Year: 2021
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Alaska House organizes under multi-partisan coalition control
On Feb. 18, the Alaska House of Representatives organized under the control of a multipartisan coalition caucus, voting 22-17 to approve a plan of organization placing members of the coalition in charge of committees. Since the start of the legislative session on Jan. 19, the House was split evenly between a Republican bloc and a…
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Senate expected to confirm at least two Biden Cabinet nominees this week
Senate confirmation votes are expected this week for two of President Joe Biden’s (D) Cabinet nominees: Tom Vilsack for secretary of agriculture on Feb. 23 and Linda Thomas-Greenfield for ambassador to the United Nations by Feb. 24. Vilsack previously served as the secretary of agriculture for eight years in the Obama administration. He was unanimously…
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New Hampshire House of Representatives Merrimack 23 District special election set for June 8, 2021
Election officials have scheduled a special election for the Merrimack 23 District seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives for June 8, 2021. The seat became vacant after Samantha Fox (D) resigned on Jan. 12. The primary is on Apr. 20, and the filing deadline is on Feb. 26.
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South Dakota state House advances constitutional amendment requiring three-fifths approval for measures increasing taxes, fees or appropriating more than $10 million
The South Dakota House of Representatives approved House Joint Resolution 5003 on February 16 in a vote of 56-12. The measure would amend the state constitution to require a three-fifths (60%) vote for approval of any ballot measures (whether citizen-initiated or legislatively referred) that imposes or increases taxes or fees or appropriates $10 million or…
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Arkansas state Senator Jim Hendren leaves Republican Party, becomes an independent
On Feb. 18, Arkansas state Senator Jim Hendren announced he was leaving the Republican Party to become an independent. According to a statement issued by his organization, Common Ground AR, Hendren said, “This comes after many sleepless nights; a lot of serious consideration; and it comes with sadness and disappointment. But it’s clear-eyed. I’m making…
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Federal Register weekly update: Tops 10,000 pages
The Federal Register is a daily journal of federal government activity that includes presidential documents, proposed and final rules, and public notices. It is a common measure of an administration’s regulatory activity. From February 15 through February 19—the fifth week of the Biden administration—the Federal Register grew by 1,006 pages for a year-to-date total of…
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Seven candidates running in special primary election for California Senate District 30
The special primary election for California Senate District 30 is on March 2, 2021. Seven candidates are competing to advance to the general election scheduled for May 4. The filing deadline to run passed on January 7. California holds top-two primary elections. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary advance to…
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Voters in Texas House district to decide special election runoff on Feb. 23
A special general runoff election is being held on February 23 for District 68 of the Texas House of Representatives. Craig Carter (R) is facing David Spiller (R) in the runoff. Carter and Spiller advanced from the general election on January 23, earning 18% of the vote and 44% of the vote, respectively. Governor Greg…