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.

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

Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 Budget Address: Key Takeaways and Policy Highlights

2025-02-04T13:04:57-05:00

Photo 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 public services. Here are the major takeaways. Economic Growth and Job Creation Pennsylvania has added 170,000 jobs since [...]

Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 Budget Address: Key Takeaways and Policy Highlights2025-02-04T13:04:57-05:00

Pennsylvania’s Energy Future: Examining Shapiro’s Lightning Plan

2025-02-03T11:22:00-05:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/Hamburg Studios As 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 the state’s energy sector. The proposal, which comes ahead of Shapiro’s 2025 budget address, seeks to [...]

Pennsylvania’s Energy Future: Examining Shapiro’s Lightning Plan2025-02-03T11:22:00-05:00

Weekly State of the States: January 31st, 2025 Edition

2025-01-31T16:44:08-05:00

As 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 tethered dogs, while Arizona explores the use of public funds for Bitcoin investments. Meanwhile, Michigan is pushing for greater transparency [...]

Weekly State of the States: January 31st, 2025 Edition2025-01-31T16:44:08-05:00

Navigating Multi-State Lobbying: A Conversation with Kristen Casimir

2025-01-31T14:49:03-05:00

As 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 down with Kristen Casimir, a government affairs expert who covers multiple states across the southeastern U.S. Kristen shares her journey [...]

Navigating Multi-State Lobbying: A Conversation with Kristen Casimir2025-01-31T14:49:03-05:00

A Rundown of President Trump’s Notable Day-One Actions

2025-01-22T10:28:42-05:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/Bet_Noire On 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 sweeping executive orders. On his first day, President Trump signed a series of executive orders that reflected [...]

A Rundown of President Trump’s Notable Day-One Actions2025-01-22T10:28:42-05:00

The Evolving Landscape of NIL Rights for Student Athletes: State-Level Updates in 2025

2025-01-16T18:15:37-05:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/Naypong The 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 Play Act in 2019, which allowed college athletes to earn compensation through endorsements and other NIL activities, [...]

The Evolving Landscape of NIL Rights for Student Athletes: State-Level Updates in 20252025-01-16T18:15:37-05:00

Digital Driver’s Licenses in 2025: Key State Legislation and Trends on Mobile IDs

2025-01-15T17:04:23-05:00

Photo credit: iStock.com/StudioGraphic As 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 their smartphones as a secure alternative to traditional driver's licenses. In 2023, we covered developments in states [...]

Digital Driver’s Licenses in 2025: Key State Legislation and Trends on Mobile IDs2025-01-15T17:04:23-05:00
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