Year: 2021

  • Federal judge blocks Maine’s ban on out-of-state initiative petition circulators 

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    On Feb. 16, U.S. District Court Judge John Woodcock blocked Maine from enforcing provisions of its state constitution and a 2015 law requiring petition circulators to be registered voters, and, therefore, state residents. Woodcock ruled that “the First Amendment’s free speech protections trump the state’s regulatory authority.” Secretary of State Shenna Bellows could appeal the…

  • Documenting America’s Path to Recovery: February 19, 2021

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    The next 72 hours What is changing in the next 72 hours? Georgia (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, Feb. 18, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced the state will open four vaccination sites on Monday, Feb. 22. Each site will dispense around 22,000 shots a week.  Kentucky (divided government): Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that starting Feb.…

  • Federal judge rejects Minnesota teachers, transportation worker lawsuits seeking refund of union fees

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    Federal judge rejects Minnesota teachers, transportation worker lawsuits seeking refund of union fees On Feb. 12, a U.S. district court judge ruled against three Minnesota teachers seeking refunds of fees they were required to pay to their union before Janus v. AFSCME. In Janus, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public sector unions cannot require…

  • Ballotpedia’s Weekly Transition Tracker: February 15-19, 2021

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    President Joe Biden (D) and his team have been preparing for the transition between presidential administrations since the election, including selecting senior White House staff and appointees to top government positions. In 2020, there were 1,472 government positions subject to presidential appointment: 1,118 positions required Senate confirmation and 354 did not. The new administration is…

  • Biden’s immigration plan introduced in Congress

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    February 19, 2021: Biden’s immigration plan was introduced in the House and Senate, and ICE released new guidance President Joe Biden (D) and his team have been preparing for the transition between presidential administrations since the election, including selecting senior White House staff and appointees to top government positions. In 2020, there were 1,472 government…

  • The Daily Brew: Longest-serving state house speaker to resign

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    Welcome to the Friday, Feb. 19, Brew. Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan resigns 71 new members of Congress were elected last year Voters recall Colorado school board member Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan resigns Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) announced…

  • Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan resigns

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    Illinois state Rep. Michael Madigan (D) announced on Feb. 18 that he would resign from the Illinois General Assembly. Madigan has been a member of the state House since 1971, representing District 22.  “Fifty years ago, I decided to dedicate my life to public service,” Madigan said in a statement. “Simply put, I knew I…

  • Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson announces resignation

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    On Feb. 15, Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson announced her intention to resign, citing health and family reasons. Lawson said she will be leaving office as soon as a successor appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) is ready to take office. “I have dedicated the last 32 years of my life to public service,”…

  • Documenting America’s Path to Recovery: February 18, 2021

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    Since our last edition What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here. Arizona (Republican trifecta): The state is partnering with the University of Arizona to operate a mass vaccination site, starting Feb. 18. Registration opened on Feb. 16. At full capacity, the site can administer 6,000 vaccines…

  • U.S. Supreme Court resumes hearing oral arguments on Feb. 22

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    On Feb. 22, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will begin its February argument sitting. The court will hear arguments in 11 cases for a total of six hours of oral argument. Feb. 22 Florida v. Georgia Note: Trump v. Sierra Club was removed from the argument calendar after the court granted…