Good morning, it’s Friday, November 15, 2024. In today’s edition, Massachusetts approves climate package; Texas rep targets abortion-inducing drugs; Raimondo considers another governor bid:
Top Stories
ENVIRONMENT: The Massachusetts House gave final approval Thursday to a legislative package meant to help the state lower greenhouse gas emissions by speeding permitting processes for clean energy products. The bill caps permitting for large clean energy projects at 15 months, and at 12 months for smaller projects.
The legislature also passed a $4 billion economic development package that includes $200 million for an offshore wind investment fund and $200 million for a clean energy investment fund. Massachusetts has set a goal of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050. Read more at Pluribus News.
ABORTION: Texas Rep.-elect Pat Curry (R) has pre-filed legislation that would reclassify abortion-inducing drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances, placing new restrictions on access. The bill mirrors a Louisiana law that went into effect last month. (Louisiana Illuminator)
LGBTQ RIGHTS: Texas Sen. Bob Hall (R) has pre-filed legislation to define male and female in state law by the development of reproductive organs. The legislation includes language requiring separate social, educational and athletic spaces for men and women. Hall also filed a bill requiring schools to notify parents about a student’s mental and emotional health issues. (KXAN)
MORE: A panel of judges from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled an Indiana law barring gender-affirming care for minors can remain in effect while litigation plays out. (Associated Press)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Kentucky lawmakers working on an artificial intelligence task force have adopted 11 recommendations ahead of next year’s legislative session, including setting policy standards for the use of AI in government and requiring disclosure of the use of AI systems. (Kentucky Lantern)
GUN POLITICS: The Ohio Senate has approved legislation granting civil immunity to those who use firearms or other weapons to defend themselves in places of worship. No one testified against the bill in committee. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
TAXES: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s (R) tax reform package hit a snag Thursday when the state House postponed a vote on raising sales taxes on dozens of services. Landry said he was confident the measure would pass, though some Republicans expressed doubt that they could get to the 70 votes necessary to get it over the line. (Associated Press)
In Politics & Business
RHODE ISLAND: U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo (D) is considering another run for governor. The state constitution does not bar third terms, if they are not served consecutively. Gov. Dan McKee (D) has said he will seek another term in 2026. (Rhode Island PBS)
Raimondo and McKee had a famously frosty relationship when Raimondo was governor and McKee her lieutenant. The two went months without a face-to-face meeting.
NEVADA: State elections officials said they cured more than 23,000 mail-in ballots, a new all-time record. Still, more than 9,000 ballots that could not be cured because of inadequate signatures will not be counted. (Nevada Independent)
LEADERSHIP: New Hampshire Republicans have chosen Sen. Sharon Carson (R) to serve as the next Senate president, and Sen. Regina Birdsell (R) to serve as majority leader. Democrats chose Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D) to serve as minority leader. (WMUR)
By The Numbers
$10 billion to $12 billion: The projected budget shortfall Washington State faces over the next four years, according to Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) administration. Inslee has asked state departments to submit cost-savings plans. (Washington State Standard)
8.4%: The annual return achieved by the California State Teachers’ Retirement System this year, ahead of its 7% target. That over performance meant a $645,000 bonus for the system’s chief executive. (CalMatters)
We’re in the wrong line of work.
More than $18 million: The amount Pennsylvania Democrats spent to hold onto their narrow one-seat majority in the state House. That’s more than twice what Republican candidates spent on state House races. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Off The Wall
Brother can you spare a kidney? Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) has signed legislation that will provide live organ donors with a one-time $10,000 tax credit to cover costs associated with the donation. The bill’s sponsor said the credit would help those who are giving the gift of life. (Bridge MI)
Former Connecticut Sen. Scott Frantz (R) says he will foot the bill to install a statue of former President George H.W. Bush in Greenwich, where Bush grew up. Town officials said the statue’s creation and installation would cost up to $75,000. (Greenwich Time)
The social media site Bluesky has gained a million new users in the week after the U.S. presidential election as some users leave X, formerly Twitter. (Boston Globe)
You can find us on Bluesky here, and on X right here.
Quote of the Day
“I’m not familiar with anything that prevents him from naming himself, other than hubris, I suppose.”
— Tallahassee-based lawyer Ron Meyer, on the possibility that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) may name himself to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Marco Rubio (R), President-elect Trump’s choice to be Secretary of State. (Associated Press)