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ND xPlains | GOULD: Here we go again… again…
This article originally appeared in ND xPlains. In 2015, the legislature’s Republican Supermajority passed a repeal of North Dakota’s ban on corporate ownership of dairy and swine production – the so-called “ham and cheese bill.” North Dakota voters petitioned to refer this bill to the ballot, and during the June 2016 primary elections, it was overwhelmingly…
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FTP’s “Punch List” for Successful Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Advocacy
When getting ready to go fishing, hunting, camping, or on any other kind of outdoor adventure, many people use “punch lists” – a checklist of the gear and supplies needed to ensure a successful outing. For those who advocate for and work in the conservation and outdoor industry policy space, our “punch lists” have been…
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Medicaid Expansion’s Recent Popularity Among Voters
Recently, support for Medicaid expansion has grown dramatically, years after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) put it into motion. This fact was on full display when Oklahoma expanded Medicaid by narrowly passing a ballot measure, which will, in 2021, make at least 200,000 low-income residents eligible for the program within the state. The politics of Medicaid expansion…
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State Legislative Sessions: Who’s in Session?
With every state now simultaneously under a declared state of emergency for the first time in history and 43 states under stay-at-home orders, legislatures across the country are being forced to square their constitutional obligations with compliance with strict social distancing measures. Add to that significant changes to expected tax receipts due to an economic…
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Governors Take Center Stage – and Voters Are Responding
With Congress passing the “CARES Act” and heading back to the states, focus has turned to the governors taking outsized roles leading and coordinating the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the political spectrum, those who are demonstrating leadership and transparency, and effectively managing their state’s bureaucracy and emergency response teams, are reaping the political…
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How States are Currently Responding to COVID-19
With COVID-19 cases in every state, the severity of its impact and responses by the states vary. Putting politics aside, let’s take a look at what actions have been taken, why, and what may be working for other states to follow. We have broken down state actions into three buckets: Access to Health Care Coverage…
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COVID-19, What Does It Mean for State Legislative Sessions?
While millions look towards the federal government to respond to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, state legislatures throughout the country are confronting serious questions about keeping their citizens safe. As states consider emergency supplemental funds, enhanced public health measures, and even whether to officially encourage individuals to fist bump rather than shake hands (Alabama SJR 40),…
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Reviewing 2020 Democratic Primary Results from Iowa and New Hampshire
The results of the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary reveal that Democratic voters have clear ideals going into the 2020 general election, but no clear candidate has emerged thus far to personify those ideals. Caucus and primary-goers reported that health care was their top concern, followed by climate change and income inequality. Specifically on…
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2020 State Look Ahead
Legislatures in 46 states are set to meet in regular sessions this year. While the time each will spend in session varies dramatically (and is usually shorter in odd-numbered years), every state returns to business facing pressing policy issues. Based on our tracking of priorities in statehouses and governors’ mansions nationwide, we believe major areas…
