Sunday, August 1, 2021

PNS Daily Newscast - July 30, 2021
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Educators' unions call for efforts to ensure in-person learning keeps students, teachers, families, and staff safe; and an update on hate crimes by state.

2021Talks - July 30, 2021
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Congress passes Capitol security funding; House Freedom Caucus members want Cheney, Kinzinger out of GOP conference; Schumer closes a deal to advance $3.5 trillion reconciliation package; and a new report says investor-owned utilities try to block rooftop solar.

Campaign Finance Reform/Money in Pol

Lobbying firms have enjoyed few limits after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, where the high court confirmed that money was a form of protected speech. (Adobe Stock)
Lobbying firms have enjoyed few limits after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, where the high court confirmed that money was a form of protected speech. (Adobe Stock)
Report: Lobbyist Spending in Nebraska Thrived During Pandemic

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A new Common Cause Nebraska report showed last year, more than $18 million was invested in lobbying efforts in Nebraska. By …

The 2020 election cycle saw more than $1 billion in
The 2020 election cycle saw more than $1 billion in "dark money" spending at the federal level, according to opensecrets.org. (Adobe Stock)
West Virginians Want "Dark Money" Out of Politics

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In the last two months, two polls have found West Virginia voters have concerns about so-called "dark money" in politics…

Women of color are much less likely to enter contests for statewide executive offices than white women, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. (8385/Pixabay)
Women of color are much less likely to enter contests for statewide executive offices than white women, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. (8385/Pixabay)
Women Face Money Crunch on Road to Political Office

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Women have voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1984, but a new study shows when they run for a …

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 15 states have term limits for legislators. (Adobe Stock)
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 15 states have term limits for legislators. (Adobe Stock)
ND Term-Limits Plan Could Give More Power to Lobbyists

BISMARCK, N.D. - Next year, North Dakota voters could be asked to consider a plan often floated as a way to shake up traditional politics. Term …

A 2012 investigation by ProPublica found some tax-exempt groups underreported their political activities to the Internal Revenue Service. (Wikimedia Commons)
A 2012 investigation by ProPublica found some tax-exempt groups underreported their political activities to the Internal Revenue Service. (Wikimedia Commons)
AR Bill Tightens Rules on Nonprofits' Donor Disclosure

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A new bill signed into law in Arkansas strengthens privacy rules for people who donate to charitable causes. Critics of so-…

If lawmakers pass a ban on corporate contributions going directly to candidates or their committees, they join 22 other states plus federal elections for president and Congress with similar laws. (Adobe Stock)
If lawmakers pass a ban on corporate contributions going directly to candidates or their committees, they join 22 other states plus federal elections for president and Congress with similar laws. (Adobe Stock)
Good-Government Groups: Bill Could Help Reduce Corporate Influence in Elections

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Good-government groups in Maine support a bill which would ban corporate contributions from going directly to state legislators or …

A case involving donor disclosure requirements will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this spring. (Adobe Stock)<br />
A case involving donor disclosure requirements will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this spring. (Adobe Stock)
TN Bill Puts Spotlight on Nonprofit Donors and Public “Right to Know”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Lawmakers in at least three states, including Tennessee, have introduced bills that would bar public agencies from publicly …

Good-government reformers want Illinois to follow the example of states that have used citizen initiatives to establish independent commissions for redistricting in recent years. (bizoo_n/Adobe Stock)
Good-government reformers want Illinois to follow the example of states that have used citizen initiatives to establish independent commissions for redistricting in recent years. (bizoo_n/Adobe Stock)
Good-Government Groups Wary of Citizen-Initiative Proposal

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Republican lawmakers will propose a series of constitutional amendments they say would give residents a more direct voice in …

The For the People Act, if passed, will include campaign finance reforms and mandate independent commissions to draw voting district maps. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)
The For the People Act, if passed, will include campaign finance reforms and mandate independent commissions to draw voting district maps. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)
Good-Government Groups Say MO Needs Democracy Reform

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Good-government groups in Missouri say that a major democracy reform package, HR1 - or the For the People Act - would bring the …

The Kalama, WA, facility along the Columbia River would export methanol to China. (Image'in/Adobe Stock)
The Kalama, WA, facility along the Columbia River would export methanol to China. (Image'in/Adobe Stock)
Political Muscle, Money Driving Forces for WA Methanol Project

KALAMA, Wash. -- High-level politicians are entangled in the push for a massive fossil fuel facility in Washington state. Eric de Place, director …

Massachusetts voters added five women to the Legislature in November, after another five were elected the previous cycle. (jpellgen/Flickr)
Massachusetts voters added five women to the Legislature in November, after another five were elected the previous cycle. (jpellgen/Flickr)
Race, Gender, Party Imbalances Remain in MA State Legislature

BOSTON -- This year's elections didn't change the racial or political imbalances in the Massachusetts state Legislature, and electoral …

This fall, nearly 70% of St. Louis voters backed the idea of switching to
This fall, nearly 70% of St. Louis voters backed the idea of switching to "approval voting." (Adobe Stock)
St. Louis Helps Pave Way for Nonpartisan Election Reform

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- City elections in St. Louis will change next year after residents approved a nonpartisan primary system in what's known as …

 

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