Year: 2021
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U.S. Supreme Court rules Federal Housing Finance Agency has unconstitutional structure
In Collins v. Yellen, the U.S. Supreme Court held that restrictions on the president’s authority to remove the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) violated the separation of powers. In its June 23 decision, the court also rejected the argument that the FHFA actions at issue in the case went beyond the agency’s…
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How much did your governor make last year?
Eighteen states paid their governor more last year than in 2019, according to the Council of State Governments’ Book of the States. Gubernatorial salaries in 2020 ranged from a low of $70,000 in Maine to a high of $225,000 in New York, with the average governor making $145,370. In the 18 states where a governor’s…
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California secretary of state determines there are enough signatures for recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom to proceed
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber (D) announced that the recall campaign against Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) had enough signatures following the removal period to move forward. She directed the state Department of Finance to begin its cost analysis for the election. Voters who signed the recall petitions had until June 8 to request their…
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Michigan, West Virginia end statewide face-covering requirements
Two states ended statewide public mask requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated people between June 18-24. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) ended most remaining statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the statewide mask mandate, on June 22. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people still have to wear masks on public transportation and at public transportation hubs (like bus stations and…
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New Jersey voters will decide amendment to allow college sports betting on in-state games, New Jersey-based teams
On November 2, N.J. voters will decide at least two constitutional amendments, including an amendment to expand college sports betting. The ballot measure would allow wagering on postseason college sports competitions held in N.J. and competitions in which an N.J.-based college team participates. Currently, the state constitution permits sports betting except on games held in…
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Union Station: Federal appeals court rejects challenge to exclusive representation law
Federal appeals court rejects challenge to Minnesota exclusive representation law A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit rejected a Minnesota professor’s challenge to state law allowing unions to become exclusive bargaining agents for public-sector employees in a June 16 ruling. Parties to the suit The plaintiff is Kathleen…
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Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signs legislation replacing state’s presidential caucus
Earlier this month, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed a bill into law that replaces the state’s presidential caucus with a primary and seeks to make that primary the first presidential nominating event in 2024. Sisolak said, “This brings me great pride, as the diversity and culture found in the people in the great state…
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SCOTUS issues rulings in four cases
The U.S. Supreme Court issued rulings in four cases on June 23. With the addition of these cases, the court has issued 56 opinions for its 2020-2021 term. Two cases were decided in one consolidated opinion, and seven cases were decided without argument. Eight cases argued during the term have yet to be decided. Mahanoy…
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Kenyatté Hassell wins Democratic nomination in special primary runoff for Alabama House District 78
A special Democratic primary runoff for District 78 in the Alabama House of Representatives was held on June 22, 2021. Kenyatté Hassell defeated Donald Williams and advanced to the general election. The general election is scheduled for September 7. The filing deadline passed on March 23. Hassell will be running against Loretta Grant (R). The…