Pennsylvania House Democrats have begun circulating multiple cosponsor memos laying the groundwork for legalizing adult-use cannabis. Social equity, limits on potency and deciding who gets to sell it are still in the air.
Pennsylvania's three statewide row officers will be sworn in to new four-terms on Tuesday, joining Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg and marking the first time that the state's voters elected Republicans to fill all three offices at the same time.
State Rep. Matthew Gergley died on Sunday from a health emergency he suffered last month. Democrats will continue to control the Pennsylvania House even though the chamber is tied at 101 seats for each party.
Public transportation funding continues to remain a top issue during the new legislative session. SEPTA, the country’s sixth largest transit agency, faces an annual $240 million budget shortfall.
Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton was reelected as speaker even though the House is tied at 101 members in each caucus. Gov. Josh Shapiro praised House Republicans for allowing the vote to happen.
Act 146 of 2024, which protects pets from domestic abuse situations, will go into effect starting Jan. 17, 2025. The Humane Society states that 71% of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted their pets.
Pa. House Democrats will control the chamber even though one of their members suffered a medical emergency last week. They will lead operations of the House even though it is tied 101 to 101 for the start of the new legislative session.
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009. It’s the lowest minimum wage compared to all of the commonwealth’s neighboring states.
From the ongoing fight to fully fund public education to the legalization of adult use cannabis, the Pennsylvania General Assembly will have their work cut out for them in 2025. Democrats will also have to work on protecting three Supreme Court justices who are up for retention election in the new year.
Pennsylvania House Democrats are welcoming five new members to the chamber when the session starts in January. They look forward to making progress with education funding, protecting workers rights and delivering justice for survivors of child abuse.
