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Editor’s Picks Around the Web
ME: Maine’s LePage says raising minimum wage would hurt elderly
Republican Gov. Paul LePage said he submitted a bill that would prohibit cities from raising the minimum wage because it would lead to price increases for items such as a cup of coffee, thus making it more difficult for the elderly on fixed incomes to enjoy small pleasures.
OK: Oklahoma Legislature passes religious freedom legislation
The legislation protects clergy members and others authorized to perform weddings from being required to perform them if doing so would conflict with their religious beliefs. The measure also shields churches in Oklahoma from being required to participate in the ceremonies.
LA: LSU drafting ‘academic bankruptcy’ plan in response to state budget crisis
A filing for “financial exigency,” essentially academic bankruptcy, would mean Louisiana State University’s funding situation is so dire that the viability of the entire institution is threatened. The status makes it easier for public colleges to shut down programs and lay off tenured faculty. But it also tarnishes the school’s reputation, making it harder to recruit faculty and students.
ND: North Dakota voters to decide whether lawmakers must live in districts they represent
Voters will decide on a constitutional amendment next year that would require North Dakota state legislators live in the districts they represent.
SC: South Carolina’s DMV changes policy after lawsuit by transgender teen
South Carolina’s motor vehicles agency will change its policy on driver’s license photos as part of a settlement reached with a transgender teenager who was required to remove her makeup for her picture last year. Applicants now will be photographed appearing the way they look on a regular basis.
NH: New Hampshire’s Hassan says the state can support only one casino
Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan, who has touted a single, high-end casino on the state’s southern border, said New Hampshire cannot support two casinos as legislation in the House proposes.
TX: Texas Senate votes to ban use of red-light cameras by cities
The measure would initially prohibit the future use of the cameras at intersections and then halt the use of existing camera programs as contracts between Texas cities and camera operators expire.
OH: Kasich administration slams Ohio House budget plan
Gov. John Kasich’s administration took a swing at the budget plan passed by his fellow Republicans, claiming the $131.6 billion proposal threatens Ohio’s economic recovery.
MN: Minnesota House passes lower minimum wage for tip workers
The House approved a measure that would create a two-tiered minimum wage, with a lower rate for employees who receive tips of at least $4 per hour. It also would prohibit cities from enacting a higher minimum wage than the state minimum.
DE: Delaware’s governor blocks access to ‘secret’ email
Democratic Gov. Jack Markell has blocked an effort by a legislator and an open government advocate to publicize a “secret” email address, which he uses to conduct public business.
HI: Hawaii teachers reach tentative salary agreement with state
Under the deal, which needs to be funded by the legislature, Hawaii teachers will receive lump-sum bonuses, a base salary increase and additional professional development hours.
OR: Wolves may be coming off Oregon’s endangered list
As their population grows and their territory expands, gray wolves may be coming off the list of protected animals in Oregon.
CA: Bill would ban California schools from using ‘Redskins’
An Assembly bill would prohibit public schools from using the name starting next year. Four schools in the state now use “Redskins” for their sports teams or mascots. If approved, California would become the first state to ban its use.
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