Governors’ State of the State Addresses: Key Themes and Major Policy Priorities
Ryan StevensGovernors’ State of the State addresses serve as annual roadmaps outlining each state’s legislative priorities and policy vision for the year ahead. These speeches often focus on economic growth, public safety, education, and infrastructure while...
Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 Budget Address: Key Takeaways and Policy Highlights
Ryan StevensPhoto credit: iStock.com/BackyardProduction Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his 2025-26 budget address, outlining economic initiatives, public safety measures, infrastructure improvements, and education funding. His speech emphasized continued investment in key sectors to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy and...
Pennsylvania’s Energy Future: Examining Shapiro’s Lightning Plan
Ryan StevensAs Pennsylvania continues to navigate an evolving energy landscape, state leaders are proposing new approaches to ensure reliability, affordability, and sustainability. Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced his “Lightning Plan”, a six-part initiative aimed at reshaping...
Weekly State of the States: January 31st, 2025 Edition
Ryan StevensAs legislative sessions ramp up across the country, lawmakers are tackling a wide range of policy issues—from animal welfare and prison reform to cryptocurrency and education funding. In Alabama, legislators are considering new protections for...
Navigating Multi-State Lobbying: A Conversation with Kristen Casimir
Ryan StevensAs legislative sessions kick off across the country, advocacy professionals must navigate diverse political landscapes, shifting priorities, and fast-moving policy developments. In this episode of Back in Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit...
A Rundown of President Trump’s Notable Day-One Actions
Ryan StevensOn January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking the beginning of a second term in office. Trump immediately set the tone for the administration by signing...
The Evolving Landscape of NIL Rights for Student Athletes: State-Level Updates in 2025
Ryan StevensThe rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has revolutionized collegiate athletics, empowering student-athletes to monetize their personal brands while maintaining eligibility, something we previously covered in 2023. Since California’s groundbreaking Fair Pay to...
Digital Driver’s Licenses in 2025: Key State Legislation and Trends on Mobile IDs
Ryan StevensAs technology continues to evolve, digital driver’s licenses (also known as mobile IDs) are gaining traction across the United States. States are increasingly exploring legislative measures to modernize driver identification systems, enabling drivers to use...
States Act on Climate Superfunds
Ryan StevensAs the impacts of climate change intensify, several U.S. states are taking legislative steps to address the mounting costs of adaptation and resilience. New York, New Jersey, and Vermont have recently introduced or enacted laws...
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