This week governors and state lawmakers across the country responded to the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, with some states taking actions to restrict abortions at the state level, while other states reaffirmed their opposition to such actions. Additionally, New York Governor Kathy Hochul chose a new Lieutenant Governor, Hawaii lawmakers passed legislation raising the minimum wage, and marijuana again dominated headline across the country.
California
Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders in California announced this week they will look to voters on the ballot this November to place permanent abortion rights protections in the state constitution.
Learn more here.
Connecticut
State lawmakers approved legislation this week that would expand the types of medical professionals who can provide abortion services in the state.
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Florida
According to some state lawmakers, Governor DeSantis may be looking to replace Reedy Creek with a state-run district.
Learn more here.
Georgia
State lawmakers are asking congressional budget writers to reject President Biden’s plan to close a training facility for military pilots in Georgia.
Learn more here.
Hawaii
Lawmakers passed legislation this week that would increase Hawaii’s minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2028.
Learn more here.
New Hampshire
A bill that would allow residents to possess and grow marijuana in New Hampshire is still alive after it was attached to a criminal justice bill that has already passed the senate.
Learn more here.
New Jersey
The state Senate is set to hold a hearing next week on the Garden State’s handling of the rollout of the adult marijuana market.
Learn more here.
New York
Governor Kathy Hochul chose Representative Antonio Delgado as her new Lieutenant Governor earlier this week, replacing former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin who resigned last month. Delgado is expected to serve as Hochul’s running mate this year too.
Learn more here.
Ohio
Some democratic state lawmakers want to protect abortion access if Roe v. Wade is overturned by amending the state constitution.
Learn more here.
Oklahoma
Governor Kevin Stitt signed legislation this week that prohibits abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.
Learn more here.
Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Wolf vowed this week to veto any legislation that would restrict abortion access while he’s still governor.
Learn more here.
South Carolina
A House leader ruled a medical marijuana proposal contained an unconstitutional tax increase and therefore cannot be considered further.
Learn more here.
South Dakota
Cannabis reform advocates turned in signatures this week to force another vote on legalizing marijuana in South Dakota.
Learn more here.
This Week’s DMGS Posts
- Which States Are Sending Relief Checks to Residents
- The U.S. annual inflation rate increased to 8.5% for the 12 months ending with March of 2022, the highest since December 1981. In addition, as of May 2, the national average gas price had risen to $4.19 per gallon for regular gas, up from $2.90 a year ago. With inflation, gas prices, and the costs of many other goods and supplies elevated, some state lawmakers are hoping to send direct relief checks to residents to help them with their expenses.
- Open Primary Legislation: Should Primaries Be Open to Independents and Others?
- An open primary is a primary election where a voter does not have to affiliate themselves with a political party to vote in that party’s primary election. At least one political party conducts open primaries for statewide and congressional offices in at least 21 states. In contrast, a closed primary is one where only political party members are allowed to vote. There has been a growing push in some states, via open primary legislation, to expand and allow additional states to conduct open primary elections.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: Staff on the Move, Promotions, and More
- Heather Hallman: new Director of Government Relations, UPMC Health Plan
- Darrin Youker: new Government Affairs Officer, Mid Atlantic Farm Credit
- Matt Seaholm: new CEO, Plastics Industry Association
- Brian Rosen: new Director, State Government Affairs, East, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Leah Robinson: new Director of Legislative Affairs and Leadership Programming
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Rob Karr: President and CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association
- Av Harris: Director of Communications, the Concord Coalition
- Robert Ribic: Director of Government Relations & Community Engagement, PA Options for Wellness Inc.
- MoReno Taylor: Field Director, Dana Nessel for Attorney General
- Shelby Rexrode: Policy Officer, PA Housing Finance Agency
Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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