Happy New Year! As lawmakers begin returning to their respective capitals to convene for their 2024 legislative sessions and governors begin outlining their visions for their states this year, we’ve taken the liberty to put together a list of session dates that can be viewed here that also includes which party controls each legislative chamber and governor’s office. We hope you find this guide useful as you gameplan for 2024.
In our weekly recap, we look at the different issues facing lawmakers this year. A number of states are facing budget deficits, numerous states are looking at addressing regulating artificial intelligence, and more.
Alabama
Lawmakers in Alabama are considering new legislation to legalize gambling in the state, continuing debate of an issue that has raged on for decades in the state.
Learn more here
Arkansas
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) announced the state will participate in a federal program that provides food for children during their summer break from school. Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer will provide $120 in food benefits for each low-income student that is eligible for the program.
Learn more here
Arizona
Lawmakers are coming back to session this coming week and they are facing a massive $1 billion budget deficit.
Learn more here
California
On the agenda for lawmakers this session is how to cover an approximate $68 billion deficit, along with how to govern the use of artificial intelligence.
Learn more here
Colorado
About one-third of state lawmakers in Colorado have gotten their seats through a vacancy committee process, but there is a push to replace that process with special elections, allowing voters to have a say over who should fill vacant seats.
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Connecticut
Various new Connecticut state laws went into effect on January 1st, including one regulating online dating sites, and another increasing the minimum wage in the state.
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Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly (D) has announced the state has reached its highest employment rate in their history. The Kansas Department of Labor has released data that concludes the rate is at or below 5%, which many experts consider as “full employment.”
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Kentucky
Governor Andy Beshear (D) gave his 5th State of the Commonwealth Address on Wednesday, January 3rd. In his address, he outlined his achievements during his first term in office, including building the Brent Space Companion bridge that excludes tolls, protecting health care access for residents, and he also laid out his plans for the upcoming legislative session.
Learn more here
Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) is slated to give her sixth State of the State Address on January 24th in the Michigan House Chamber in front of a joint session of the legislature.
Learn more here
Maryland
Lawmakers are set to return to Annapolis and are facing various issues, including ambitious education, transportation, and climate plans.
Learn more here
Minnesota
This week, Governor Tim Walz (D) discussed what could be in store for Minnesota in 2024 from a policy perspective. According to Walz, a public construction projects bill will be the primary focus for this year’s legislative session.
Learn more here
New Jersey
Lawmakers are advancing legislation that would raise legislator pay from $49,000 to $82,000. The new increase would go into effect in 2026 and would be the first legislator pay increase in New Jersey in over two decades.
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New York
New York is facing a $4.3 billion budget deficit, something lawmakers and the governor must confront as they begin their 2024 legislative session.
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Ohio
A pair of lawmakers have introduced legislation to change how Issue 1, the state’s recently voter-approved abortion issue, would be implemented.
Learn more here
Oregon
Top lawmakers this week discussed top priority issues for this year’s legislative session, including housing, behavioral health, drug addiction, and education.
Learn more here
Pennsylvania
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R) was re-elected as the Senate’s presiding officer this week and gave remarks indicating 2024 could be the year to make some serious changes to the way Pennsylvania funds its education system, increase the minimum wage, and craft stronger laws against human trafficking.
Learn more here
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