There was plenty of legislative and gubernatorial actions taken this week across the country as states quickly approach the November elections. Legislation raising the legal minimum age to marry became law in Alaska, Gov. Gavin Newsom officially signed legislation in California to improve conditions and wages for fast-food workers, and New Jersey students will become the first in the nation to receive a climate-change education.

Alabama

State officials are offering $15 million in improvements to help some struggling elementary schools.

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Alaska

A bill raising the legal minimum age to marry from 14 to 16 became law.

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Arizona

A new law set to take effect in September regarding the filming of police officers is going to Federal court, and causing controversy in the court of public opinion.

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Arkansas

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has appointed a Working Group on Food Deserts to help combat food insecurity.

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California

Gov. Gavin Newsom officially signed legislation to improve conditions and wages for fast-food workers.

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Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis spent time this week speaking with veterans support service providers regarding the suicide rate among veterans.

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Delaware

Gov. John Carney announced a sales agreement for a new Wilmington library, which will be a roughly $22 million project.

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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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Louisiana

Gov. John Bel Edwards held a roundtable with FCC leaders focused on increasing the communication network in the state.

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Minnesota

Local officials in Minnesota are urging the state legislature to call a special session to address what they see as unfinished work from this year.

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Mississippi

The Mississippi Supreme Court appointed four new members.

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Missouri

Gov. Mike Parson shut the door on a potential special session to discuss marijuana legalization.

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Montana

Gov. Greg Gianforte is urging the Biden administration to drop its plans to overhaul Title IX.

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New Jersey

New Jersey students will become the first in the nation to receive a climate-change education, based on a new initiative spearheaded by First Lady Tammy Murphy.

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Ohio

House Minority Leader Allison Russo joined other local elected officials from across the country to kick off the White House’s Communities in Action series.

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Oklahoma

A civil rights group filed a lawsuit in Federal court to challenge Oklahoma’s transgender bathroom law.

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Oregon

Oregon is beginning the first phase of upgrades to their state’s unemployment system in the wake of challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Pennsylvania

Gov. Wolf announced the beginning of the process to pardon lower level marijuana convictions.

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South Dakota

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe and the South Dakota Secretary of State have settled a lawsuit regarding a potential violation of the National Voter Registration Act from 2020.

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Tennessee

A new $175 million program to Pilot Implementation Grants that seek to change the way low-income families are served in Tennessee is set to start.

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Texas

A new poll shows that incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott is maintaining a modest lead over Democratic nominee and former Congressman Beto O’Rourke.

Learn more here.


This Week’s DMGS Posts


Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More

  • Ashley Brinkman: new Director of Government Affairs, Pet Advocacy Network
  • Tara Leystra Ackerman: new State Government Affairs Specialist, National Transportation Safety Board
  • Danielle Beck: new Director of Government Relations, Invariant
  • Austin O’Boyle: new Senior Manager, Grassroots Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement, National Apartment Association
  • Zach Gihorski: new Director of Government Affairs, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
  • Morgan McCord: new Government Affairs Specialist, Virgin Orbit
  • Ryan Frascella: new Associate Director, Federal Relations, Temple University
  • Lydia Riley: new Chief of Staff, The University of Texas System
  • Natalie Tietjen: new Senior Manager of Federal Policy, Sandy Hook Promise

Happy Birthdays This Week

  • Anna Levin: Health Policy Analyst, Lead, MITRE
  • Aaron Zappia: Senior Government Relations Manager, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
  • Naomi Amaha: Director of Policy and Government Affairs, the Denver Foundation
  • Alex Arnold: Public Affairs Specialist

Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.


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