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Top State Stories 5/19
KS: Kansas Supreme Court upholds GOP congressional map
The Kansas Supreme Court upheld a Republican-drawn congressional map that divides racially diverse Wyandotte County, a blow to Democrats who argued the redrawn lines diluted minority voter power. The court also unanimously upheld redrawn state House and Senate districts.
LA: Louisiana won’t require COVID vaccine next school year, governor says
Louisiana students won’t be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to attend school next year, Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards said, backtracking on a plan that faced steep opposition from GOP lawmakers.
CO: New Colorado laws aim to help mobile home residents buy their parks
Colorado will help mobile home park residents buy their parks—and a new agency will help protect their right to do so—under new laws signed by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. The residents typically own the structure they live in, but not the land it sits on.
TN: Tennessee Supreme Court rules in favor of controversial school voucher program
In a major win for Republican Gov. Bill Lee, the Tennessee Supreme Court struck down arguments that his controversial school voucher program violated the state constitution by applying only to districts in the counties that include Nashville and Memphis. Under the program, eligible students can take public money and apply it to private school tuition.
OK: Oklahoma medical association launches M ‘pro-science’ political campaign
Armed with $5 million, the Oklahoma State Medical Association launched a campaign to advocate for “pro-science” candidates and causes, with an emphasis on getting more medical professionals elected to the legislature. The effort was largely spurred by the pandemic.
OR: Oregon governor race likely to feature 3 women
Oregonians are headed for a three-way race for governor in November that is likely to be dominated by female candidates, after former House Speaker Tina Kotek secured the Democratic nomination and former House Republican Leader Christine Drazan won the GOP race. A well-funded unaffiliated candidate, former longtime Democratic lawmaker Betsy Johnson, also is expected to be on the ballot.
NJ: Most states license cops, but New Jersey doesn’t. The governor wants to change that.
New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy announced plans to create a licensing system for police, endorsing proposed legislation that would empower the state Police Training Commission to create licensing requirements for cops, as well as a decertification process for officers who run afoul of the law.
MA: Massachusetts commission says state seal, motto should change
A Massachusetts special commission voted unanimously to recommend the state seal and motto be changed. The seal, originally adopted in 1898, features a Native American stylized character bearing a bow and arrow standing underneath a disembodied arm and sword.
IA: Iowa to offer M in employer grants for child care aid
Iowa businesses that provide child care options to employees will be eligible for millions in new state grant money. Most of the money, $20 million, will be available for employers to build or expand child care centers. The other $5 million will fund partnerships between employers and existing child care centers.
CT: Connecticut lawmakers designate millions for eviction prevention programs
As the number of evictions in Connecticut spikes, the state legislature has set aside $5 million for eviction prevention programs through the Department of Housing, including an expanded “rent bank” that aims to help tenants and landlords handle missed rent and avoid an eviction.
CA: Los Angeles expects school enrollment to plummet by ‘alarming’ 30% in the next decade
Enrollment in Los Angeles public schools is expected to plunge by nearly 30% over the next decade, leading to tough choices ahead about academic programs, campus closures, jobs and employee benefits—and forcing a dramatic remake of the nation’s second-largest school system.
HI: Law bans side jobs for next Hawaii governor
A new law that goes into effect just before the November general election prevents Hawaii’s next governor from holding a second job, forcing future employment decisions for Democratic candidates Lt. Gov. Josh Green, an emergency room physician, and U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele, who flies for Hawaiian Airlines and serves in the Hawaii Air National Guard.
AK: After larger deal fails, legislature approves budget with $3,200 payout per Alaskan
On the last day of its regular session, the Alaska legislature finalized a state budget that would pay each eligible Alaskan about $3,200 later this year. Days before it appeared possible that the House and Senate would agree on a $5,500 payment, but lawmakers settled on a lower amount after negotiations and a failed vote to spend from savings.
OH: Bill requiring flashing lights for Amish buggies headed to Ohio governor’s desk
A bill that would require Amish buggies and other animal-drawn vehicles to display a yellow flashing light as a safety measure while driving on public streets is headed to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk for his signature following a vote by the Ohio Senate.
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