 CPA News March 2004DON’T MISS OUT… The 2004 Progressive Agenda – Now Available on Amazon.com Progressive Solutions Built on American Values, the fourth edition in CPA's Progressive Agenda series, covers 50 topics, includes 60 model bills, and lays out more than 100 of the most innovative progressive solutions being debated and enacted in the states. The Progressive Agenda is available at www.amazon.com and individual policy briefs can be accessed online.PROGRESS ON POLICY… South Dakotaand Wyoming Eliminate Juvenile Death Penalty In a major progressive victory, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds and Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal each signed their state's legislation to ban the juvenile death penalty, joining the 29 other states that make it illegal to execute a minor. By enacting this law, both states echo the sentiments of the American public which largely opposes the death penalty for children under the age of 18. For a look at CPA’s brief and model legislation on this issue, click here. Maine Expands Women’s Access to Emergency Contraception Mainebecame the 6th state that will allow pharmacists to directly dispense emergency contraception (EC) to women. Governor Baldacci signed into law LD 1152 which permits collaborative practice emergency contraception, granting the women of Maine a second chance to prevent unintended pregnancy. The medication safely and effectively inhibits the fertilization of an egg, thereby avoiding unnecessary abortions and preserving the health of women. To learn more about this important issue, click here. Georgia Cracks Down on “Payday Lending” The Georgia Legislature overwhelmingly passed SB 157, a bill that would impose stricter regulations on the practice of “payday lending” and threaten harsher penalties on unlicensed small cash lenders. These loans are typically targeted at low-income individuals, virtually guaranteeing that the borrower will have to renew the loan and ultimately pay more than borrowed. If signed into law, this promises to be one of the toughest measures in the nation aimed at ending predatory lending practices. Among other provisions, this legislation would mandate the licensing of all small cash lenders. After winning the approval of both the House and Senate, the bill awaits the governor’s signature. For more information, click here. CPA LEGISLATOR OF THE MONTH… Arizona Representatives Tom O’Halleran and Pete Hershberger Earlier this year, Republican Representatives Pete Hershberger and Tom O’Halleran demonstrated tremendous political courage and tenacity in their fight for Arizona’s children. They won their battle, but also paid a substantial price. Read more… WEBSITE OF THE MONTH...www.polstate.com As this election year unfolds, it can be difficult to stay on top of new developments in your state. That’s what makes www.polstate.com the ideal site for anybody interested in keeping up with state-level politics around the country. The site features a state-by-state breakdown of important political news, as well as an easily usable archive section. Simply click on a state to learn about the latest information you need to be an informed voter. View Previous Editions of our Newsletter: | June 2003 | July 2003 | August 2003 | September 2003 | October 2003 | November 2003 | December 2003 | January 2004 | February 2004 | Do you have friends who might be interested in receiving CPA News? If so, have them subscribe here. |