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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Voting Rights Debate: Pro and (ex) Con

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Monday, February 26, 2007   


'What about the victims?' That's what lawmakers are asking in Olympia as they debate the idea of simplifying state election laws to allow people to vote when they get out of prison. Current law requires them to first complete all the terms of their release, including paying fines and making restitution to victims, but proponents say crime victims are more likely to be paid if the law is changed. Lea Zengage, with the group Justice Works, points to Oregon's law as an example.

"We have our neighboring state that has proven that victims get their money back, more likely, if they're engaged in society and engaged in becoming a productive citizen."

In legislative committee hearings for House Bill 1473 and Senate Bill 5530, the debate so far has revolved around what would serve victims better: punishing felons, or making it easier for them to rebuild their lives? Zengage adds the current law doesn't prevent crime, it just prevents people from voting. She believes keeping people out of trouble means allowing them to be good citizens.

"When people who've been in prison get their right to vote back, not only do they have about a 50-percent less chance of re-committing a new crime, but it's more likely that the crime victims' compensation and restitution will get paid."

Opponents say felons don't deserve voting rights, but some county election offices, the League of Women Voters, church and civil rights groups disagree, and a Senate Committee has recommended passage. More than 160,000 people in Washington can't vote because of past criminal convictions - almost 4 percent of the voting population.



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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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