Government Relations Updates
The excitement continues to build for the America250 celebration across the state, with Governor Shapiro announcing the “America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series,” a free, multi-city event celebrating local communities during Pennsylvania’s most important year. In Philadelphia, the week was marked by the collapse of a parking garage at a Grays Ferry construction site, but there were bright spots: the mayor announced the expansion of reentry support services in recognition of Second Chance Month, including the opening of a new Neighborhood Resource Center in North Philadelphia.
The Bellevue Compass
Congress is out until next week, but that doesn’t mean it’s quiet on the Hill. In fact, it’s been a loud couple of days out of Washington, beginning with President Trump’s FY2027 proposed budget, handed to Congress last week, and his online threats against Iran that enraged both the Democratic Party and his own. We break it down in this week’s Compass.
In Case You Missed It
The impact of last year’s cuts to government agencies saw thousands of federal workers laid off or losing their jobs entirely here in Pennsylvania. An Inquirer article breaks down where the cuts occurred.
As Vice President JD Vance leaves for Islamabad to begin negotiations with Iran, the conflict between Lebanon and Israel throws a wrench in the peace talk plans. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, said Friday there will be no negotiations with the U.S. without a ceasefire in Lebanon and a release of blocked Iranian assets.
On Thursday, the USPS informed federal budget officials that it would temporarily suspend its employer contributions to Federal Employees Retirement System annuities.
Inflation climbed to an annual rate of 3.3 in March and gasoline jumped by 21.2%, according to the Labor Department’s report, released Friday.
The Artemis II mission will splash down around 8 PM tonight in the Pacific after a successful mission around the moon.
Go Phillies! ⚾️
See you next week!
The Bellevue Team