There was plenty of legislative and gubernatorial actions taken this week across the country as states quickly approach the November elections. Legislation was signed in Alaska to repeal a law that allowed employers to pay those with disabilities a subminimum wage, various primary elections were held, and Louisiana lawmakers are considering a proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax.
Alabama
Alabama is considering a new method of execution in anticipation of an upcoming September 22nd execution for a 1999 killing.
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Alaska
Governor Mike Dunleavy signed legislation to repeal a law that allowed employers to pay those with disabilities a subminimum wage.
Learn more here.
Arizona
A federal judge is blocking an Arizona law that would make it illegal to film police officers within eight feet.
Learn more here.
Arkansas
A group of Arkansas legislators have approved over $60 million in federal funds to assist 23 school districts.
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California
Governor Gavin Newsom signed CARE legislation to assist Californians struggling with mental illness.
Learn more here.
Colorado
Ballot initiatives to loosen alcohol regulations in the state are causing significant political spending in the state.
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Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont announced $150 million in new funding to improve air filtration system in Connecticut schools.
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Delaware
Delaware held their primary election this Tuesday, with a statewide primary for State Auditor.
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Kentucky
Gov. Beshear announced over $11 million for the improvement of infrastructure, water treatment, and public safety in Perry County.
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Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis met with some of Jacksonville’s fire fighters and police officers regarding the recent $1,000 bonuses awarded to first responders throughout the state.
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Georgia
As election day draws closer, Democrat nominee for Governor Stacey Abrams is making legalized sports betting a key campaign issue.
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Hawaii
Due to a school bus driver shortage, Hawaii is offering high school students the opportunity to take free public transportation to school this year.
Learn more here.
Idaho
The Idaho Family Policy Center has started a public petition to ban drag shows in areas where children are present.
Learn more here.
Illinois
A crime reform package passed by the legislature in 2021 is becoming a campaign issue leading into the fall election season.
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Indiana
Indiana’s new abortion ban passed after the overturn of Roe v. Wade became law on Thursday.
Learn more here.
Iowa
Iowa’s three public universities are requesting over $30 million in new funding from the previous year’s budget from the state legislature.
Learn more here.
Kansas
A key wording change may impact the competitiveness of Kansas high school sports.
Learn more here.
Kentucky
A pro-abortion rights group, Protect Kentucky Access, has raised almost $1.5 million to defeat a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November that would eliminate abortion rights in the state.
Learn more here.
Louisiana
Members of the Louisiana legislature are considering a proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax.
Learn more here.
Maine
The American Principles Project, a national conservative group, is pledging to spend millions targeting LGBTQ issues in the Maine Governor’s race.
Learn more here.
Maryland
Governor Larry Hogan announced over $13 million in new grants to make roads safer.
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Massachusetts
Governor Charlie Baker is indicating that tax relief will come to Massachusetts residents sometime this Fall.
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Michigan
Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Tudor Dixon is proposing $1 billion in increased funding for law enforcement over her first term if she is elected in November.
Learn more here.
Minnesota
Control of Minnesota’s legislature is up for grabs this November, data shows.
Learn more here.
Mississippi
Governor Tate Reeves is asking the U.S. Small Business Administration to help businesses hurt by the Jackson water crisis.
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Missouri
Missouri legislators began a special session designed to provide an estimated $700 million tax cut.
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Montana
Governor Gianforte and 21 other Governors signed a letter criticizing President Biden’s recent student loan forgiveness plan.
Learn more here.
Nebraska
A group of Republican legislators have signed a pledge to end secret ballot voting for leadership positions in the legislature by 2023.
Learn more here.
Nevada
The Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee has approved $105 million in funding for small businesses.
Learn more here.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire held primary elections Tuesday, including a Republican Primary for U.S. Senate to take on incumbent Democrat Maggie Hassan.
Learn more here.
New Jersey
New Jersey lawmakers are considering changes to the state’s recently implemented plastic bag ban.
Learn more here.
New Mexico
Measures to lower alcohol driven issues in New Mexico are under consideration in the State Legislature.
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New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul allowed the first of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency measures to expire.
Learn more here.
North Carolina
Governor Cooper is encouraging the state General Assembly to waive taxes on any forgiven student loans.
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North Dakota
Governor Doug Burgum announced his $80 million plan to address the lack of available childcare in the state.
Learn more here.
Ohio
An Ohio judge has temporarily blocked the state’s six week abortion ban.
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Oklahoma
Governor Kevin Stitt has signed an executive order to help farmers and ranchers hurt by the extreme drought conditions.
Learn more here.
Oregon
Oregon officials have determined that landlords can raise rent by over 14% next year under the state’s rent control policy.
Learn more here.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to hold Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner in contempt for refusing to cooperate with a legislative investigative committee.
Learn more here.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island held primary elections Tuesday night, including in the race for Governor.
Learn more here.
South Carolina
A state senator in South Carolina is introducing legislation that would protect the identity of pharmaceutical manufacturers who sell drugs used for lethal injection executions.
Learn more here.
South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem underwent a successful surgery for a condition affecting her lumbar spine.
Learn more here.
Tennessee
Metro Nashville announced an estimated $1.5 billion in public funding for a new Tennessee Titans stadium.
Learn more here.
Texas
Four more Texas counties have declared an invasion at the Southern border, increasing the total to over 20.
Learn more here.
Utah
Utah legislators have approved $55 million for over $1,000 affordable housing units.
Learn more here.
Vermont
Creative Futures Grants will be making funding available to help the creative sector recover from Covid-19. The group received $9 million in funding from the Vermont State Legislature.
Learn more here.
Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a new agricultural technology firm planning to open a new vertical farm in the state.
Learn more here.
Washington
Governor Jay Inslee is leading a trade mission to the Nordic countries, consisting of 45 individuals from Washington state.
Learn more here.
West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice announced a $500 million investment with BHE Renewables to build a new aerospace manufacturing center.
Learn more here.
Wisconsin
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels announced his intention to increase funding to municipalities to help fund local police departments if elected.
Learn more here.
Wyoming
With election season in full swing, there are a record number of independents running for the State Legislature.
Learn more here.
This Week’s DMGS Posts
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Elizabeth Sila: new Government Affairs Coordinator, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
- Tyler Laughlin: new Director, Corporate and Government Relations, Allegheny County Airport Authority
- Dytonia Reed: new External Affairs Manager, Exelon
- Stephanie Paluda: new Community Relations Manager, Southwestern Energy
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Daniel Martinez: Director of External Affairs, Americans for Prosperity
- Rahul Kalsi: Director of Government Affairs, Nicor Gas
- L. Kyle Gerron: Senior Manager, Government Affairs, Society of Interventional Radiology
- Sam Greenlee: Executive Director, Alchemist Community Development Corporation
- Jessica Baker: Regional Affairs Director, PPL
Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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