May 2007 EditionDon’t Miss Out
The Seventh Annual Edition of CPA’s Progressive Agenda Has Arrived!
The Progressive Agenda for the States 2007: Values & Vision for America features 50 of the most innovative policy solutions being debated and enacted in the states. A wide range of domestic issues—including Identity Theft, Global Warming, Fair Share Health Care, Sudan Divestment, and Predatory Mortgage Lending—are covered. To order your copy today, contact Nicholas Polt at npolt@cfpa.org or 202-956-5128. While you’re waiting, download the entire book (PDF).
Progress on Policy
Colorado to divest from Sudan
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has signed a bill that will divest the state’s pension fund from companies that do business in Sudan. HB 1184, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Romanoff, aims to end the state’s tacit support for the genocide that has claimed as many as 450,000 lives by ending investment in businesses that fund the nation’s military. Read CPA’s Divestment to Support Human Rights in the Sudan policy brief and model legislation.
Colorado anti-discrimination bill heads to governor
A bill that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and religion in the workplace has been approved by the Colorado House. SB 25, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Veiga, would exempt religious organizations that do not receive government funds. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Ritter. Read CPA’s GLBT Anti-Discrimination policy brief and model legislation.
Connecticut approves EC in the ER
Connecticut enacted a bill to require hospitals to offer emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault. SB 1343, sponsored by the Senate Human Services Committee, requires the compliance of Catholic hospitals, but allows them to have outside nurses or other healthcare providers administer the medicine. The bill also allows hospitals to give patients a pregnancy test before prescribing the drug. Read CPA’s Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Victims policy brief and model legislation.
Florida Legislature supports paper trail voting record
The Florida Legislature has approved SB 960/HB 537, a bill which would make several changes to Florida’s election laws. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Lee Constantine and Rep. David Rivera, would require counties to replace touch screen voting machines with optical-scan paper ballots, ensuring voters have proof that their vote is correctly cast. However, the bill contains provisions which some legislators and advocates believe will hinder both voter registration and voting.Read CPA’s Voting Machine Security policy brief and model legislation.
Florida Legislature approves juvenile justice bill
A bill that would allow teens involved in a consensual sexual relationship to escape being labeled a sex offender has been approved by the Florida legislature. SB 1604/HB 665, sponsored by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Budget and Policy Council, would apply to teens whose sexual partner is at least 14 years of age and no more than four years younger than they are.
Florida Legislature sends energy bill to governor
The Florida legislature has approved a bill that aims to promote the use of renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. HB 7123, sponsored by the House Policy and Budget Council, mandates that all state-owned buildings conform to energy efficiency standards and instructs a state agency to create an energy-conservation plan for homeowners. Read CPA’sGreen Buildings andRenewable Energy policy briefs and model legislation.
Indiana governor signs identity theft protection bill
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed a bill that helps to protect consumers from identity theft. SB 403, introduced by Sen. Phil Boots, allows consumers who feel the security of their personal information has been breached to place a security freeze on their credit reports. Read CPA’s Identity Theft Protection policy brief and model legislation.
Indiana will divest from Sudan
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed a bill to divest the state’s pension fund from Sudan. HB 1067, sponsored by Rep. Dave Crooks and Sen. John Broden, aims to end the state’s tacit support for military-backed genocide in Darfur. The genocide has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. Read CPA’s Divestment to Support Human Rights in Sudan policy brief and model legislation.
Indiana Legislature passes tobacco tax bill
Indiana’s Legislature approved a 44 cent increase in cigarette taxes to fund various health care programs. HB 1678, authored by Rep. Charlie Brown, brings the tax on a pack of cigarettes in Indiana to 99.5 cents. Gov. Mitch Daniels has pushed for the tax increase to fund his “Plan for a Healthier Indiana.”Read CPA’s Tobacco Tax policy brief and model legislation.
GLBT anti-discrimination bill heads to Iowa governor
Iowa’s legislature has approved a bill that will protect GLBT individuals from discrimination in employment, public accommodation, credit, housing and education. SF 427, sponsored by the Senate Committee on State Government, now heads to Gov. Chet Culver. He is expected to sign the bill. Read CPA’s GLBT Anti-Discrimination policy brief and model legislation.
Iowa tax amnesty bill heads to governor
Iowa’s Legislature has approved a bill that would allow those who have unpaid taxes to pay them in full and only be charged half the interest due. SF 580, introduced by the Senate Ways and Means Committee, creates a two-month tax amnesty period that will begin in early September. During that time, delinquent taxpayers can come forward and avoid civil or criminal prosecution. Gov. Chet Culver is expected to sign the bill. Read CPA’s Balancing State Budgets policy brief and model legislation.
Iowa Senate votes for fire-safe cigarettes
The Iowa Senate has approved a bill that would require the sale of fire-safe cigarettes in the state. HF 718, sponsored by the House Committee on Human Resources, will require the replacement conventional cigarettes with fire-safe alternatives wrapped in thin bands of slow-burning paper designed to self-extinguish when left unattended. The bill has already passed the House. Read CPA’s Fire-Safe Cigarettes policy brief and model legislation.
Kansas schools to take stand against bullying
A bill that would require schools to implement policies that protect students from harrassment and bullying has been approved by the Kansas Legislature. HB 2310, introduced by the House Education Committee, will also make schools safer by mandating education and training on bullying for faculty and students. The bill now heads to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Read CPA’s Safe Schools policy brief and model legislation.
Kansas to divest from Sudan
The Kansas Legislature has approved a bill that would divest the state’s public employee retirement system from companies that do business in the Sudan. HB 2457, introduced by the House Committee on Ways and Means, aims to end the state’s tacit support for military-backed genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. Read CPA’s Divestment to Support Human Rights in the Sudan policy brief and model legislation.
Gov. Patrick issues executive order to cut energy costs
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has issued an executive order that will increase the state’s energy efficiency. The mandate will require state agencies to spend 20 percent less on nonrenewable energy purchases over the next five years and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2020. In order to support his plan, Patrick’s executive order requires 15 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, by 2012. Many other states, including Virginia and California, have enacted similar policies. Read CPA’s Renewable Energy policy brief and model legislation.
Minnesota Legislature approves smoking ban
A bill that would ban smoking in bars, restaurants and bingo halls has received the approval of Minnesota’s legislature. SF 238, sponsored by Sen. Kathy Sheran, now heads to Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has said he will sign the bill. Nineteen other states have enacted smoking bans. Read CPA’s Smoke-Free Workplaces policy brief and model legislation.
Dependents covered until age 25 in Montana
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed SB 419, which would allow parents to keep unmarried children on their health insurance plans until the age of 25 even if the child is no longer a student. The law, sponsored by Sen. Greg Lind, does not cover children who are eligible for health insurance through their own employers at the same or lower monthly premium cost. Montana law already allowed unmarried, full-time students under the age of 23 to remain covered on their parents’ plans.
Civil unions bill headed to New Hampshire governor
The New Hampshire Senate has approved a bill that legalizes civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.HB 437, sponsored by Rep. James Splaine, will allow same-sex couples to enter civil unions, which would provide the same legal rights and responsibilities of marriage. The bill now heads to Gov. John Lynch, who has announced his intention to sign the bill. Read CPA’s Marriage Equality policy brief and model legislation.
New Hampshire votes to increase renewable energy
The New Hampshire Senate has approved a bill that would increase the state’s renewable portfolio standards to 25 percent by 2025. HB 873, sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Harvey, would require the state to get a quarter of its power from solar, hydropower, wind and other renewable energy sources. The bill now heads to Gov. John Lynch. Read CPA’s Renewable Energy policy brief and model legislation.
New Hampshire minimum wage increase awaits governor’s signature
The New Hampshire Senate has approved a bill to raise the state’s minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 by September 2008. HB 514, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Smith, will also apply to tipped employers. Their wage will increase from $2.38 to $3.26. The bill now heads to Gov. John Lynch, who supported the measure. Read CPA’s Minimum Wage policy brief and model legislation.
New York governor extends benefits to same-sex couples
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has issued an executive order that instructs the state Department of Civil Services to offer same-sex couples spousal benefits in the New York State Health Insurance Program. To be eligible, the couple must hold a marriage license from a place that permits same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts as well as a number of foreign countries, including Canada, Spain, Belgium and South Africa. Read CPA’s Marriage Equality policy brief and model legislation.
New York governor says day care workers can unionize
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has issued an executive order that allows day care workers to join public unions. The order will enable child care providers to negotiate for higher pay, improved working conditions and healthcare benefits. A similar measure was approved last year but was vetoed by former governor George Pataki. Advocates of the policy say it will help to increase public investment in child care, which could lead to higher quality and greater affordability.
Medical marijuana bill sent to Rhode Island governor
The Rhode Island Senate has approved a bill that would make permanent a program that allows the chronically ill to use medical marijuana. HB 6005, introduced by Rep. Thomas C. Slater, has already been passed by the House. Senators approved an identical bill. Gov. Donald Carcieri must now decide if he will veto the legislation. He rejected the bill that created the program this bill extends, but the legislature overrode his veto. Read CPA’s Medical Marijuana policy brief and model legislation.
Oregon anti-discrimination bill to become law
The Oregon Senate gave final approval to SB 2, sponsored by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, which will ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing and access to public services. The bill exempts religious institutions that do not receive government funding from adhering to the anti-discrimination measure. The measure was signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski.Read CPA’s GLBT Anti-Discrimination policy brief and model legislation.
Domestic partnerships endorsed by Oregon Senate
A bill that would allow same-sex couples to enter into domestic partnerships now heads to Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski after receiving Senate approval. HB 2007, introduced by the House Committee on Elections, Ethics and Rules, will give same-sex couples new rights and privileges relating to inheritance, child-rearing and custody, insurance and hospital visitation, and joint filing of state tax returns. Gov. Kulongoski has said he will sign the bill. Read CPA’s Marriage Equality policy brief and model legislation.
Oregon Governor signs anti-discrimination bills into law
Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has signed two important anti-discrimination measures.HB 2007, sponsored by the House Committee on Elections, Ethics and Rules, allows same-sex couples to enter into domestic partnerships.SB 2, sponsored by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Both bills will go into effect on January 1, 2008. Oregon is the 9th state to grant protections to same-sex couples and the 18th state to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. Read CPA’s Marriage Equality policy brief and model legislation andCPA’s GLBT Anti-Discrimination policy brief and model legislation.
Washington governor signs unemployment insurance reform bill
Gov. Christine Gregoire has signed a bill that changes the way professional employee organizations (PEOs) handle unemployment insurance. Companies “lease” employees from PEOs to perform long-term work. Leased employees are reported to be employees of the PEO and not the customer firm so that the latter can avoid paying unemployment insurance taxes. These tax rates are determined by an “experience rated” system that assigns higher taxes to companies that have a history of laying off employees. SB 5373, introduced by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, declares the amount of taxes paid for an employee will be based on the experience rating of the customer firm and not the PEO. The PEO would be responsible for unpaid taxes, but customer firms can be held responsible if the PEO does not pay. Read CPA’s Unemployment Insurance Tax Avoidance - SUTA Dumping policy brief and model legislation.
Clean fuel bill advances in Washington
Washington’s House of Representatives has approved a bill that would encourage the use of clean-burning buels. HB 1303, sponsored by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, promotes research of environmentally-friendly energy sources and would retrofit buses to pollute less if signed into law by Gov. Christine Gregoire. Read CPA’s Clean Cars policy brief and model legislation.
Washington revises unemployment insurance
A bill that changes the average amount that Washington employers should contribute for unemployment insurance has been signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire. HB 1278, sponsored by Rep. Steve Conway, is expected to save employers $10 million annually and received the backing of both labor and business. Read CPA’s Unemployment Insurance - Options for Reform policy brief and model legislation.
Washington governor signs health care reform bill
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has signed a bill that aims to make more affordable and improve the quality of health care in the state.SB 5930, sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser, includes more than 20 initiatives - many of them recommendations from a Blue Ribbon Commission convened to study Washington’s healthcare system. The bill will expand coverage of dependents up to age 25, create a health record bank to help providers offer better care to patients, establish a Health Insurance Partnership to make insurance more affordable for small businesses, and change reimbursement procedures to reward prevention, better management of chronic illness and positive outcomes. Read CPA’s Health Care for All policy brief and model legislation.
Legislator of the Month: WA Senator Karen Keiser
Washington Sen. Karen Keiser has won hard-earned victories for workers without affordable health insurance or paid sick leave. Click here for an interview with Sen. Keiser about the bills she passed.
Website of the Month: Americablog
Americablog is one of the best and most popular progressive blogs covering national politics. The writers are well-connected. When something interesting happens in our Nation’s Capital, Americablog is one of the first to describe and dissect it. The site is particularly well-known for staying on top of GLBT issues. And it’s fun!