Governors and lawmakers across the country were busy this week on a myriad of issues. Notably, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed a universal licensing bill, Montana lawmakers are advancing a proposal to TikTok from operating anywhere in the state, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) unveiled his budget this week which included a proposed a $2,500 tax break for teachers, police officers, and nurses.
Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey (R) has called a special session of Alabama’s Legislature to determine how to spend $1.06 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act.
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Alaska
Alaska’s Legislature voted unanimously to block pay raises for the state’s governor, lieutenant governor, and commissioners.
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Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs (D) has stated that her administration will not carry out an execution, even though it was scheduled by the state’s Supreme Court over the objections of Arizona’s attorney general.
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Colorado
Colorado’s House of Representatives is considering a bill that would ban assault weapons.
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Florida
Legislators in Florida have introduced a proposal that would ban abortion six weeks after conception.
Georgia
Georgia’s state Senate has passed a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors.
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Idaho
Idaho’s House State Affairs Committee has approved a bill that will make it a felony to transport a minor across state lines for the purpose of seeking an abortion.
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Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) has proposed a $210 million Teacher Pipeline Grant Program that would attract new teachers in 170 school districts.
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Indiana
Governor Eric Holcomb (R) ordered a third-party lab to test waste from East Palestine, Ohio.
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Iowa
Iowa’s House of Representatives approved a bill that would ban teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity up through sixth grade, and gave final approval to a ban on gender-affirming care for trans minors.
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Kentucky
GOP candidates for Kentucky’s governor’s office had their first debate.
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Massachusetts
Governor Maura Healey (D) has set aside $300,000 in her State Budget Proposal to fund a statewide missing persons unit.
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Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) has signed legislation that would reverse tax bill changes for low-income earners and retirees that was first implemented in 2011.
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Minnesota
Governor Tim Walz (D) has signed an Executive Order which would make Minnesota a refuge for trans youth.
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Mississippi
Mississippi’s House or Representatives has approved a bill that would extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to new mothers for up to one year after giving birth.
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Missouri
Missouri’s House of Representatives voted to allow the state government to take over the St. Louis Police Department.
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Montana
Montana’s State Senate has passed a measure that would ban TikTok from operating anywhere in the state.
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Nebraska
Nebraska’s Senate gave initial approval to a measure that would create opportunity scholarships to pay for private school tuition.
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New Hampshire
A bipartisan group of legislators is introducing a constitutional amendment that would strengthen the state’s current law which states New Hampshire’s primary must be at least one week before any other similar election.
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New Mexico
New Mexico’s State Senate has approved a bill that would hold adults responsible for minors who access firearms.
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New York
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed amendments to the New York Pay Transparency Law.
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North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper (R) announced his plan to invest $1 billion to address the state’s mental health and substance abuse crises.
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North Dakota
Governor Doug Burgum (R) has proposed a $5 million tax credit on companies who invest in high-tech machinery automation.
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Ohio
Former House Speaker Larry Householder (R) and Republican Party chair Matt Borges (R) were found guilty in Ohio’s largest public corruption case.
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Oklahoma
Voters in Oklahoma rejected an initiative that would legalize recreational use of marijuana.
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Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has proposed a $2,500 tax break for teachers, police officers, and nurses, in order to address the state’s workforce shortages.
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Rhode Island
Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos (D) released plans to announce her intentions to run for the open seat expected to be left by Rep. David Cicilline (D).
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South Carolina
Governor Henry McMaster (R) has stated that he is going to ask legislators to approve $1.3 billion to bring an electric vehicle plant to the state.
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Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee (R) signed a bill to cut Nashville’s Metro Council in half.
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Utah
Governor Spencer Cox (R) has stated his plans to sign a bill that would prohibit the operation of abortion clinics in the state.
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Vermont
Burlington, Vermont has voted to allow non-citizens in the city to vote in local elections.
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Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) signed a universal licensing bill that passed the state’s legislature unanimously.
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Washington
Washington’s House of Representatives passed a measure that would ban assault weapons and require a 10-day waiting period before purchasing any firearms.
Learn more here.
West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice (R) has signed a bill that would split the state’s Department of Health and Human Resources into three new departments.
Learn more here.
Wyoming
Governor Mark Gordon (R) has signed legislation that would extend Medicaid health benefits for new mothers for up to a year after they give birth.
Learn more here.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Alexandra Denney: new Vice President of Government Relations and Communications, Ohio Business Roundtable
- Samantha Stohlman: new Executive Assistant, Senate Majority Leader Senator LeMahieu, Wisconsin State Legislature
- Adam Regele: new Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, California Chamber of Commerce
- Jose Alvarado: new Senior Manager of Government Affairs, Cruise
- Cassidy Denny: new Legislative Director, California State Senate
- Vincent Russo: new Chief Administrator of Government Relations & Policy, Connecticut DCF
- Trevor Monk: new Press Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
- Brian Garcia: new Communications Director, Congressional Hispanic Staff Association
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Patrick Norton: Vice President for Public Affairs, Board Secretary & Chief of Staff, Penn Medicine
- Evelio Silvera: Vice President Communications & Government Affairs, Christian Care Ministry
- Chris Cipolla: Senior Director, Legal & Government Affairs, DraftKings, Inc.
- Robert Wilson: Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs, California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
- Chip Burpee: State & Local Government Relations, Intuit
Want to wish someone a happy birthday or recognize their new job or promotion? Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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