The Calm Before the Storm

Legislature

Welcome Rep. Goughnour!

On April 7, the PA House’s newest member was sworn into office. Congratulations to Rep. Dan Goughnour who represents the 35^th Legislative District. He was a law enforcement officer and captain of police detectives with the McKeesport Police Department and served on the McKeesport Area School District Board prior to his election. He is also a member of Teamsters Local 205.



The Senate returns to session on May 5 when it is expected that Senator-Elect James Malone will be sworn into office.

Administration

May Election is on the Horizon

The May primary is Tuesday, May 20. The PA Department of State is reminding residents that the deadline to register to vote or to update your voter registration is May 5.

Those applying to vote by mail-in ballot must submit their application by May 13. Secretary of State Al Schmidt reported earlier this month that the department has already approved 692,919 mail-in ballot applications. 

Public-Private Partnership Proposals

PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through April 30 for PennDOT-owned projects, infrastructure, and services. The bi-annual process seeks innovative ways to deliver transportation projects for infrastructure and transportation-related services and programs.



The state's Public-Private Partnership (P3) law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.

PUC Public Hearing on Grid Impacts

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) released its agenda for its upcoming public hearing to explore the impact of data centers and other large load customers on the state’s electric grid. The goal of the hearing is to determine how to ensure a fair, transparent, and forward-looking approach to connecting high-energy users to the grid while protecting existing utility customers.

The hearing will be held on Thursday, April 24 at 1 PM, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg. The hearing is open to the public, though seating is limited. It will also be broadcast live on the PUC Live Streaming Channel.

You can find all of the information on the event online at the PUC’s hearing information page. A recording of the hearing will also be posted to the hearing information web page following the session.

In related news, PJM announced that it will be working with Google and Tapestry to collaborate on using AI for faster grid connections.

March Unemployment Rate Holds Steady

In March, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.8%, remaining below the national rate of 4.2%. The state added 20,900 nonfarm jobs over the month, marking the 11th consecutive record high, with notable growth in education & health services and leisure & hospitality. Over the year, total jobs increased by 86,700, led by a 48,500-job gain in education & health services.

View the full release here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/newsroom/pennsylvania-unemployment-rate-remains-steady-at-3-8-percent-in-.html

What's Next

The House will reconvene on Monday, April 21, at 12 PM for a non-voting session.

The Senate will return to session on Monday, May 5 at 1 PM.

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