Year: 2025

  • Federal Reserve leaves global climate group

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    In this week’s edition of Economy and Society: In Washington D.C., and around the world Federal Reserve leaves global climate group What’s the story? The Federal Reserve announced Jan. 17 its departure from the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System (NGFS). Why does it matter? The Fed’s withdrawal is part…

  • The Food and Nutrition Service issues final rule for SNAP work requirements

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    On January 16, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 final rule went into effect. This rule reaffirmed requirements laid out in the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) with three main provisions governing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — previously called food stamps. These…

  • States approved 36 laws affecting ballot measure processes in 2024

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    Welcome to the Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, Brew.  By: Lara Bonatesta Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: States approved 36 laws affecting ballot measure processes in 2024 During the 2024 legislative sessions, lawmakers proposed 334 bills related to direct democracy processes, including ballot initiatives, referendums, and recalls. In total, lawmakers…

  • Summary of the Trump administration’s history on Medicaid work requirements

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    Donald Trump (R) was inaugurated as president for his second term on January 20, 2025. During his first term, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) invited states to apply for Section 1115 waivers, which, if approved by CMS, allow states to implement work requirements and other conditions for Medicaid. Between 2018 and 2020,…

  • Legislatures considered 334 proposals related to initiative, referendum, and recall in 2024 and passed 40 of them

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    Twenty-six states provide for an initiative or referendum process that allows citizens to collect signatures to place an initiative on the ballot to propose a new law, amend an existing law, or reject a law passed by their state legislature. State constitutions and statutes provide the frameworks that govern a state’s direct democracy process, including…

  • Banks exit net-zero alliance

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    What’s the story? Three major banks announced over the last several days that they are leaving the Net-Zero Banking Alliance. Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Bank of America indicated they would exit the group. Why does it matter? The announcements follow similar actions from Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo last month. They are part of a…

  • Robe & Gavel: SCOTUS continues Jan. 2025

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    Welcome to the January 20 edition of Robe & Gavel, Ballotpedia’s newsletter about the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and other judicial happenings around the U.S. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” -Martin Luther King, Jr. Forgive us for stating the obvious, dear reader, but today…

  • Donald Trump (R) to be sworn in as the 47th president

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    Welcome to the Monday, Jan. 20, Brew.  By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Donald Trump (R) to be sworn-in as the 47th president It’s Inauguration Day—President-elect Donald Trump (R) will take the oath of office as the 47th president. Today is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day.…

  • Senate Judiciary Committee holds confirmation hearing for Pam Bondi for attorney general

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    The Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings for Pam Bondi for attorney general on Jan. 16 and 15, 2025. At the time the hearing ended, the committee had not yet scheduled a meeting to vote on Bondi’s nomination. Bondi must receive a majority approval vote in the committee before her nomination can be put up…

  • Senate Finance Committee holds confirmation hearing for Scott Bessent for secretary of the treasury

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    The Senate Finance Committee held a confirmation hearing for Scott Bessent for secretary of the treasury on Jan. 16, 2025. At the time the hearing ended, the committee had not yet scheduled a meeting to vote on Bessent’s nomination. Bessent must receive a majority approval vote in the committee before his nomination can be put…