Year: 2025
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Arkansas Governor applies to CMS for waiver to implement work requirements for Medicaid
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders sent a section 1115 waiver request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) last Tuesday, January 28th, requesting permission to implement work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients aged 19-64. Section 1115 of the Social Security Act allows for states to request approval from the CMS to waive certain…
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Republican state officials request ESG clarification
Twenty-two Republican state financial officers—treasurers, auditors, and a comptroller—sent a letter Jan. 28 asking the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue new rules clarifying and updating ESG policies enacted or proposed during the Biden administration. The DOL and the SEC each issued ESG and sustainability investing rules…
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Administrative State legislation tracking update: 34 federalism-related bills introduced in 2025 legislative sessions so far
Ballotpedia’s Administrative State Legislation Tracker recorded 34 bills related to federalism as of Feb. 3. in the 2025 legislative sessions across 18 states and in Congress. These bills reflect ongoing debates about the balance of power between state and federal governments, addressing issues from unfunded mandates to federal regulatory authority. Overall, the tracker covered nearly…
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Doug Collins confirmed as secretary of veterans affairs
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…
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Chris Wright confirmed as secretary of energy
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…
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Since 1898, voters in 30 states have decided on 42 constitutional amendments to create state initiative and referendum processes
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…
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Oklahoma voters have decided on 454 ballot measures since statehood in 1907
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),…