Lawmakers in states around the country kept busy this week on a range of issues including abortion, minimum wage, state budgets, firearms, and more. Notably, Alabama held its primary runoff elections this week, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb called for a special session, and Hawaii’s governor signed the first-in-the-nation $18 minimum wage bill into law.
Alabama
Katie Britt has secured the GOP nomination for an Alabama U.S. Senate seat, besting U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in a runoff election this week. The Senate seat is open due to incumbent Sen. Richard Shelby (R) retiring.
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Arizona
Arizona lawmakers started hearings this week on the state budget.
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California
Top lawmakers in the legislature announced this week an Assembly select committee that will consider what measures the state can enact to reduce gas prices as well as investigate price gouging.
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Colorado
Colorado taxpayers were initially expected to see a $400 refund this summer, but that number has increased to $750 due to an unexpected surge in income tax collections.
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Georgia
Georgia’s gubernatorial candidates, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and Stacey Abrams (D), are sparring over teacher pay increases in the Peach State.
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Hawaii
Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) signed legislation enacting the nation’s first statewide $18 minimum wage law. The bill calls for Hawaii to raise its’ minimum wage gradually from $10.10 per hour, first to $12 on 10/01/22 and then in increments until it reaches $18 on 01/01/28.
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Illinois
Illinois lawmakers want to revise their state’s energy policies following a warning of possible blackouts and rising energy prices this summer.
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Indiana
Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) this week called for a special session to begin on July 6th. Holcomb wants lawmakers to send $1 billion back to Hoosiers in order to combat inflation, but lawmakers could also address abortion during their special session.
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Kansas
The Kansas Supreme Court ruled this week that the state’s new congressional and legislative district maps are constitutional.
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Louisiana
Governor John Bel Edwards (D) signed legislation that will toughen an abortion ban that is ready to be implemented in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
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Massachusetts
This week, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) signed legislation that makes mail-in voting a permanent option in Massachusetts.
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Michigan
State lawmakers are working to introduce a package of bills that would rein in the governor’s emergency powers and include legislative oversight.
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New Hampshire
Governor Chris Sununu (R) outlined several proposals this week to provide relief to residents facing increased electric bills.
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New Jersey
New Jersey state lawmakers this week advanced a package of legislation aimed at tightening the state’s strict firearm laws.
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North Carolina
Lawmakers in North Carolina introduced a bill that its sponsors say will “de-weaponize medical debt.”
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Oregon
As soon as this week, certain low-income workers in Oregon will receive $600 one-time stimulus payments.
Learn more here.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania House State Government committee advanced legislation this week that would move PA’s presidential primary election day to the third Tuesday of March. Under existing law, PA’s presidential primary takes place on the fourth Tuesday of April.
Learn more here.
South Carolina
Gov. Henry McMaster this week signed legislation that provides both tax refunds this year and an income tax rate cut for the future.
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South Dakota
The South Dakota state Senate voted to remove Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg from office and permanently bar him from holding any public office, stemming from a 2020 car crash in which he struck and killed a pedestrian.
Learn more here.
Tennessee
State lawmakers in Tennessee have created a resolution to end all forms of slavery.
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Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) signed the state’s budget into law. The budget includes $4 billion in tax cuts, eliminates the grocery tax, increases the standard deduction, and has the largest tax rebate in Virginia’s history.
Learn more here.
Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers (D) called lawmakers to the Capitol for a special session to address legalizing abortion, but the GOP controlled legislature adjourned only seconds after gaveling into the special session.
Learn more here.
This Week’s DMGS Posts
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Tristan Breaux: new Director of Government Affairs, Tyson Foods
- Mike Hatchett: new Manager, US State Government & Community Relations (West), TC Energy
- Kyle Holder: new Commissioner, Union County Utilities Authority
- Hanna Williams: new Executive Assistant II, Public Policy, Amazon
- Erik Rison: new Senior Regional Manager, State Government Relations, WestRock Company
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Emily Hoffman: Government Affairs Associate, SoftBank Group International
- Will DuBos: Director of Government Affairs, Louisiana Restaurant Association
- John Lynch: Workforce Advisor, TRANSFR Inc.
- Erin Kanter: Director of Advocacy & Government Relations, Pennsylvania Bankers Association
- Bryan Lowe: Regional Director, State and Local Government Relations, Walgreens
- Bernard Parker: Director, Government Relations, Detroit Regional Chamber
- Dave Kralle: Director of Government & Community Affairs, Aqua
Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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