Pennsylvania continues to make strides in economic development and policy reform as spring approaches. Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal, unveiled in February, aims to boost workforce development, reduce costs, and invest in economic growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The $51 billion plan includes significant funding for education, with a proposed $526 million increase for the state's poorest school districts (Spotlight PA).

In legislative news, the debate over cannabis legalization persists. Shapiro's budget pitch calls for allowing recreational cannabis sales to adults, projecting $1.3 billion in revenue over five years. However, the proposal faces opposition in the Republican-led state Senate (City & State Pennsylvania). Meanwhile, the state has seen progress in its economic development strategy, with over 4,700 new jobs created and more than $3 billion in private sector investments since 2023 (Lehigh Valley Economic Development).

Pennsylvania's business landscape is evolving, with the state launching new initiatives to streamline permitting processes. The Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Economic Development (SPEED) program and Chapter 105 Joint Permit Pilot Program aim to reduce permit backlogs and expedite economic growth (Manko Gold Katcher & Fox LLP).

On the environmental front, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection released its Priority Climate Action Plan in March 2024, identifying nine greenhouse gas reduction measures. The state is also launching the Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania Program (RISE PA), which will award up to $360 million for industrial decarbonization projects (Manko Gold Katcher & Fox LLP).

Recent severe weather has impacted the state, with a multiday outbreak in mid-March causing significant damage. Hurricane-force wind gusts were recorded in parts of Pennsylvania, leading to widespread power outages and travel disruptions (Fox Weather).

Looking ahead, Pennsylvania is preparing for its role in the nation's Semiquincentennial celebrations, with Governor Shapiro proposing nearly $65 million in funding for state events (The Philadelphia Inquirer). Additionally, the state continues to monitor federal policy changes and their potential impacts on Pennsylvania, as evidenced by Shapiro's recent lawsuit against the Trump administration over frozen federal funding (City & State Pennsylvania).