In this week’s DMGS Weekly State of the States, we highlight Alabama’s efforts to assist low-income families with energy costs, Arizona’s debate over abortion reporting laws, and Arkansas’s ambitious cost-saving government initiatives. From New York tackling the opioid crisis to Virginia’s proposed tax relief measures, we break down the policies shaping state governance. Stay informed on the trends and decisions impacting communities from coast to coast.
Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey (R) has approved a $44.5 million grant to help low income families with home energy costs. This is designed to target heating costs during the winter and cooling costs during the summer. The funding will be distributed to local aid organizations who will receive the funding and then review applications from families for financial assistance.
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Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs (D) is calling for legislators to repeal the state law that requires an annual abortion report. The report began with voluntary participation from licensed providers in 1976 and became mandatory in 2010.
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Arkansas
The Arkansas Forward report, a state initiative focused on saving money and improving government services, is expected to save the state $300 million over the next six years. The progress report, delivered to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) on Monday, outlines improvements in five key areas: information technology, state purchases, state vehicles, state employees and state government buildings. Many of the initiatives outlined in the report are already underway.
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California
Ahead of Trump returning to the White House, Assembly member Al Muratsuchi, a Democrat from Redondo Beach, introduced a bill to protect schools and daycares from ICE raids.California is preparing policies to protect undocumented residents, including students, from potential federal deportation actions. These include a legal defense fund and a bill to protect schools and daycares from ICE raids.
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Connecticut
Connecticut Democrats plan to reintroduce a Warehouse Workers Protection Act next year. The proposed law would limit strict production quotas, and guarantee warehouse workers food and bathroom breaks. The announcement comes as Amazon workers at seven major hubs went on strike Thursday, and workers in four states hit the picket lines just days before Christmas.
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Maryland
President-elect Trump rejected a bipartisan plan that would have given D.C. control of land around RFK Stadium and provided Maryland with F-16s and funds for bridge reconstruction. Despite the rejection, Maryland still hopes the Commanders will stay in Landover.
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Massachusetts
Lawmakers have abandoned the controversial idea of safe injection sites as part of a compromise bill addressing addiction and substance use disorder, which was filed Tuesday following months of private negotiations.
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Michigan
The Michigan Senate and House adjourned for the year amidst partisan conflict. The House failed to reach a quorum due to a Republican walkout protesting inaction on bills supported by the business community. Disagreements centered on phasing out tipped wages and new paid sick leave mandates.
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Mississippi
Mississippi replaced its school funding program with a new formula that uses “weights” to increase funding for students with special needs. The new formula went into effect in July, and the Senate Education Committee received an update recently on its progress.
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Missouri
State Representative Dean Van Schoiack (R) introduced legislation that aims to tighten rules around government drone operations in the state. One bill would require state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant to use drones for the purpose of gathering evidence or information “pertaining to criminal conduct” and another bill would prohibit government agencies from using drones in Missouri that are manufactured or believed “to be owned or controlled, in whole or in part, by a country of concern.
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New Jersey
Two state legislators, Sen. Nellie Pou and Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr., recently gave farewell speeches during their last legislative sessions. Pou was elected to replace Rep. Bill Pascrell, who passed away in August. Conaway, on the other hand, will be replacing Sen. Andy Kim, who had filled the Senate seat vacated by Sen. Bob Menendez following his corruption conviction. Combined, the two departing legislators had dedicated over 50 years of service to the Statehouse.
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New York
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed a series of bills on Tuesday to address the opioid and overdose epidemic in New York and the nation. The legislation aims to reinforce New York’s leadership in providing life-saving resources and education to combat substance abuse and overdose deaths.
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Ohio
Ohio House Bill 8, also known as the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” by supporters and the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by opponents, has been passed by the Ohio Senate and House and is awaiting Governor DeWine’s signature. The bill mandates that schools create a religious release time policy and requires educators to disclose students’ sexual orientation to their parents. It also prohibits sexuality content instruction for students in kindergarten through third grade and requires schools to inform parents about sexuality content materials in advance, allowing them to request alternative instruction.
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Pennsylvania
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) indicated he will include recreational cannabis legalization in his budget request again this upcoming year, and there’s growing hope for success from advocates due to regional reform developments and increased urgency among lawmakers and advocates.
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Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) proposed a state budget plan that includes tax relief on tips and cars, with the goal of giving money back to middle- and lower-income workers. The proposal also aims to increase funding for schools, maternal health, and disaster relief. Youngkin’s administration states that these adjustments are possible due to surplus funds from fiscal year 2024.
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