Good morning, it’s Thursday, August 29, 2024. In today’s edition, how Republicans are putting thumbs on scales to beat back progressive initiatives; California AI bill nears finish line; Stein widens lead in North Carolina Gov race:
Top Stories
BALLOT MEASURES: Progressives in red states are using initiatives and proposed constitutional amendments placed on this November’s ballot to advance their favorite policies, circumventing conservative legislatures that would vote down Democratic legislation.
Voters in Arizona, Florida, Missouri and Montana, among others, will decide on abortion rights. Voters in Alaska, Arizona and Missouri will decide whether to raise the minimum wage. Alaska, Nebraska and Missouri will vote on paid sick leave. And voters in Ohio will decide whether to hand control of redistricting to a nonpartisan citizen’s panel. Just to name a few.
But here’s a wrinkle: Republicans are using their control of state ballot boards and supreme courts to manipulate the language voters see when they head to the polls. Republican-backed language will say the Ohio citizen’s panel would be “required to gerrymander” districts. Florida’s abortion rights amendment will carry a fiscal statement raising the specter of taxpayer dollars funding abortions. Arizona’s abortion rights amendment will refer to an “unborn human being” rather than a fetus or embryo.
It’s an exercise in power politics at its purest. And one that could change the shape of November’s outcome. Read more at Pluribus News.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: The California Assembly approved legislation implementing new regulations on large AI models, putting the bill one vote away from clearing the legislature. The bill would require large language models to include safety provisions. (Sacramento Bee)
We’ve covered this bill extensively. Read more here and here.
MORE: The California Senate has given final approval to another AI bill that would prohibit employers from using AI-generated digital replicas of actors and musicians, among other performers. The bill won almost unanimous approval. (Los Angeles Times)
EDUCATION: The California legislature overwhelmingly approved a bill Wednesday to require school districts to adopt policies that limit or prohibit the use of smartphones in schools. The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who has called for a statewide ban on smartphones in schools. (Sacramento Bee)
ABORTION: So-called “crisis pregnancy centers” are suing Massachusetts over a $1 million initiative Gov. Maura Healey’s administration launched in June to urge people to avoid those centers. The suit says the initiative amounts to an unconstitutional violation of free speech and equal protection rights. (Associated Press)
LGBTQ RIGHTS: The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has allowed Alabama to enforce its law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors. A lawsuit challenging its validity is on hold as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a challenge to a similar Tennessee law. (AL.com)
In Politics & Business
NORTH CAROLINA: Attorney General Josh Stein (D) leads Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) in the race to replace retiring Gov. Roy Cooper (D), according to two new polls. Stein is up 47%-41% in an Emerson College poll, and 54%-43% in a Fox News poll. (Emerson, Fox News)
That makes three polls this month — along with a High Point University survey and a New York Times/Siena poll — that show Stein with a double-digit edge.
MISSOURI: A new St. Louis University/YouGov poll shows a proposal to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution is backed by 52% of state voters, while 34% are opposed. The poll found 57% back a measure to raise the minimum wage, while 30% were opposed. (St. Louis University)
The same poll shows Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) leading House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D) 51%-41% in the race to replace retiring Gov. Mike Parson (R).
COLORADO: The Colorado Senate has given initial approval to a property tax cut, setting up a vote on final passage today that would send the bill to Gov. Jared Polis (D). The bill would cut property taxes by an additional $254 million over the $1.3 billion cut Polis signed into law earlier this year. (Denver Post)
CRIME BLOTTER: Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell (D) has pleaded not guilty to burglarizing the home of her estranged stepmother in April. In a joint filing, prosecutors and Mitchell’s defense lawyers asked the court to schedule a settlement conference and a jury trial. (Associated Press)
By The Numbers
152,356: The number of electric vehicle chargers installed in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said Wednesday. The state has installed more than 24,000 chargers this year alone. (Governor’s Office)
$631 million: The amount New Hampshire’s Lottery Commission brought in in revenue in Fiscal Year 2024, a 5% increase over the prior year. Tri-State Megabucks sales doubled, while Powerball sales rose 20%. (New Hampshire Bulletin)
About 60%: The share of ballots in Michigan’s August primary elections that were cast by absentee vote. About 10% of the remaining in-person votes were cast prior to Election Day. (Bridge MI)
Off The Wall
A prominent Mississippi Republican wants to make the state insurance commissioner an appointed position, rather than an elected one. That prominent Republican? Incumbent Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney (R), who has won his office five times. Chaney said it is improper for the insurance commissioner to have to raise money, including from the insurance industry his office regulates, to run campaigns. (SuperTalk)
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul (D) is pursuing a settlement with Varsity Brands, a company he alleges has used monopolistic tactics in cheerleading camps and competitions. Raoul has proposed an $82 million settlement with the company, which he says has unfairly raised prices for teens who want to attend the camps. (NBC Chicago)
Big Oil, Big Tobacco, and Big Cheer?
Quote of the Day
“Fair? There is no fair in politics.”
— New York Assembly Member Pamela Hunter (D), on whether Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) deserves blame for Democrats losing the U.S. House of Representatives. Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week that Republicans’ strong performance in New York in the 2022 midterms was related to Hochul’s closer-than-expected win over former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R). (City & State)