Good morning, it’s Friday, May 15, 2026. In today’s edition, states seek new taxes on social media companies; Newsom unveils budget revisions; new Michigan poll shows Dem leading:
Top Stories
SOCIAL MEDIA: Governors and lawmakers in at least 15 states this year proposed taxing social media companies or the digital ads they sell. Only one bill, a Utah digital advertising tax, has been signed into law, but other measures are still pending in Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would charge social media companies a per-user tax, along with an annual fee. (Pluribus News)
MORE: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond (R) has filed suit against Roblox, alleging the online gaming platform failed to protect children and misled parents about safety. The lawsuit alleges the company violated the state’s Consumer Protection Act. (McCarville Report)
REDISTRICTING: Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann (R) will form a select committee to begin considering redistricting plans. House Speaker Jason White (R) announced a similar committee last week. (Supertalk) A federal judge has denied a motion to block Tennessee’s new congressional district maps, which would wipe out the state’s lone Democratic-majority district. (State Affairs)
BUDGETS: California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) presented his budget revise on Thursday, a plan that eliminates the state’s $20 billion deficit. The plan includes lowering impact fees for state-funded projects to spur housing construction. The budget projects a $16.5 billion revenue windfall borne of unexpected tax collections. (State Affairs, Los Angeles Times)
LGBTQ RIGHTS: New Jersey’s Assembly Health Committee approved legislation to shield abortion patients and those being treated for gender dysphoria from civil and criminal liabilities. The bill creates a new crime of interfering with reproductive health activities, which includes treatments used by transgender patients. (New Jersey Monitor)
HEALTHCARE: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has ordered the Department of Medicaid to seek permission from the federal government to impose a moratorium on home-healthcare and hospice businesses seeking to become Medicaid providers. The moratorium would allow the state’s Medicaid program to assess existing providers for potential fraud. (Dayton Daily News)
MORE: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D) has signed legislation that would create a long-term plan to replace Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood if Congress cuts those funds. Kotek also signed legislation adding legal protections for state employees, midwives and those seeking abortion or gender-affirming care. (Oregon Capital Chronicle)
WATER: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has told states in the Colorado River Basin it is seeking a new 10-year plan with prescribed cutbacks to be assessed every two years. The bureau and states have been unable to reach agreement on a 20-year deal. The worst-case scenario being modeled would force water share cuts of 40% to Arizona, Nevada and California. (Arizona Republic)
In Politics & Business
MICHIGAN: A new MIRS-Mitchell poll shows Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) leading all three of her likely GOP challengers, as well as former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (I). Benson leads former Attorney General Mike Cox 41% to 30%, with Duggan at 14%. Benson leads businessman Perry Johnson (R) 42% to 32%, with Duggan at 13%. And she leads U.S. Rep. John James (R) 42% to 30%, with Duggan at 13%. (RealClearPolitics)
CONNECTICUT: Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart (R) has suspended her campaign for governor after allegations she used a city credit card for personal reasons. An investigation by a law firm hired by the city found a “great majority” of the $207,000 in purchases on Stewart’s city-issued credit card were unrelated to city business. (CT Mirror)
KANSAS: Sen. Cindy Holscher (D), running for governor, has chosen state Rep. K.C. Ohaebosim (D) as her running mate. The pair will appear at campaign rallies this weekend in Wichita and Kansas City. (State Affairs)
UTAH: Former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R) is traveling the state ahead of a likely bid for governor in 2028. House Speaker Mike Schultz (R), Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson (R), businessman Jeremy Andrus (R) and U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R) are all considering bids, along with U.S. Sen. John Curtis (R). Chaffetz is said to be recruiting donors. (Deseret News)
NORTH DAKOTA: Secretary of State Michael Howe (R) said supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to fund school meals gathered enough signatures to appear on November’s ballot. The measure would ensure breakfast and lunch for every K-12 student at no cost. (Fargo Forum)
By The Numbers
$94 million: The ending balance of Idaho’s state budget, after revenues exceeded projections for the month of April. The state collected $808 million last month, nearly $57 million over expectations. (Idaho Capital Sun)
$10 million: The amount sports betting firms have poured into state legislative races in Georgia, where the industry has faced years of defeat. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Off The Wall
A political action committee backing East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen’s (D) campaign for Congress is using an AI version of their candidate in digital ads. Using Cohen’s image in an AI-created ad allows the PAC to promote him without violating coordination limits between PACs and candidates. (New Jersey Globe)
Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved new rules banning the capture of giant manta rays. The new rules come after a viral video of the capture of a giant manta ray off Panama City Beach ignited public backlash. That manta went to a permanent exhibit at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. (WMBB)
An anonymous bidder on eBay paid $9,000,100 to win a private lunch with NBA star Stephen Curry and investor Warren Buffett. The money will benefit Curry’s Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation, and Buffett will double the donation. (Associated Press)
Quote of the Day
“Someday, when I write a book, I’m going to tell all of those things, but you know, it’s just mainly a function of my good looks and winning personality.”
— North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R), on how he reached a budget deal with Senate President Phil Berger (R). (State Affairs)