UPDATED: 11/24 Nearly 11 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States this year, with over 247,000 deaths. As COVID-19 cases surge heading into the winter season, many states are considering or already implementing new restrictions to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Northeastern states’ governors held an emergency (virtual) summit to discuss coordinating policies to address surging COVID cases. The call included New York Governor […]
This summer, DMGS looked at gubernatorial vetoes. To recap, in a state’s checks and balances system, governors maintain the power to veto legislation. Each state has laws and rules outlining the veto process, which varies from state-to-state. There are also numerous veto types, including line-item vetoes, amendatory vetoes, reduction vetoes, pocket vetoes, and full bill vetoes. Governors across the country have vetoed numerous pieces of legislation on several topics, some more […]
Virginia lawmakers met from August through October in an unusual special session featuring hand sanitizer stations, Plexiglas separators, masks, and video chats. On October 21, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed a myriad of bills from the special session related to the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery, criminal justice reform, policing, and more. Which bills made it past the finish line to become law? COVID-19 Response & Recovery Legislation HB 5041 […]
In Michigan, lawmakers recently passed a package of legislation to address various COVID-19 policies, including those related to extending unemployment benefits and addressing COVID-19 liability. Unemployment Benefit Extension Senate Bill 0886 amends the Michigan Employment Security Act to add several provisions regarding COVID-related unemployment benefits. The bill essentially codifies and makes law Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-76. Currently, someone eligible for unemployment benefits in Michigan may receive benefits for […]