With the 2020 Census looming, lawmakers are still considering the prospect of whether to allocate state funding to Gov. Tom Wolf’s commission charged with getting the word out about the survey, which proponents argue could help fight against undercounting in the state.

But lawmakers expressed an array of concerns at a Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing on the matter Monday. They ranged from ruffled feathers over Wolf’s decision to unilaterally bond $90 million to fund voting machine replacement in the state to criticism over a lack of communication from the commission and worries the commission has not done enough to ensure it targets rural residents.

Gov. Tom Wolf was joined by Pennsylvania Victim Advocate, Jennifer Storm, a handful of legislators and advocates for a ceremonial signing of a package of bills that expand protections and supports crime victims. 

Some citizens want to see legislatures pass bills with widespread partisan support in rapid fashion to target acknowledged problems. In the case of House Bill 1614, it might be a case of “be careful what you wish for.” 
 
The General Assembly passed a bill that offers “concurrent jurisdiction” in Philadelphia to address the rising gun violence problem in less than a month. Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) introduced the bill on June 11, received only one “nay” vote in both chambers, and was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf (D) on July 2.

Pennsylvania Democrats have proposed myriad ways to legalize marijuana in the Keystone State. The most common avenue suggested is a market-based approach that empowers growers and dispensaries; others have advocated for its sale through the state-store system alongside liquor.

 

Regardless of how to best administer it, the criminal justice side of the marijuana discussion has not been lost as lawmakers grapple with what to do with criminal records plagued by past marijuana convictions.