Year: 2025

  • Doug Collins confirmed as secretary of veterans affairs

    Posted on

    The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Doug Collins as secretary of veterans affairs on Feb. 4, 2025. The Senate voted 77-23 in favor of his nomination. This was the tenth member of President Donald Trump’s (R) Cabinet confirmed in his second presidential term.  Trump announced on Nov. 14, 2024, that he had selected Collins as…

  • Chris Wright confirmed as secretary of energy

    Posted on

    The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Chris Wright as secretary of energy on Feb. 3, 2025. The Senate voted 59-38 in favor of his nomination with seven Democrats, one independent who caucuses with Democrats, and 51 Republicans voting in favor. This was the ninth member of President Donald Trump’s (R) Cabinet confirmed in his second…

  • Since 1898, voters in 30 states have decided on 42 constitutional amendments to create state initiative and referendum processes

    Posted on

    Welcome to the Wednesday, Feb. 5, Brew.  By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Since 1898, voters in 30 states have decided on 42 constitutional amendments to create state initiative and referendum processes Since 1898, voters in 30 states have decided on 42 constitutional amendments to create state…

  • Republican state officials request ESG clarification

    Posted on

    In this week’s edition of Economy and Society: Around the world European Commission announces ESG regulatory simplification What’s the story? The European Commission (EC) released a report last week on its plans to promote European business competitiveness, including a planned ESG regulatory simplification. Why does it matter? This newsletter previously reported on complaints from European…

  • U.S. House average margins of victory were closest since at least 2012

    Posted on

    Welcome to the Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, Brew.  By: Lara Bonatesta Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: U.S. House average margins of victory were closest since at least 2012  It’s been just over a month since the 119th Congress convened on Jan. 3, and as our lawmakers navigate things like…

  • Oklahoma voters have decided on 454 ballot measures since statehood in 1907

    Posted on

    Oklahoma’s constitution, adopted in 1907, includes rights for citizens to propose new laws and change existing laws through the initiative and referendum process. Since 1907, Oklahomans have decided on 454 ballot measures placed on the ballot by successful citizen initiatives and the Oklahoma State Legislature. The types of measures decided have included advisory questions (1),…

  • A look at how the 2025 Virginia House of Delegates elections could affect three proposed constitutional amendments

    Posted on

    Welcome to the Monday, Feb. 3, Brew.  By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: A look at how the 2025 Virginia House of Delegates elections could affect three proposed constitutional amendments We’ve previously written about the long-term effect that the results of one election can have on future…

  • Washington state judge dismisses challenge to Parents’ Bill of Rights; legislators set to consider bill that would rewrite it

    Posted on

    King County Superior Court Judge Michael Scott in Washington allowed the state Parents’ Bill of Rights to take full effect on Jan. 27, dismissing a lawsuit against the 2024 Initiative 2081 that enacted the Bill of Rights. Judge Scott had temporarily blocked portions of the statute on Jun. 21, 2024, that required school districts to…

  • Nine states have new initiative signature requirements heading into the 2025-2026 election cycle

    Posted on

    Heading into the 2025-2026 election cycle, signature requirements for citizen-initiated measures changed in nine states. Turnout on Nov.5, 2024, caused signature requirements for citizen-initiated ballot measures to change in seven states. Two other states changed their requirements based on the number of registered voters. The average change was a 12.47% increase.  Changes ranged from a…

  • ICYMI: Top stories of the week

    Posted on

    A crash course on the budget reconciliation process Congress is expected to seek to pass key elements of President Donald Trump’s (R) policy agenda through the budget reconciliation process. Budget reconciliation is a term for the legislative process that bypasses the filibuster to approve a package of legislation in Congress that changes spending, revenues, or…