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CA: New California governor lays out broad health care proposals
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced sweeping proposals to tackle California’s health care needs, outlining a dramatic Medicaid expansion that would cover young immigrant adults in the country illegally and increased subsidies for middle-class families.
VT: Drug prices drive up Vermont premiums, report finds
Prescription drugs have an increasing impact on health insurance costs in Vermont, and high-priced specialty drugs are leading the way. A new report says prescriptions were responsible for nearly 16 percent of premiums in 2018 for three insurers.
NJ: Woman sues New Jersey governor’s campaign in alleged assault
Katie Brennan, a top New Jersey housing official, filed a lawsuit against the state accusing it of concealing an alleged sexual assault from the governor. It adds to the scandal hanging over Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.
AL: Democrats faked online push to outlaw alcohol in Alabama race
The “Dry Alabama” campaign was the stealth creation of progressive Democrats who were out to defeat Republican Roy Moore in the 2017 Alabama Senate race — the second such secret effort to be unmasked.
CO: Ballot initiative would make Colorado city first to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms
Activists plan to turn in ballot petitions that would make Denver the first U.S. city to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms. The initiative would apply to the use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms, also called magic mushrooms, by adults 21 and older.
NY: New York lawmakers urged to revamp voting rules, OK early ballots
A broad coalition of good government groups and locally elected officials are urging New York state lawmakers to make changes to the state’s antiquated voting laws a priority in the new year.
GA: Georgia lawmakers prepare for fight over paper ballots
Battles over election integrity that helped define Georgia’s race for governor will play out at the Capitol this year, when state legislators plan to replace the state’s 27,000 electronic voting machines and review voting access laws.
OH: Ohio bill allows alternatives to EpiPens
Reacting to the high cost of life-saving EpiPens, Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed into law a bill authorizing pharmacists to substitute cheaper but equivalent alternatives to the brand-name product.
ND: North Dakota governor declines salary again
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican, plans to again decline his salary on a campaign pledge from 2016. The wealthy former software executive ended up donating the salary from his first six months in office, while his current salary will go to the general fund.
WY: New Wyoming governor calls for smaller government
In his first public address as governor, Wyoming Republican Mark Gordon outlined his key priorities, such as making government smaller and more responsive, increasing fiscal responsibility, and fixing education funding. The governor will deliver his State of the State address later this week.
NV: New Nevada governor stresses school improvement, maintaining ‘Obamacare’
In his inaugural address, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, again stressed his core issues from the campaign — improving the state’s public schools and maintaining “Obamacare” protections. He is also expected to push for tougher gun laws.
LA: Louisiana governor outlines agenda: pay hikes, minimum wage, no special session
Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards previewed a 2019 Louisiana legislative agenda that features a few new items, several repeat proposals and a pledge that he won’t call any special sessions during this election year.
ND: Sunday shoppers, employees see mixed blessings in North Dakota blue law
Retailers are prohibited from opening before noon on Sunday under North Dakota’s so-called “blue law.” Proposed legislation that will get its first hearing soon would allow retailers the choice to be open on Sunday morning.
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