(6/2025) Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Wrong Move for PA

On Wednesday, legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in the Commonwealth was approved by the House in a 102-101 party-line vote. I voted no. House Bill 1200 would empower the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) to regulate and sell recreational marijuana to adults at state-run stores like those that sell alcohol. The urgency to legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania stems from unrealistic revenue projections in the proposed 2025-26 state budget that anticipate marijuana sales will generate more than $500 million in taxes and licensing fees. However, estimates to get the program up and running are upwards of $400 million. In addition to the costs and obvious health and safety concerns, the bill runs contrary to federal law, which still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug. The measure now goes to the state Senate on concurrence.

Agricultural Deer Program Changes Adopted

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has adopted changes to the agency’s agricultural deer control permit program, which would help farmers address deer damage to crops. The program expands opportunities for hunters to harvest additional antlerless deer on enrolled farms and lengthens hunting seasons. Most notably, it removes the rule limiting hunters to four agricultural deer permits, also known as "ag tags" or "red tags," to harvest antlerless deer for any particular property. Plus, the time frame during which the tags can be used is more than doubled.

Other than a brief closure during the peak of fawning season in spring and early summer, the ag tags are now permitted during regular deer seasons. Hunters using those tags will be limited to using the sporting arms allowed in those seasons. Otherwise, hunters may use any lawful sporting arm. Finally, those who apply to enroll their farms in the program will be required only to certify they are the owner or lessee of both the agricultural interest adversely affected by deer damage and the hunting rights covered by the permit. Previously, to be eligible, applicants had to supply a deed or a lease agreement.

Growing Greener Plus Grant Program Accepting Applications

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for a new round of Growing Greener Plus grants. This opportunity includes three grant programs, which are intended to address nonpoint source pollution through local, watershed-based planning, restoration and protection efforts. These include:

• Growing Greener Watershed Restoration and Protection Program grants are to restore impaired water and protect waterways from nonpoint source pollution.
• Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act grants are intended to help treat abandoned mine discharge sites.
• Act 167 Stormwater Management Planning grants are to assist in the preparation of stormwater management plans.

Growing Greener grants can be awarded to watershed groups, local or county governments, municipal authorities, county planning commissions, county conservation districts, councils of governments, educational institutions or nonprofit organizations. Applications are due by Friday, June 20.

Seizing Opportunity Through AI

Growing the state’s energy industry would enable us to capitalize on the growing economic opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI). The House and Senate Policy committees recently held a joint public hearing in Pittsburgh to explore how AI is already reshaping Pennsylvania’s economy. Industry-leading experts shared how AI is having a significant impact on operations in health care, aerospace and banking. Ken Zapinski, director of research and public policy for Pittsburgh Works Together, stated that Pennsylvania must build more power plants, take advantage of old industrial sites that have access to existing gas and electric infrastructure, and minimize permitting and development hurdles to fully take advantage of the rapidly expanding AI industry. Our AI Opportunity Task Force is also talking with AI business leaders to learn more about the policies necessary to support the growth of this industry.

Boosting Accountability for Higher Education Funding

A council created last year to establish a new funding model for state-related universities in the Commonwealth has unanimously approved its report and recommendations to improve accountability in higher education funding. Under Act 90 of 2024, the Performance-Based Funding Council was charged with developing a new funding model using performance-based metrics designed to increase degree attainment, encourage affordability, meet workforce needs and grow the economy. If adopted, the model would apply to new funding for Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University.

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2025 Class

Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. You may request a mailed application or ask questions by contacting the academy via email at RA-MVPACHALLENGE@pa.gov or by calling 717-861-7767.