Legislature Archives - DR News - News, Retirement, Finance

Health care bill legalizing subscription-based care passes Alaska Legislature, awaits governor’s signature

Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Legislature recently passed a bill that could revolutionize healthcare in the state. The bill allows for subscription-based health care, a concept that resembles a gym membership but for primary care services. This approach, known as direct health agreements, offers patients access to healthcare services without involving insurance companies. Conservative groups, including the Alaska Policy Forum, have long advocated for this move, arguing that it could help reduce healthcare costs in …

Abortion Ban Repeal Stifled in Arizona Legislature Sparks Outcry of “Shame!”

Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona Legislature erupted into chaos on Wednesday as Republican lawmakers swiftly shut down discussions on a proposed repeal of the state’s newly revived 1864 law that criminalizes abortion throughout pregnancy, with exceptions only if a woman’s life is at risk. The state’s Supreme Court recently cleared the way for the enforcement of this pre-statehood law. Amid the mounting pressure from Democrats and some Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, Arizona abortion …

Retirees’ 25% Pension Secure with $5.2 Million Fast-Tracked Bill in CNMI Legislature

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands – The House of Representatives in the Northern Mariana Islands moved swiftly on Thursday to pass a bill allocating $5.2 million from the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority to cover 25% of government retirees’ pensions. The legislation, known as House Bill 23-104, House Draft 1, received unanimous support from the 14 House members present, with plans for it to be taken up by the Senate. Representative Blas Jonathan T. Attao introduced the …

Obscenity Bill Debate in Nebraska Legislature Sparks Calls for Senator’s Resignation

Lincoln, Nebraska – A debate over an obscenity bill in the Nebraska legislature took a disturbing turn when Senator Steve Halloran read a graphic passage describing sexual violence and inserted a colleague’s name into the text. This action led to widespread calls for his resignation from various political factions. Senator Halloran began reciting the harrowing passage from Alice Sebold’s memoir “Lucky” during the discussion, intentionally including the name “Senator Cavanaugh” in descriptions of a women …

Bill to Ban Public Funds for Gender-Affirming Care Faces Vote in Idaho Legislature

Boise, Idaho – Idaho lawmakers are gearing up to vote on a contentious bill this week that would prohibit the use of any public funds for gender-affirming care, encompassing services for state employees utilizing workplace health insurance and for adults under Medicaid coverage. The proposed legislation garnered the approval of the House and awaits a majority Republican Senate green light before heading to Governor Brad Little’s desk for anticipated endorsement. Governor Little has consistently voiced …

Florida’s Culture War Bills Face Defeat in Legislature with Growing Pushback

Miami, Florida – The culture wars in Florida have taken an unexpected turn as controversial bills championed by Governor Ron DeSantis faced unexpected defeats in the state’s Republican-dominated legislature. Bills banning rainbow flags from public buildings, enforcing restrictions on transgender individuals, and preserving Confederate monuments all failed to gain traction during the recently concluded session, marking a notable shift from the usual trend of passing legislation proposed by the governor. Despite a history of conservative …

Alaska’s Challenges with Teacher Retention and School Funding Dominating Legislature

JUNEAU, Alaska – The challenges of teaching in remote Alaskan villages include a lack of pensions for teachers and financial struggles. Without a pension system, many educators are finding it difficult to stay in their beloved rural communities, despite their love for the lifestyle and the close-knit nature of the villages where they live and work. Cory Hughes, a teacher in Nunapitchuk, a village with a population of 525, has found himself in a dilemma. …

Resolution for Musician’s Grammy Sparks Racial Controversy in Tennessee Legislature

Nashville, Tennessee – A recent controversy in the Tennessee state legislature has sparked a heated debate on racial inequality and recognition for achievements in the music industry. State Rep. Justin Jones introduced two resolutions to honor Nashville-area musicians for their Grammy wins, but the move escalated into a conflict involving race and political differences. The resolutions, which were placed on the chamber’s consent calendar, aimed to congratulate Paramore, a Tennessee-based emo-pop band, and Allison Russell, …

Legislature advocate for gun control leaves office

Phoenix, Arizona – State Rep. Jennifer Longdon, a Democrat representing central to north Phoenix, has announced her resignation from the Legislature effective Friday. After three terms in office, Longdon expressed that an “amazing job opportunity” to work on health-care policy has lured her away from the Legislature. She deferred to the employer to go public first before disclosing her new position. Her departure comes as a surprise to her Democratic colleagues, who praised her as …

Organic Farmers in Minnesota Express Concerns to Legislature at Annual Conference

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The 21st annual Minnesota Organic Conference included a legislative listening session where organic farmers expressed their concerns about the state’s agriculture industry to state officials. The session was an opportunity for producers to address issues involving profitability and environmental worries in the state. Thom Petersen, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, facilitated the session that featured a panel including Sen. Aric Putnam, D-St. Cloud, Rep. Samantha Vang, D-Brooklyn Center, …