Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Kristen Brengel's title. (11:38 a.m. PST, Oct. 28, 2024) Clarification: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Trump's budget proposal. (12:22 a.m. PST, Oct. 28, 2024)

Public lands and national parks are set to be one of the many issues Americans are paying attention to this election cycle and a new scorecard looks at how Arizona lawmakers fared in supporting things such as national park funding, conservation, preservation and wildlife protection.

The National Parks Action Fund's 2024 Congressional Scorecard only evaluated members of the House of Representatives, as the Senate did not take any votes on parks this session.

Kevin Dahl, a member of the Tucson City Council, said he sees partisan politics playing a big role in the issues that matter to voters.

"National parks, of many issues, can be something that most everybody can support," Dahl contended. "I've worked with Republicans in supporting national parks. There is no reason why it can't be a bipartisan, nonpartisan effort."

Dahl added the scorecard is a tool all voters should look at before casting their ballot. All of Arizona's GOP House members, except Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., received failing grades. The Democratic members of Congress all received A's.

Dahl wants our national parks to be prioritized and wants to let voters know because a park has a certain designation, it does not mean it is being adequately cared for. He argued in order to support national parks, we must support elected officials who do so as well.

Kristen Brengel, executive director of National Parks Action, said polling consistently shows nearly all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, want national parks to receive the appropriate funding they need. She noted in 2017, the Trump administration aimed to cut national park funding by 13%. But Trump's budget proposal did not move through Congress. Brengel fears similar proposals could be brought up again.

"This is why it is so important to hold members of Congress accountable," Brengel stressed. "And to have their constituents see what grade they got and push them, in the next Congress, to do better and to be more 'pro-park.'"

Parks have seen a 14% increase in visitation over the last five years, while the park system has seen a 14% reduction in staffing, according to the association.

Brengel emphasized National Parks are an integral part of American values. She wants voters to consider how their values line up with members of Congress and make their voices heard.



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By Kyla Russell for WISH-TV.
Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Collaboration

Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith said he supports efforts to redistrict Indiana's U.S. House seats, and he's seen what could be redrawn maps floating around, but has not seen any official maps.

He shared his thoughts on Friday in a one-on-one interview with I-Team 8.

"People want to scream about gerrymandering. Listen, every state does it. Democrats do it. Republicans do it. I think what Republicans have kind of fallen into the trap of doing for many years in the establishment way of thinking is if we just play nice, they'll play nice, if and when they're in power. We found out that that doesn't happen. So, listen, we've got the ball. We need to run the ball down the field, and we should do everything we can to make big wins for Republican principles, constitutional concepts and I believe ... the Republican Party embodies those principles better than the other party does. So, I'm fully in support of President Trump and his offensive-minded strategy here."

Beckwith told I-Team 8 he does not know exactly what happened on Thursday in a closed-door meeting at the Statehouse with Vice President JD Vance, Gov. Mike Braun and other top state lawmakers.

However, Beckwith said, he is aware of the taxpayer cost to calling a special session.

He says it's worth it.

"I think in the long run, if we can get the outcome that we're looking for, I think it will be certainly we're going to have to spend money. Yes, they are expensive. Nobody takes that lightly. That is certainly a conversation that needs to be had, and we need to look at that. But, I do think if we can take the 1st and 7th districts back, and really make Indiana a powerhouse red state, and then also give Washington a boost with a little bit more in the majority there. I think, economically, it will pay off in the long run, and I think we'll see our investment have big returns."/p<>


Kyla Russell wrote this article for WISH-TV.


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A public funding mechanism for Seattle elections is up for renewal in next week's election.

The Democracy Voucher program was passed 10 years ago. It offers voters four $25 vouchers to use each election cycle for candidates who accept certain fundraising and spending limits. Supporters said it is a model for more inclusive democracy, touting higher turnout, increased participation from more small donors and a more diverse candidate field.

Spencer Olson, spokesperson for the group People Powered Elections Seattle, which supports Proposition 1, said the program helps level the playing field.

"It's really important that people's voices are heard and that candidates can run being supported by their constituents," Olson contended. "Versus just listening to those wealthiest donors, those special interests that have historically been the loudest voices at the table and really dominated what priorities rise to the top."

The voucher is supported by a property tax. Olson and other supporters hope to bring the model statewide. Critics said the program is not big enough to make a difference in elections and has not curbed outside spending. Ballots are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Olson pointed out the vouchers have succeeded in encouraging more diverse participation in local elections.

"The intention of the program was to bring a public financing program to Seattle elections to help empower more candidates -- more diverse candidates, women, renters, people of color -- to have equal access to be able to run, and run competitive elections without having to rely on wealthy donors, special interests," Olson emphasized.

Olson noted because the money comes from a dedicated tax levy, unused vouchers roll over to the next election.

"The goal isn't to create an unlimited pot of money but to be able to provide resources for candidates to run with the community's support," Olson stressed. "But it's not a blank check at the same time."


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Texas lawmakers will return to Austin on July 21 for a special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott.

The 18 items on the agenda include redrawing congressional maps. Redistricting usually occurs every 10 years, following the census, but Abbott added the item to the agenda after the Department of Justice drew attention to four Democratic seats.

Christina Sanders, founder of the nonprofit PoliChic Engagement Fund, said Texas maps are already caught up in litigation.

"Some of the court cases that are still even pending from the maps that have not been drawn fairly and the potential impact of new maps in the middle of a census cycle," Sanders explained.

The Biden administration sued Texas, alleging the state's legislative and congressional district maps discriminate against Latino and Black voters. The Justice Department, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from the lawsuit earlier this year.

The seats targeted by the Justice Department are held by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas. They are also focused on the vacant seat previously held by late Congressman Sylvester Turner. Following the 2023 legislative session, Abbott called four special sessions to pass a school voucher bill, which failed.

Sanders feels Abbott is using special sessions to push personal agendas.

"A special session would be for something like the flood that just occurred," Sanders argued. "It would be something that there is an emergency -- something immediate needs to happen at this moment -- because this policy for the state cannot wait."

Flood warning systems and communication are also on the agenda, along with hemp and THC legislation and changes to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test.

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