Skip to main content
Economy

Economy Legislation

Economy Key Legislation – 2024

  • House And Senate Democrats Passed A Bill To Increase Virginia’s Minimum Wage To $13.50 Per Hour Beginning In 2025, Sending The Bill To The Governor. [Virginia General Assembly, HB 1, passed Senate 2/23/24]
  • Michigan Democratic Legislators Introduced A Bill Providing Protection From Discrimination Based On Housing Status. [Michigan Legislature, 2023-2024 Legislative Session, HB4919, introduced 7/18/23]
  • Kansas Republican Lawmakers Blocked A Bill That Would Expand Medicaid. [Kansas Reflector, 3/21/24]
  • A Minnesota DFL Lawmaker Introduced A Bill To Regulate How Online Ticket Sellers, Bulk Ticket Buyers And Resellers Operate To Give Additional Consumer Protections To Ticket Buyers. [Session Daily, 2/20/24] [Minnesota Legislature, HF 1989, introduced 2/20/24]
  • Democratic Lawmakers In Kansas Introduced Legislation To Raise The Minimum Wage. [Kansas Legislature, 2023-2024 Legislative Session, SB 70, introduced 1/19/23]
  • Colorado Democratic Lawmakers Introduced Legislation To Require Landlords To Show Cause Before Evicting Tenants. [Colorado General Assembly, 2024 Regular Session, HB24-1098, introduced 1/24/24]
  • Democratic Lawmakers Passed Legislation To Create A Universal Paid Family And Medical Leave Program That Now Heads To The Governor. [Virginia Mercury, 1/29/24] [Virginia General Assembly, SB 373, Senate passed House substitute 2/28/24]
  • Minnesota House DFL Lawmakers Passed A Bill To Expand The State’s Law Against Price-Gouging During Declared Emergencies, Sending The Bill To The Senate. [Session Daily, 3/11/24] [Minnesota Legislature, HF 3526, passed House 3/11/24]

Economy Key Legislation – 2023

Arizona

  • After Governor Hobbs Vetoed The Budget Sent By Republican Lawmakers, Senate Republicans Passed A Resolution That Would Propose A Constitutional Amendment Allowing The Previous Year’s Budget To Automatically Go Into Affect If A New Budget Isn’t Passed. “Senators on March 1 approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 1034, which would ask voters in 2024 to change the constitution to allow lawmakers to side-step the governor if budget negotiations break down. It would allow minimal changes to the prior year’s budget to remove one-time spending and to account for formula-driven funding in agencies like the Department of Education and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System; those would have to be approved by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Because Republicans have the majority in both state legislative chambers, the change would mean they could leave Democrats entirely out of the budgeting process. One-time expenditures were the key to creating last session’s bipartisan budget.” [AZ Mirror, 3/3/23; Arizona Legislature, 2023 Regular Session, SCR 1034, Senate passed 3/1/23]
  • A Bill That Would Put Limits On Rent Increases Relative To Cost Of Living Changes Was Introduced By House Democrats. [Arizona Legislature, 2023 Regular Session, HB 2161, introduced 1/23/23]
  • A Bill That Would Require Regulation Of Short Term Rental And Vacation Properties Through Permits And Licensing Requirements Was Introduced By House Democrats. [Arizona Legislature, 2023 Regular Session, HCR 2011, introduced 1/26/23]

Connecticut

  • Democratic Lawmakers Have Introduced Legislation Aimed At Strengthening Tenant Protections. “This year, as of Feb. 2, three bills were introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly concerning tenant unions’ rights, indicating an unusually high interest in the topic among legislators. State representative Aundré Bumgardner and state senator Martin M. Looney proposed similar measures that would allow tenant unions to act on behalf of individual tenants. […] A group of Democratic legislators in the Connecticut House of Representatives, including Rep. Bumgardner, also introduced “An Act Concerning Tenants’ Rights” that calls to “increase protections for any tenant seeking to form or join a tenant union.” [Yale Daily News, 2/3/23]
    • HB 6109, HB 6390, And SB 861 All Did Not Pass Before The End Of Session. [Connecticut General Assembly, Session Year 2023, HB 6109, introduced 1/18/23; Connecticut General Assembly, Session Year 2023, HB 6390, introduced 1/20/23; Connecticut General Assembly, Session Year 2023, SB 861, introduced 1/20/23]

Florida

  • Republican Lawmakers Have Been Criticized By Local Leaders For Legislation That Would Limit What Local Governments Can Do To Regulate Vacation Rentals Like Airbnb. “Redington Beach Mayor David Will, whose city has passed an ordinance that includes restrictions on occupancy and is in the midst of a court battle over whether it can apply a 2008 ban on short-term rentals, said the bill represents an attack on cities’ home-rule powers. Though Will, like DiCeglie, is a Republican, preserving a town’s quality of life ‘is not a partisan issue,’ he said in an email. ‘It is one which every elected official, from any party, at any level of government should strive every day to do.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/6/23]
    • SB 714 Failed To Pass Before The End Of Session. [The Florida Senate, 2023 Session. SB 714, Died 5/5/23]

Kansas

  • Democratic Lawmakers Introduced Legislation To Raise The Minimum Wage. “On Jan. 19, Sen. Ethan Corson introduced Senate Bill 70, also knowns as “The Making Work Pay Act,” with the hope of increasing minimum wage. The bill would raise the minimum wage in Kansas to $10 starting next year. Then, it would continue to gradually increase by $2 each year until it reaches $16 in 2027. […] ‘In this country, I don’t think that you should [be] working full-time and be living in poverty or be dependent on the government for government assistance,’ Corson said. ‘So, I think anybody who’s works full time should have the dignity of getting a living wage that allows them to support themselves and their family.’” [KSNT, 2/1/23]
    • The Bill Did Not Pass Before The End Of Session. [Kansas Legislature, 2023-2024 Sessions, SB 70, introduced 1/19/23]

Maine

  • Democratic Legislators Are Working With Experts To Craft A Proposal For Paid Family Leave. “A commission made up of lawmakers and experts – including Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick – is crafting a proposal that will go before lawmakers this spring. […]  Daughtry, in a phone interview Friday night, said she is “confident” the Legislature will approve paid family leave this year. Democrats hold the trifecta in state government, with Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and Democrats controlling majorities in the Senate and House.” [Portland Press Herald, 1/13/23]
    • The Bill Passed And Was Signed Into Law By Gov. Mills. “Maine is the next US state to require paid family and medical leave for employees under a new law signed by Gov. Janet Mills (D). The legislation approved by Mills on Tuesday as part of the state’s budget bill passed both chambers of the state legislature earlier this month. States continue to adopt new paid family and medical leave legislation as advocates push for these worker protections across the country. Maine is the 13th state in addition to Washington, D.C., to enact a universal paid leave program. The law goes into effect in 2026 and will apply to businesses with 15 or more employees. Workers and employers would split a wage contribution to fund the program that amounts to 1% or less of an employee’s wage.” [Bloomberg Law, 7/11/23]
  • Democratic Lawmakers Passed $100 Million Towards Affordable Housing Initiatives. “More than $100 million was allocated to address Maine’s housing shortage and the ongoing homelessness crisis under budget measures passed by the Legislature last week. The spending comes as cities and towns across the state grapple with maxed-out homeless shelters, unaffordable apartments and increasing numbers of people living on the streets. […] This latest funding follows an “unprecedented” infusion of about $43 million for emergency housing programs the Legislature approved over the winter, Jorgensen said. Included in the supplemental budget passed Thursday is $70 million in one-time funding for housing subsidy programs statewide through the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program and the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. Both are administered by MaineHousing.” [News Center Maine, 7/10/23]
  • Democratic Lawmakers Passed LD701, Which Increases The Requirement From 45 To 75 Days For Landlords To Give Notice To Tenants Of A Rent Increase Of 10% Or More. “In a 9-3 vote on Wednesday, members of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee moved forward LD 701, “An Act to Increase the Notice Period for Rent Increases,” sponsored by Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland. The bill would require Maine landlords to provide a 75-day notice to tenants when increasing rent by 10 percent or more from the previous year’s rent, according to a news release from the Maine Legislature House Democratic Office. Currently, landlords are only required to provide 45 days’ notice before any rent increases, the release stated.” [News Center Maine, 4/6/23; State of Maine Legislature, 131st Maine Legislature, First Regular Session, Became Law Without Governor’s Signature, 7/6/23]
  • Democratic Lawmakers Passed A Bill To Raise The State Minimum Wage To $15. “According to the Bangor Daily News, the proposal would boost the minimum wage from $13.80 to $15 in 2024 with an annual cost of living increase. Democrats in the House pushed the bill through an initial 71-70 vote on Monday, according to the BDN. It advanced through the Senate on Tuesday in a 22-11 vote.” [WGME, 6/14/23]

Michigan

  • House Democrats Introduced Legislation To Provide Income Tax Credits To Employees Who Pay Union Dues To A Labor Organization. [HB4235, Michigan Legislature, introduced 3/9/23]
  • Democratic Lawmakers Passed Legislation To Expand The State’s Earned Income Tax Credit And Alter Retirement Income Taxes, Bringing Back Exemptions For Public Pensions. [The Detroit News, 1/26/23; Michigan Legislature, HB4001, approved by the Governor 3/7/23]
    • The Governor Signed The Legislation. “‘A single bill 12 years ago dealt a critical blow to people’s finances,’ Whitmer said at a signing ceremony. ‘Seniors had money that was promised to them taken out of their hands. Working families who were a missed paycheck away from poverty had a lifeline pulled away. It was wrong then and today we are making it right.’” [Detroit Free Press, 3/7/23]
  • Gov. Whitmer Signed The First Piece Of Legislation From The New Democratic Legislature, A Budget Bill That Will Provide Funding For Small Businesses, Affordable Housing, Community Revitalization Grants, And More. “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a $1.1 billion supplemental spending bill Tuesday that will send federal COVID-19 relief funds across the state for business and housing programs, give $200 million to a paper mill in Escanaba and create a new water shutoff prevention fund.” [Detroit Free Press, 1/31/23]
  • Democratic Lawmakers Were Unable To Get Enough Support From Republican Lawmakers To Pass Inflation Relief Rebate Checks. “Senate Democrats, who hold a 20-18 majority, failed on Tuesday to get the 26-vote supermajority support needed to have the bill take effect earlier. Without two-thirds backing for immediate effect, the measure takes effect in 2024, too late for the rebate checks. ‘It’s unfortunate those won’t be going out,’ Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, told reporters Tuesday night. ‘We were hoping we would be able to get Republican support for that. But unfortunately, they were unwilling to do so.’” [The Detroit News, 3/1/23]
  • Democratic Lawmakers Passed A $75 Million Small Business Relief Fund. “Michigan small businesses devastated by state COVID lockdown restrictions can apply to tap a one-time $75 million fund from federal taxpayers. In February, the Michigan legislature passed into law the $75 million Small Business Smart Zones and Business Accelerators initiative. The fund is a one-time appropriation using American Rescue Plan Act funds to support small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce the new program. In Michigan, small business growth has surged with 137,000 new small business applications submitted in 2022, partly caused by a flood of businesses permanently closing during the pandemic.” [The Center Square, 6/27/23]
  • Democratic Lawmakers Passed And Gov. Whitmer Signed A Bill Removing Asset Tests For Food Aid. “Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law Wednesday that will remove asset tests for food assistance eligibility, a requirement that was put in place under Republican former Gov. Rick Snyder. Michigan is the 36th state to eliminate the asset test for food assistance, cash assistance or emergency relief. The benchmark was eased but not completely eliminated by Whitmer in 2019 through administrative powers. The legislation signed Wednesday, which passed the Senate 25-13 and the House 56-53, eliminates the asset test requirement altogether. ‘Food benefits must be accessible for Michiganders who need them without illogical tradeoffs,’ Whitmer said in a statement Wednesday. ‘I am proud to get this done and grateful for all the organizations, advocates, and legislators — including Senator Irwin — who fought hard to make it happen.’” [The Detroit News, 7/12/23]

Minnesota

  • Minnesota DFL Legislators Were “Optimistic” They Would Pass Paid Leave After Years Of Opposition From Republicans In The Legislature. “Democratic legislators are optimistic they will pass paid family leave after years of advocacy and vetting — and opposition from Republicans and their business allies. The program unveiled at a news conference Thursday would allow workers to take paid leave for up to 12 weeks of medical leave and up to 12 weeks for family leave, after workers and employers pay a tax into a fund. The bill’s authors and advocates say the program would especially benefit low-income Minnesotans and people of color, who are less likely to have paid leave through their jobs.” [Minnesota Reformer, 1/6/23]
    • The Senate Paid Leave Bill Has Advanced From The Jobs Committee And The Labor Committee. “The DFL-controlled House passed a bill Thursday codifying the right to an abortion into law. It now moves to the Senate. That’s just one policy area where the DFL is moving fast. Some other big bills that moved forward this week: […] Bill to provide up to 12 weeks of partially paid family and medical leave (SF 2) passed out of the Senate jobs committee. It also passed out of the Senate Labor Committee late Thursday.” [Minnesota Reformer, 1/20/23]
  • The Minnesota House Passed A Bill To Require Businesses To Provide Workers With Six Paid Six Days Off Per Year. “Minnesota House Democrats passed a bill late Thursday night that requires businesses of all sizes to provide workers with six paid sick days off per year. The bill still needs Senate passage. Under the ‘earned sick and safe time’ bill (HF19), workers would accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours they work up to 48 hours a year. Workers could use the time off for a number of reasons, including to recover from an illness, care for a sick family member, or because of a weather-related school or work closure.” [Minnesota Reformer, 2/17/23]
  • Minnesota Legislators Passed Legislation To Bring Minnesota Tax Code In Line With Federal Tax Code. “Gov. Tim Walz signed a fast-tracked proposal Thursday to cut more than $100 million in taxes for Minnesota restaurants and other businesses that got federal aid at the height of the pandemic. The tax breaks are the result of making Minnesota’s tax code mirror the federal code, known as conformity.” [Star Tribune, 1/12/23]
    • The Legislation Meant Small Businesses Would Not Have To Pay State Taxes On Federal COVID-19 Relief Grants. “Hundreds of Minnesota entertainment venues — from the Guthrie Theater and concert halls to movie theaters — received grants offered by the federal government to help venues that had to shutter during the pandemic. The size of their grant depended on their operating expenses. Minnesota venues got more than $300 million in grants, said Dayna Frank, CEO of the First Avenue concert venue in Minneapolis. The law signed Thursday means those venues won’t have to pay state taxes on that funding. […] Like the entertainment venues, the restaurants don’t have state tax liability on those federal grants under the law signed Thursday.” [Star Tribune, 1/12/23]
    • The Legislation Would Exempt Forgiven Student Loans From Minnesota Taxes If President Biden’s Student Loan Plan Is Allowed To Take Effect By The Supreme Court. “In August, President Joe Biden announced his plan to forgive $10,000 in federal student debt for most borrowers, while canceling up to $20,000 for recipients of Pell Grants. But without the change signed into law Thursday, Minnesotans would have had to pay income taxes on the forgiven loan — for some, more than $1,000. The Department of Revenue estimates more than 600,000 Minnesota filers could see tax cuts under the new law.‘We know this student debt crisis is still hitting people like me,’ said Rep. Aisha Gomez, DFL-Minneapolis, chair of the House Taxes Committee who sponsored the bill. ‘A lot of us are really caught in an economic bind related to this ballooning debt that people are dealing with.’ The new law eliminates that tax liability for Minnesotans if Biden’s student loan plan takes effect. That proposal is being challenged before the U.S. Supreme Court, with oral arguments scheduled for February.” [Star Tribune, 1/12/23]
  • Minnesota Legislators Introduced Bills To Provide Rental Assistance To All Low-Income Residents. “Minnesota could become the first state in the country to guarantee rental assistance to all low-income residents under a proposal backed by 40 Democratic state lawmakers. Housing advocates and Democratic lawmakers have introduced the bill (HF11) every year for the past three years, but the proposal stalled with a Republican-controlled Senate. The bill now has its best shot at passage, with Democrats empowered by a trifecta and feeling rich with a historic $17.6 billion surplus. The bill’s companion in the Senate (SF11) also includes a Republican co-author: Jim Abeler of Anoka.”  [Star Tribune, 1/12/23]

Nevada

  • Democratic Lawmakers Are Working To Pass A Package Of Tenant Protection Bills Targeting Hidden Fees, Repair Costs, Application Fees, And Discrimination Against Income Sources. “Lawmakers have advanced several tenant protection bills seeking to rein in practices that nickel-and-dime tenants through hidden fees for paying rent, applying for apartments or requesting maintenance repairs. […] Assembly Bill 218 would require landlords to offer a free way for tenants to pay rent other than through an online portal, and mandate all non-optional fees connected to the rental, such as sewer and water fees, be listed when advertising the property. […] Senate Bill 381, which prevents landlords from charging tenants fees to perform repairs, passed the Senate unanimously on April 19. […] Two bills seeking to rein in tenant application fees also passed out of their respective houses. […] Assembly Bill 176, sponsored by Democratic Assemblywoman Cecelia González, proposed banning ‘source of income discrimination’ and died in committee without receiving a vote.” [Reno Gazette Journal, 5/1/23]
    • AB 218 And SB 78 Were Vetoed By The Governor. [Nevada Legislature, 2023 Session, AB 218, Vetoed by the Governor, 6/16/23; Nevada Legislature, 2023 Session, SB 78, Vetoed by the Governor, Vetoed by the Governor, 6/16/23]
    • SB 381 Was Passed By The Legislature And Signed Into Law By Gov. Lombardo. [Nevada Legislature, 2023 Session, SB 381, Approved by the Governor, 5/31/23]
    • AB 176 And AB 298 Did Not Advance Before The End Of Session. [Nevada Legislature, 2023 Session, AB 176, no further action allowed 4/15/23; Nevada Legislature, 2023 Session, AB 298, No further action taken 6/6/23]

New Hampshire

  • Democratic Lawmakers Introduced Legislation To Raise The Minimum Wage. “State Rep. Kris Schultz, D-Concord, is sponsoring a bill to establish a state minimum wage of $13.25 cents an hour starting in September, increasing to $15 an hour by 2025. Supporters of the legislation said the higher wage will help drive the local economy. ‘A lot of workers who are low-wage workers, when they get money, they tend to spend that money in the economy,’ said Viola Katusiime, of the Granite State Organizing Project. ‘So, this money is not going to be used to buy second homes or invest in the stock market.’” [WMUR, 1/19/23]
    • The Bill Failed In The House. [HB57, New Hampshire General Court, 23-24 Session, failed 2/22/23]

New Jersey

  • Democratic Lawmakers Passed And Gov. Murphy Signed A Bill That Increased The Minimum SNAP Benefits, Raising It To The Amount Provided By Federal Emergency Allotments Which Ended In February 2023. “‘We know overwhelmingly that a better nourished and more food secure New Jersey makes for a stronger one,’ said Assembly Speaker Coughlin. ‘This expansion safeguards the food security of 46,000 SNAP households, mostly vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities, whose health and wellbeing relies on keeping healthy and nutritious foods on their plate.’ ‘With SNAP benefit reductions scheduled to occur at the end of February at the Federal level, many New Jerseyans would see their monthly benefits cut nearly in half without this critical legislation,’ said Senate Majority Leader Ruiz. ‘I commend Speaker Coughlin for his work in this space and join him in the efforts to protect and bolster New Jersey’s food security programs.’” [State of New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy, 2/8/23]

New Mexico

  • The Gov. Signed Legislation That Will Provide $1.2 Billion For Capital Outlay Projects, Including A Reproductive Health Care Clinic. [HB-505, 2023 Regular Session, 2/16/23]
  • The Gov. Signed Legislation Providing Financial Incentives To Place Broadband Infrastructure In Underserved Communities. [HB-160, 2023 Regular Session, Introduced 1/23/23]
  • The Gov. Signed The “Excess Oil & Gas Funds To Severance Tax Fund” Bill Which Would Divert Excess Oil & Gas Funds To The Tax Stabilization Reserve And Early Childhood Education. [SB-26, 2023 Regular Session, 1/17/23] 
  • Four Democratic Lawmakers Introduced SB-10 To Provide New Mexicans Income Tax Rebates. [SB-10, 2023 Regular Session, 1/25/23]
    • The Bill Did Not Pass Before The End Of Session. [SB-10, 2023 Regular Session, Introduced 1/25/23]
  • Senate Democrats Introduced The Paid Family And Medical Leave Act To Provide Workers With 12 Weeks Of Paid Leave. [SB-11, 23 Regular Session, 1/30/23]
    • The Paid Family And Medical Leave Act Moved To The Senate Floor For A Full Vote. “A bill to provide employees with up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave passed the Senate Finance Committee by a 6 to 5 vote on Thursday. The committee held a larger hearing on Thursday to hear from members of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Task Force, which worked out the bill over the last year, before the committee heard the bill. […] The program would, if enacted, provide up to 12 weeks of paid time off for an employee who has a new child,  is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking or has a serious medical illness or to care for a family member with a serious medical illness. The Department of Workforce Solutions would administer the program.” [NM Political Report, 2/24/23]
    • The Bill Did Not Advance Through The House Before The End Of Session. [SB-11, 23 Regular Session, Introduced 1/30/23]

New York

  • Democratic Lawmakers Have Introduced Legislation To Provide More Regulation And Oversight Of Short-Term Rentals. “In recent years, as short-term rentals like Airbnbs have proliferated in high-tourism regions, some localities have sought to regulate their impact on housing prices and also capture their tax revenue potential. But many have run into problems, namely a lack of resources to enforce regulations and pushback from residents and landlord groups who have profited handsomely. […] A new bill aims to create a state-level lens over this burgeoning sector of the hospitality industry. The Short-Term Rental Registry Act, introduced Friday by state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-Saugerties, is intended to help municipalities track, regulate and collect taxes on vacation rentals.” [Times Union, 1/8/23]

North Carolina

  • Democratic Lawmakers Are Pushing Back Against A 2021 Plan By Republicans To Eliminate Income Taxes For Corporations. “‘We simply cannot afford to erase a billion dollars from state revenue,’ Durham Democratic Rep. Marcia Morey said at a press conference Monday with other liberal leaders. ‘That will hurt our public schools. It will deprive North Carolinians of public services like longer waits — if that’s possible — at the Department of Motor Vehicles to get your license. More canceled bus routes. Delays in court Proceedings and health appointments. Delays in getting your own tax return.’” [WRAL, 3/20/23]
  • The General Assembly Passed A Bill Expanding Medicaid Eligibility, With 24 Republican Lawmakers Voting Against The Legislation In The House. “When Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, a longtime expansion advocate, signs the bill, it should leave 10 states in the U.S. that haven’t adopted expansion. North Carolina has 2.9 million enrollees in traditional Medicaid coverage. Advocates have estimated that expansion could help 600,000 adults. ‘Medicaid Expansion is a once in a generation investment that will make all North Carolina families healthier while strengthening our economy, and I look forward to signing this legislation soon,’ Cooper tweeted.” [AP News, 3/23/23]
    • Gov. Cooper Signed The Legislation. [NPR, 3/28/23]

Oregon

  • Senate Democrats Introduced A Bill To Lower The Limit Of Annual Rent Increases And Protect Tenants If Forced To Relocate. “Senate Bill 611, currently under consideration by the Oregon Legislature, would revise that to limit annual rent increases to 3% plus inflation or 8% total, whichever is lower. The proposed legislation would also require landlords to cover three months’ rent if a tenant has to relocate through no fault of their own. The current law requires one month of rental assistance for a no-fault eviction.” [OPB, 3/27/23]
    • SB 611 Passed In The Legislature And Was Signed Into Law By Gov. Kotek. [Oregon State Legislature, 2023 Regular Session, SB 611, Governor Signed, 7/6/23]

Pennsylvania

  • Senate Democrats Introduced Legislation To Prohibit Source Of Income Discrimination In Real Estate Practices. [SB-124, 23-34 Regular Session, 1/19/23]
  • Senate Democrats Introduced The Preventing Veterans’ Homelessness Act. [SB-89, 23-24 General Session, 1/18/23]
  • House Democrats Introduced The Price Gouging Act, Prohibiting Petroleum Product Price Gouging. [HB 135, 23-24 Regular Session, 3/7/23]
  • Republican Lawmakers Proposed Eliminating The States’ Income Tax. [Memo, 23-24 Regular Session, 4/27/23]
  • Democratic Lawmakers In The House Passed Legislation To Establish More Frequent COLA Adjustments For County Pensions. “On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation to establish more frequent cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for county pension annuitants. Democratic State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both of Erie, are the sponsors of H.B. 298. The bill would amend the county pension law to give boards more flexibility in setting COLAs.” [Erie News Now, 6/7/23]
  • The Democratically Controlled House Passed A Proposal To Allocate $100 Million In Federal Funds For Adult Mental Health Services. “A proposal to allocate $100 million in federal funds to pay for adult mental health programs easily passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday, a plan built on the recommendations of a state commission charged with issuing suggestions for coordinated care. The bill passed 173-30 and was sent to the Senate. A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said that he supports the legislation. The American Rescue Plan Act money would bolster the behavioral health industry’s workforce, improve the criminal justice and public safety systems and expand access to support.” [Associated Press, 6/8/23]

Virginia

  • The Republican-Majority Virginia House Voted Down Tax Credit Legislation For Low-Income Families. “A top Democratic priority for the 2023 General Assembly, a tax credit for lower-income families, died in the GOP-led House of Delegates’ tax credits subcommittee Monday on a party-line vote. The bill, sponsored by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, said the state’s $300 income tax credit for households with income at or below the federal poverty line — $18,310 for a couple, $27,750 for a family of four — should be fully refundable.” [Richmond Times Dispatch, 1/23/23]
  • The Democratic-Majority Virginia Senate Blocked Two Tax Cut Bills. “Democrats in the Virginia Senate have unceremoniously put an end to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s plan to cut corporate and income tax rates. The two bills, one to cut the top income tax rate by 0.25% and one to cut the corporate tax rate by 1%, passed the Republican-controlled House of Delegates last week. The proposals have been a key part of Youngkin’s budget proposals this year, but faced heavy opposition from Democrats who criticized them as corporate handouts.” [WRIC, 1/31/23]
  • The Senate Passed SB 1101, A Bill To Set Up A Universal Paid Family Medical Leave Program. [Virginia Mercury, 2/8/23; SB 1101, 2023 Legislative Session, accessed 2/8/23]
    • SB 1101 Was Killed By A House Subcommittee. [SB 1101, 2023 Legislative Session, accessed 2/27/23]
  • The Republican-Majority House Passed A Budget Including $1 Billion In Tax Cuts. “This year’s fight over the Virginia state budget took shape Thursday as a stark choice: $1 billion in tax cuts at a time when residents are coping with a tough economy, or the same amount in spending for underfunded programs, especially state schools. Republicans who control the House of Delegates passed a budget package that boosts spending in some areas while giving Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) the tax cuts he requested, on top of the $4 billion in tax cuts approved last year.” [Washington Post, 2/9/23]
    • The House Budget Cut Corporate Taxes And The Top Marginal Tax Rate. “In line with Youngkin’s proposals, the House approved cutting the corporate tax rate to 5 percent from 6 percent, at a cost of some $362 million for the two-year period. The House also accepted Youngkin’s recommendations to increase the standard income tax deduction to $9,000 for individuals and $18,000 for married couples, from $8,500 and $17,000; lower the top marginal tax rate to 5.5 percent from 5.75 percent; create a qualified business income tax deduction of 10 percent; and other tax cuts that bring the overall total to about $1 billion.” [Washington Post, 2/9/23]
  • The Democratic-Majority Senate Passed A Budget Without The House’s Tax Cuts And Included Additional Funding For Schools. “Democrats who control the Senate passed a plan that features a huge boost in funding for schools and social programs — and none of the new tax cuts. […] The Senate version is the most generous with direct aid to local school divisions, boosting funding by more than $1 billion, compared with nearly $383 million in the House plan and $321 million in Youngkin’s, according to an analysis by the nonprofit Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis.”  [Washington Post, 2/9/23]
  • Lawmakers In The House And Senate Failed To Come To An Agreement On A Budget Before The End Of The Legislative Session. “The Virginia General Assembly ended its legislative session Saturday without reaching agreement on sweeping changes to the state budget, leaving both tax cuts and massive new spending on the table as Republicans and Democrats couldn’t break a late deadlock over priorities.” [Washington Post, 2/25/23]
    • Legislators Approved Some Patchwork Funding And Could Still Return To A Special Session If Negotiators Came To An Agreement. “Instead, lawmakers approved spending some $250 million to patch an accidental shortfall in revenue for local school systems around the state, caused by a glitch in the state’s tool for calculating education funding. Senators and delegates also passed a handful of technical fixes to the two-year spending plan related to the state retirement system and to a mandatory rainy day fund. But otherwise, they punted. […] They could yet reconsider. If negotiators are able to come up with an agreement, Youngkin could summon the legislature back to Richmond for a special session to take up budget items.” [Washington Post, 2/25/23]

Wisconsin

  • Republican Lawmakers Passed Legislation To Put An Advisory Referendum On The Spring Ballot On The Question Of Requiring Able-Bodied, Childless Adults To Look For Work In Order To Receive Taxpayer-Funded Welfare Benefits. [SJR 4, 2023 Regular Session, 1/13/23]
  • Republican Lawmakers Introduced Legislation To Remove The Personal Property Tax. [SB-2, 2023 Regular Session, 1/27/23]
  • Republican Lawmakers Introduced Legislation To Establish A Flat Individual Income Tax Rate. [SB-1, 2023 Regular Session, 1/27/23]
  • Democratic Legislators Re-Introduced The Economic Justice Bill Of Rights. “Two years after its initial introduction into the state legislature, State Reps. Francesca Hong (D-Madison) and Kristina Shelton (D-Green Bay) reintroduced their Economic Justice Bill of Rights (LRB-1728), surrounded by supporting public officials and social justice organizations on the Assembly floor at the State Capitol (WisconsinEye recording). They have re-opened a door to reviving Wisconsin’s democracy by introducing this bill. […] The Economic Justice Bill of Rights calls for: 1. A job that provides dignity at work and pays a living wage. 2. Adequately funded public education and affordable, accessible child care. 3. A union, public or private, and collective bargaining. 4. Affordable, accessible, and comprehensive high-quality health care. 5. A clean, sustainable environment and healthy planet. 6. Decent, sustainable community infrastructures including safe, affordable housing, transportation, and broadband. 7. Equitable access to capital, investments, financial institutions, and retirement. 8. A fair, restorative, and equitable justice system. 9. Recreation and participation in community and civic life. 10. Life, self-determination, and freedom from oppressions Live free from fear of racial, religious, and gender oppression(s).” [Wisconsin Examiner, 3/11/23]
  • Republican Lawmakers Introduced Eight Bills That Would Make It Easier To Remove People From Medicaid And Unemployment. “A week after Wisconsin voters favored an advisory referendum by a 3-to-1 margin that asked if people should be required to look for work in return for ‘welfare benefits,’ lawmakers held hearings on eight bills that the Republican authors said reflect that sentiment. Five of the measures would make changes to Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance system, most of them aiming to make it easier to take away jobless pay. One would make it easier for the state to kick people off Medicaid. Another bill would bar tax-funded guaranteed basic income programs in the state. Those don’t currently exist anywhere in Wisconsin, although Madison is testing a privately funded program paying $500 a month to people with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty guideline.” [Wisconsin Examiner, 4/13/23]
    • A Slate Of Republican-Backed Bills Targeting Cuts To Enrollment In Public Health Insurance And Unemployment Insurance Passed In The Assembly. “Access to public health insurance and unemployment insurance in Wisconsin would be tightened under a slate of bills approved largely along party lines in the state Assembly on Tuesday. […] The bills passed on Tuesday included five Republicans say will restrict people from using unemployment insurance instead of working. Republicans also approved legislation to stop communities from using public dollars to fund guaranteed income programs; collect data on how state workforce development projects operate and disenroll people from BadgerCare, the state’s public health insurance program for low-income people. The bills were passed after hours of impassioned debate with Democrats, who argued that these changes to public programs would harm low-income people and the working poor by making it harder to access needed benefits.” [WPR, 4/26/23]
    • The Majority GOP Legislature Approved Bills Setting New Unemployment Benefit Requirements. “Wisconsin residents looking for work would face stricter requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits under a package of Republican-authored bills that received final approval in the Legislature on June 7. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed nearly identical legislation in his first term, and it’s likely he will do the same again for the five measures the Republican-controlled Senate passed along party lines. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has said he hopes Evers changes his mind after voters in April approved a non-binding ballot question that said able-bodied adults should have to look for work to receive government assistance.” [Associated Press, 6/7/23]
  • Republican Lawmakers Moved To Ban Guaranteed Income Programs Across The State. “Republican lawmakers at the Wisconsin Capitol want to stop local governments from paying people just because. A plan at the Capitol, AB 146, would ban local governments across Wisconsin from using public dollars to pay for a guaranteed income program. […] A number of cities across Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Wausuau, have talked about guaranteed income programs. But Madison is currently the only city in Wisconsin offering guaranteed payments to some families.” [The Center Square, 4/17/23]
  • GOP Lawmakers Started The Budget Process By Cutting Over 500 Of The Democratic Gov.’s Proposals, Including Paid Family Leave And Medicaid Expansion. “The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) started its work crafting Wisconsin’s next biennial budget on Tuesday by removing hundreds of items from the budget proposed by Gov. Tony Evers including Medicaid expansion, the legalization of marijuana and paid family and medical leave[.] The motion passed 12-4 by the Republican-led committee on Tuesday stripped a total of 545 items from the budget, technically barring the items from being brought forth again during the process.” [Wisconsin Examiner, 5/3/23]
  • Republican Lawmakers Pass Plan To Cut Income Taxes By 15% On Average. “Income taxes would be cut across the board by $3.5 billion under a plan passed Thursday by Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature’s budget-writing committee, a proposal that Democrats assailed as being skewed to benefit the wealthy. Under the income tax cut, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023, the average reduction would be 15% for all filers or $573, Republicans said. The state would still go from four to three brackets, with the lowest rate dropping to 3.5% and the highest rate being 6.5%.” [Associated Press, 6/22/23]

DEMOCRACY LIVES
AND DIES IN THE STATES.

DONATE

Paid for by State Democracy Action Fund.
Contributions or gifts to State Democracy Action Fund are not tax deductible.

© SDAF 2024