With Election Day quickly approaching, many states held debates for various races this week, including for governor. In some notable legislative news, lawmakers in Mississippi are gearing up to address Kratom in the 2023 legislative session, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed legislation that would allow junior firefighters to train on live-burn interior firefighter module, and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a new package of legislation designed to assist veterans in Oklahoma.
DMGS also covered various topics this week, including Halloween legislation, ranked-choice voting, mattress recycling, and parental bills of rights.
Alabama
The Alabama Work Force and Wage Gap Task Force introduced a list of legislative priorities for lawmakers.
Learn more here.
Colorado
Candidates for Governor of Colorado met this week to debate two weeks out from Election Day.
Learn more here.
Connecticut
The Connecticut state government mailed out almost 250,000 checks to low-income households as part of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit Enhancement Program.
Learn more here.
Delaware
The State Employment Benefit Committee voted to continue state retiree health plans through the end of 2023.
Learn more here.
Florida
Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis (R) debated Democratic opponent Charlie Crist (D) this week.
Learn more here.
Hawaii
Governor David Ige announced a joint declaration with Israel establishing a strategic partnership for cultural, educational, and economic exchanges.
Learn more here.
Illinois
Governor Pritzker’s office announced the Safe Sleep Support program, designed to address sudden unexpected infant death.
Learn more here.
Indiana
The Indiana Department of Revenue announced that the state’s gas tax will increase by 1.1 cents per gallon in November.
Learn more here.
Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly announced over $22 million to over 60 organizations dedicated to helping victims and survivors of violent crimes.
Learn more here.
Massachusetts
Advocacy groups in Massachusetts are urging the state legislature to consider legislation to provide inmates with free prison phone calls.
Learn more here.
Mississippi
Lawmakers in Mississippi are hearing evidence related to potentially banning Kratom in the 2023 legislative session.
Learn more here.
Montana
The Montana State Prison has launched a new program that provides coding training to prison inmates to reduce recidivism rates.
Learn more here.
New Hampshire
Republican Governor Chris Sununu debated Democratic nominee Tom Sherman in a debate on Tuesday.
Learn more here.
New Jersey
Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin announced $20 million in grants to assist the state’s victims of violent incidents and those impacted or at risk of gun violence.
Learn more here.
New York
Incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul faced off against Republican challenger and Congressman Lee Zeldin.
Learn more here.
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper signed a new executive order designed to incentivize new zero-emission vehicle technologies.
Learn more here.
North Dakota
Governor Doug Burgum is asking the state legislature for $20 million in funding for rural revitalization programs for smaller communities.
Learn more here.
Ohio
Legislators in Ohio are asking for $600 million in funding for 38 school districts across 18 Appalachian counties.
Learn more here.
Oklahoma
This week, Governor Kevin Stitt signed a new package of legislation designed to assist veterans in Oklahoma.
Learn more here.
Pennsylvania
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania approved legislation that would allow junior firefighters to train on live-burn interior firefighter modules. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for approval.
Learn more here.
Rhode Island
Governor Dan McKee signed legislation that would keep the addresses of domestic violence survivors confidential.
Learn more here.
South Dakota
A new poll is showing Governor Kristi Noem with a double-digit lead in South Dakota less than two weeks from Election Day.
Learn more here.
Vermont
Governor Phil Scott announced $30 million in new funding in American Rescue Plan Act funding for village water and wastewater infrastructure.
Learn more here.
West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice announced that he will not require Covid-19 vaccines for students in West Virginia public schools.
Learn more here.
DMGS Posts This Week
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Kyndall Rogers: new Director of Government Relations, Delta Dental of Arkansas
- Aaron Iovine: new Executive Director, Digital Assets Regulatory Policy, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Aiken Hackett: new Vice President, Federal Government Relations, Biotechnology Innovation Organization
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Rian English Barnhill: Vice President of Government & Community Affairs, Olympia Development of Michigan
- Suzanne Lynch: Product Specialist, LexisNexis State Net
- Benjamin Williams: Executive Director, Government Relations/Advocacy, Global Policy & External Relations, the College Board
- Tyler Laughlin: Director, Corporate and Government Relations, Allegheny County Airport Authority
Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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