administration announced that since 2023, the state has secured over $3 billion in private sector investments and created more than 4,700 jobs. This success is attributed to strategic improvements in economic development, including the launch of Pennsylvania's first statewide Economic Development Strategy and significant investments in key industries (PA.gov).

In Harrisburg, the state legislature is reviewing Governor Shapiro's proposed $51 billion budget for 2025-26. The plan includes increased funding for education, economic development, and public safety initiatives. Notable proposals include expediting corporate tax cuts, legalizing recreational marijuana, and allocating $161 million to support SEPTA, potentially averting service cuts (City & State PA).

Weather-wise, Pennsylvania experienced a mix of conditions in early March. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh reported that while recent rains have helped alleviate drought conditions in some areas, concerns persist, particularly for wildland fire risks after leaf-fall. Long-range forecasts suggest a milder and wetter than average March (NWS Pittsburgh).

In transportation news, a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that a SEPTA train that caught fire in Delaware County on February 6 had reported issues prior to the incident, including a "strong burning smell." The fire resulted in approximately $10 million in equipment damages, and the investigation is ongoing (PennLive).

On the environmental front, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) is set to launch two new programs in 2025 to address permit backlogs: the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Economic Development (SPEED) program and the Chapter 105 Joint Permit Pilot Program. These initiatives aim to significantly reduce permit processing times for various environmental applications (Manko Gold Katcher & Fox LLP).

Looking Ahead: Pennsylvania is preparing for several upcoming events and developments. The state will host the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh in 2026, making it the first state to host the draft in two different cities. Additionally, PADEP is expected to release details about its new Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) Program, which will award up to $360 million for industrial decarbonization projects. As spring approaches, residents and officials alike are keeping a close eye on potential weather-related challenges and opportunities for economic growth.