rjstevens23

About Ryan Stevens

Ryan, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a dynamic professional at DMGS, specializing in multi-state government affairs, business development, and grassroots consulting. With a background in politics and government, he has successfully assisted clients across various states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Virginia, Tennessee, Los Angeles, and Texas. Notably, he co-hosts the "Back in Session" podcast, exploring state-level policies and legislation. Recognized for his achievements, Ryan was named to the Central Penn Business Journal's "2023 Lobbyist Power List" and City & State PA's "40 Under 40" list in 2022. Before joining DMGS, he served as the District Director for state Representative Sheryl Delozier and was the youngest elected official in Monroe County's history during his tenure on the East Stroudsburg School Board. A 2014 graduate of East Stroudsburg University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in German, Ryan resides in Harrisburg with his wife, Amanda.

Weekly State of the States: March 21st, 2025 Edition

2025-03-21T23:28:34-04:00

As spring unfolds across the United States, state legislatures are buzzing with activity, tackling a diverse array of issues from public safety and economic innovation to energy policy and health care affordability.  This week’s DMGS State of the States brings you the latest legislative highlights from coast to coast. From Alabama’s crackdown on "Glock switches" [...]

Weekly State of the States: March 21st, 2025 Edition2025-03-21T23:28:34-04:00

State Lawmakers Address THC-Infused Beverage Regulations: What’s Next for Hemp-Derived Drinks?

2025-03-18T15:11:06-04:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/IURII BUKHTA THC-infused beverages are gaining traction across the country as an alternative to traditional cannabis products. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products containing less than 0.3% THC, regulations surrounding THC beverages vary widely from state to state. Some states have integrated these drinks into existing cannabis or alcohol [...]

State Lawmakers Address THC-Infused Beverage Regulations: What’s Next for Hemp-Derived Drinks?2025-03-18T15:11:06-04:00

Leveling Up Advocacy: Inside the Video Game Industry with ESA’s Andrew O’Connor

2025-03-06T21:57:35-05:00

Welcome to Back in Session! This week, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara welcome Andrew O'Connor, Director of State Affairs at the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), for an engaging dive into the world of video game advocacy. From policy challenges to personal gaming tales, this episode is a must-listen for fans and industry enthusiasts alike. [...]

Leveling Up Advocacy: Inside the Video Game Industry with ESA’s Andrew O’Connor2025-03-06T21:57:35-05:00

Calling Balls and Strikes with PA House GOP Leader Jesse Topper

2025-02-28T13:50:49-05:00

Pennsylvania is at a crossroads on key policy issues, from energy independence and economic growth to education reform and election integrity. With a nearly even partisan split in the House, legislative battles are heating up in Harrisburg. On this episode of Back in Session, House Republican Leader Jesse Topper joins us to break down the [...]

Calling Balls and Strikes with PA House GOP Leader Jesse Topper2025-02-28T13:50:49-05:00

Legislating in a Divided Pennsylvania: State Rep. Schlossberg on Policy, Politics & Progress

2025-02-25T09:36:16-05:00

In this episode of Back in Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara welcome Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg, a key leader in the House Democratic Caucus. They discuss his journey in public service, his policy priorities, and the state’s legislative landscape. Key Takeaways from our Discussion: Eagles, Giants, and Personal Reflections 🏈 The hosts [...]

Legislating in a Divided Pennsylvania: State Rep. Schlossberg on Policy, Politics & Progress2025-02-25T09:36:16-05:00

Weekly State of the States: February 21st, 2025 Edition

2025-02-25T10:21:21-05:00

This week, state legislatures are tackling a range of pressing issues, from economic policy and public safety to artificial intelligence and alcohol sales. Connecticut aims to lead in AI innovation, while Arkansas lawmakers debate petition reform. Maryland considers allowing grocery stores to sell beer and wine with additional taxes to expand access in food deserts, [...]

Weekly State of the States: February 21st, 2025 Edition2025-02-25T10:21:21-05:00

AI Gun Detection Legislation: A Look at State-Level Approaches

2025-02-18T22:23:44-05:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/Nastco The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and public safety is rapidly evolving, with state legislatures across the country considering policies related to AI-driven firearm detection technology, something we covered on our podcast recently. While some states embrace AI-powered surveillance tools to enhance school security, others impose strict limitations on its deployment in [...]

AI Gun Detection Legislation: A Look at State-Level Approaches2025-02-18T22:23:44-05:00

States Enhancing Government Efficiency in 2025: The Rise of DOGE Initiatives Across the U.S.

2025-02-17T14:11:39-05:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/sommart In 2025, state governments across the U.S. are advancing initiatives to improve administrative efficiency and modernize civil service, adopting tailored strategies to better serve residents. Recognizing the importance of adaptability, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, several states are considering the creation of temporary government entities to develop strategies to meet their unique fiscal [...]

States Enhancing Government Efficiency in 2025: The Rise of DOGE Initiatives Across the U.S.2025-02-17T14:11:39-05:00

Red States Push Forward with DEI Bans in 2025

2025-02-13T11:20:59-05:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/designer491 As 2025 unfolds, Republican governors and state legislators are accelerating efforts to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Building on President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14151: Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, directing the termination of all federal mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities relating to “diversity, equity, inclusion, [...]

Red States Push Forward with DEI Bans in 20252025-02-13T11:20:59-05:00

Governors’ State of the State Addresses: Key Themes and Major Policy Priorities

2025-02-07T15:36:33-05:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/urfinguss Governors' 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 addressing both statewide challenges and broader national trends. Governors across the country emphasized job creation, tax [...]

Governors’ State of the State Addresses: Key Themes and Major Policy Priorities2025-02-07T15:36:33-05:00
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