Refresh: What is a Special Session? Unlike a regular legislative session, legislatures hold special sessions to deal with specific issues or topics, limiting the session’s scope to these issues. Each state has its own rules and laws for special session procedures, including how they are initiated. In 14 states, only the Governor can call for a special session. Meanwhile, either a state’s Governor or legislature can call a special session […]
by: Ryan J. Stevens Congress passed the CARES Act nearly six months ago, which provided roughly $2 trillion to individuals, businesses, and states in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The Act also included payments of as much as $1,200 for individual taxpayers and $500 per child, phased out when incomes exceed $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples filing jointly. In May, the House passed the $3 trillion Heroes […]
by: Ryan J. Stevens As COVID death tolls in the United States continues to rise and the economic impacts of the uncontained pandemic continue to harm schools, businesses, and households, many states are considering requiring flu vaccinations this fall. Which states may require flu vaccines this fall? Massachusetts The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends an annual influenza vaccine for anyone older than six months. In August, the Commonwealth announced […]
Congress gets back to work in Washington this week with brokering funding deals at the top of the agenda. Both the House and Senate must pass a stopgap spending bill to fund the government and prevent a shutdown on September 30. Congressional leaders plan to prioritize the most time-sensitive legislation during the short September session. Legislative efforts in both chambers to respond to Covid-19 and its economic effects hampered work […]