States all have unique attributes, issues and problems, yet many commonalities. One of the most fiercely debated concepts in American politics is the issue of states rights versus federal powers. This debate anchors a slew of hot-button topics including immigration, health care, commerce, and more. This section will aim to cover issues specific to states and continue such debate transparently here at Independent Voter Network.
On Monday, the Senate Appropriations Committee will vote on the “California Tobacco Tax Act of 2014,” a bill introduced by Senator Kevin de Leon that would increase taxes on cigarettes to pay for health care programs.
With a deadline approaching in the Illinois concealed carry debate, legislation was introduced in the State Senate late last week. However, each side in the gun debate continues to show signs of intransigence.
On Friday, members of the Texas Legislature agreed to a deal on the Texas State Budget that includes more money for public schools in exchange for $1 billion in tax cuts and fee rebates. The agreement comes after a tumultuous round of negotiations that was nearly derailed Wednesday
Independent voters now account for approximately 40 percent of all voters in the United States. Following the national trend, California voters are increasingly leaving the two major parties, with almost 3.7 million voters now registered under “No Party Preference” in the state.
While lawmakers have taken their time in drafting regulations for a recreational system, recently passed bills are starting to paint a picture of marijuana’s future in what seems to be an already pot-friendly state.
A recent piece of legislation in California would allow transgendered student athletes to use restrooms of their gender identity and not their biological sex. Assembly Bill 1266, authored by Assemblyman Tony Ammiano (D-San Francisco), passed the state Assembly, 45-24..
House Bill 928, also known as the “Come and Take It” law, passed the Texas House on May 8. The legislation mandates that no state money can be spent to enforce federal firearm regulations that do not also exist in state law and is a push-back against proposed federal rules
