 CPA News April 2004DON’T MISS OUT… The 2004 Candidate Briefing Book –Available April 30 The Progressive Platform for the States, written specifically for state legislative candidates, covers 90 topics and lays out the most innovative progressive solutions being debated and enacted in the states. For more information or to obtain a copy, contact info@cfpa.org.Candidate Briefing Book Release Reception – April 30, 2004 – Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill Join us at the National Conference of State Legislators’ Spring Forum, where we will host a reception to release CPA’s newest publication, the Progressive Platform for the States. Stop by between 5:00 and 7:30pm for refreshments and to pick up your copy of the book. For more information, contact Kirsten Lindquist at (202) 956-5134.CPA's Flemming Leadership Institute is now accepting applications for the 2005 Class To accommodate hectic election year schedules we have instituted two application deadlines: June 15, 2004 for early acceptance and October 1, 2004 for regular admission. You may download the application online or contact Maura Hutchens at (202) 956-5138 for more information. CPA’s Southern Conference on Criminal Justice – June 12-13, 2004 – Austin Marriott at the Capitol Hotel, Austin, TX Don’t miss out! Register online for CPA’s 2004 criminal justice conference. Come hear the most innovative policy solutions on topics including sentencing reform, restoration of voting rights, juvenile justice, privatizing prisons, and effective messaging. For more information, contact Diallo Brooksat (202) 956-5150. PROGRESS ON POLICY… IllinoisDefends Overtime Rights for Workers Governor Rod Blagojevich signed an unprecedented law rejecting federal changes in overtime pay laws and preserving overtime rights for qualified Illinois workers. New rules by the U.S. Department of Labor would disqualify about 375,000 Illinois workers from overtime pay. Illinois’ new law, the first of its kind in any state, also raises the overtime eligibility level from $155 a week to $425 a week, qualifying more working Illinois citizens for overtime pay. For more information, click here. WashingtonEnacts Major Environmental Package In a major victory for environmentalists, Governor Gary Locke signed into law standards for new power plants that will force energy producers to fund environmental projects to partially make up for the pollution they create. The new standards will be the toughest in the nation on new power plants, reducing carbon dioxide emissions at little cost to consumers. In addition, Gov. Locke signed legislation that will toughen laws regulating stormwater runoff, step up efforts to prevent and respond to oil spills, and require shippers to take precautions before releasing ballast water that could contain invasive, non-native species. To read CPA’s environmental briefs and model legislation, click here. MarylandLegislature Closes Session With Passage of Living Wage Bill The Maryland legislature officially ended its session at midnight on April 12, passing the nation’s first statewide living wage legislation. The bill, if signed by the governor would guarantee a living wage of at least $10.50 an hour to employees of its contractors. This historic legislation follows the lead ofmore than 100 cities andcounties that have already implemented living wages. For more information and to see CPA’s model legislation, click here. Other progressive victories in Maryland include the following:
CPA LEGISLATORS OF THE MONTH…Maryland Delegate Herman Taylor and Senator Kathy Klausmeier As the owner of an office products company for 15 years, Delegate Herman Taylor knows first-hand that an effective business does more than just cut costs—it also builds the capacity and stability of its workforce. Now, as House sponsor of the living wage bill that passed the Maryland General Assembly by large margins, Delegate Taylor, with Senate sponsor Kathy Klausmeier, is working to build a better workforce for all of Maryland. Read more… WEBSITE OF THE MONTH...National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty This month, we feature NCADP’s legislative action and information page. NCADP has created a well-designed, user-friendly site that offers quick access to information about important state legislation related to the death penalty. A click on any state brings up key background, legislation, votes, and more information about how to take action on an issue. NCADP has created an ideal resource for anyone interested in reforming or eliminating the death penalty. WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you are a state legislator and would like to nominate one of your colleagues to be a CPA Legislator of the Month (LOTM), please contact us! Following are some guidelines: 1. LOTM nominees must be state legislators. 2. The nominee’s progressive victory must have occurred during the 2004 legislative session. 3. CPA seeks stories which describe a clear progressive legislative victory in the form of one or more of the following: a. passing legislation b. successful coalition or initiative building based on values c. “courageous stand” or innovative strategy based on valuesCPA asks that you provide concrete details about the victory through news accounts, or that you be available to be interviewed via phone or email. Consideration will be given each month to reflect the diversity of LOTMs by geographic region, gender, race, ethnicity, party, and issue focus. Please send your nominations to speri@cfpa.org. View Previous Editions of our Newsletter: | September 2003 | October 2003 | November 2003 | December 2003 | January 2004 | February 2004 | March 2004 | Do you have friends who might be interested in receiving CPA News? If so, have them subscribe here. |