All articles tagged with #legislature
State Sen. Dan McKeon resigned minutes before a floor vote on his expulsion over allegations of inappropriately touching a legislative staffer; an outside investigation said the conduct may violate the Legislature’s harassment policy but was not actionable sexual harassment, and McKeon faces misdemeanor charges (disturbing the peace) with a Jan. 26 court date, while Gov. Pillen will appoint his replacement.
Missouri's legislative session is expected to be tense as Democrats plan to oppose Republican tactics like the use of the previous question rule, amidst ongoing debates over budget, taxes, and controversial issues like solar power and pharmacy regulations, all against the backdrop of an upcoming election that could influence the state's political landscape.
Democrat Renee Hardman won a special election for the Iowa state Senate, preventing Republicans from regaining a supermajority in the Legislature. Her victory maintains Democratic influence in the chamber, marking a significant win in a year of Democratic successes across various states. Hardman becomes the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate, and her win helps keep the GOP from controlling two-thirds of the chamber, which would have allowed easier confirmation of appointments. The election results reflect broader Democratic gains in 2025, impacting legislative dynamics and future governance in Iowa.
Pennsylvania's legislative session is among the least productive in a decade, with only 65 bills passed due to partisanship, split government, and leadership issues, despite the full-time legislature and high salaries of lawmakers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is consolidating his influence in Sacramento ahead of the 2028 elections, successfully uniting Democrats on key issues like redistricting, which enhances his national profile and political clout within the state, despite past setbacks in criminal justice reform efforts.
The Missouri House approved a gerrymandered congressional map and restrictions on citizen initiative petitions, with both measures heading to the Senate amid partisan tensions and legal challenges, aiming to favor Republicans and limit direct democracy.
Opponents of Missouri's redistricting plan may leverage the state's referendum process to block the new map, as the legislation lacks an emergency clause and could be challenged through a statewide vote if enough signatures are gathered within 90 days, potentially delaying or preventing the map's implementation.
Oregon Democrats in the House passed a transportation funding package that raises about $4.3 billion over ten years through increased taxes and fees, including a gas tax hike and vehicle fees, to fund road, bridge, and transit projects, with the plan now heading to the Senate amid bipartisan support and concerns over oversight and fiscal impact.
The Colorado House voted to condemn former Rep. Ryan Armagost for sharing a photo of Rep. Yara Zokaie without her consent, which led to harassment and threats. Armagost resigned before the debate, and the resolution, supported bipartisanly, emphasized respect and decorum in the legislature.
Colorado is the first blue state to address a significant budget shortfall through a combination of tax increases, selling tax credits, reallocating funds, and proposing mid-year budget cuts, with political debates over fiscal management and the impact of federal funding.
During Colorado's special legislative session, lawmakers clashed over tax policy, with Democrats criticizing business tax breaks and Republicans defending them, amid broader debates on budget shortfalls and social programs, highlighting intense partisan tensions.
A Texas House committee is considering Senate Bill 8, a controversial bathroom bill that restricts transgender people's access to bathrooms in public and government buildings, with supporters citing safety and morality concerns, while opponents warn it could incite violence and discrimination. The bill includes penalties for violations and aims to shield itself from legal challenges, raising significant debate over transgender rights and safety in Texas.
With only four days before SEPTA's service cuts due to a funding impasse in Pennsylvania's legislature, hopes for a quick resolution are dwindling as Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over how to fund mass transit, leaving the cuts and fare hikes likely to proceed unless a last-minute deal is reached or an emergency executive action is taken.
Texas Democrats' attempt to delay redistricting until Epstein files are released failed in the Republican-controlled legislature, as the effort was deemed unrelated to the redistricting process and was blocked by procedural moves. The Democrats aimed to pressure the Trump administration regarding Epstein's connections, but the move was unsuccessful.
Texas Democrats returned to the state House after a two-week walkout over a GOP redistricting plan, enabling the passage of a map that favors Republicans and sparking a broader national debate on redistricting and representation. The walkout was a protest against the map, which aims to add GOP seats, and the Democrats plan to challenge it in court while rallying support for their cause across the country.