PLI Bulletin
Cyberbullying, Revenue Raising, Insurrection and More
Posted on January 13, 2021
Cyberbullying Prevention and Education Act: Cyberbullying is a fast-growing problem that affects about half of all teens. The Cyberbullying Prevention and Education Act requires school districts to train their staffs to recognize and deal with cyberbullying.
Don’t say “partisan,” “polarized” or “Washington”: It is now a fundamental falsehood to compare Democrats to Republicans or progressives to Trumpists. We need to stop the both-siderism and false equivalency which tends to normalize what Trump and his allies have done to America. For more, see the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.
We’ve Had Insurrections Before: The insurrectionist riot at the U.S. Capitol and multiple threats to other government offices reminds us that it has happened before and at the state level. A National Public Radio podcast compares the current moment with the storming of the Louisiana Statehouse in 1874.
Security holes at state capitols—many allow guns, lack metal detectors: There are many security gaps that rioters could exploit at state and local government buildings according to a report by USA Today. Insurrectionist violence is expected, starting this weekend.
New interactive tool on revenue-raising options in each state: States can move toward greater prosperity and equality, but only if their finances are strong. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities has a new interactive tool to help explore revenue-raising options state-by-state.
How to talk about the wages and benefits: Our economic system is unfair because the rules are rigged to favor the rich and powerful over the middle class and working families. Are you using the best messaging to talk about wages and benefits? Read this chapter from PLI’s messaging guide.
Breonna’s Law, Prevailing Wage, Lying Dangerously and More
Posted on December 30, 2020
No-Knock Search Warrant Prohibition Act (Breonna’s Law): Louisville was the first jurisdiction to enact “Breonna’s Law,” banning no-knock search warrants, in the wake of the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in March 2020. The...
Profiles in Cowardice, Drug Overdoses, LGBTQ Equality and More
Posted on December 16, 2020
Time Off for Democracy Act: Broad participation in elections is essential to a healthy democracy, obviously. The Time Off For Democracy Act guarantees employees a minimum amount of paid leave to vote on Election Day...
2020 Polls, COVID Advice, Small Claims Court and More
Posted on December 2, 2020
Small Claims Court Modernization Act: Currently, most state small claims courts have monetary limits of $5,000 to $10,000, which is woefully low. The Small Claims Court Modernization Act increases the monetary limit for small...
2020 Election, White Supremacy, Education and More
Posted on November 18, 2020
Resolution Condemning White Supremacy: Unfortunately, such legislation is important once again. Boise, Idaho adopted this resolution in 2019, so you can too. The Resolution Condemning White Supremacy describes the rise of white supremacy in...
Three Lessons, Early Voting, Ballot Initiatives and More
Posted on November 4, 2020
Vote by Mail Act: In 2020, CA, CO, HI, NV, NJ, OR, UT, VT, WA and the District of Columbia very successfully employed vote by mail. The Vote by Mail Act requires that all registered voters...
Firearms Arsenals, Teacher Shortages, Protecting Democracy and More
Posted on October 21, 2020
Firearms Arsenal Disclosure Act: Hundreds of thousands of people own huge arsenals of firearms without any disclosure or regulation. The Firearms Arsenal Disclosure Act requires individuals to disclose to law enforcement when they personally...
Moon Suit Narcissism, Hate Crimes, MeToo Reforms and More
Posted on October 7, 2020
Hate Crimes Prevention Act: Since the 2016 election, we have seen a wave of violence and threats against anyone who disagrees with the radical right. At present, 45 states have some version of a Hate...
Supreme Court, COVID Hotspots, Reproductive Rights and More
Posted on September 23, 2020
National Popular Vote Agreement Act: Because of states’ winner-take-all systems of selecting who votes in the Electoral College, the popular vote loser was chosen as President of the United States in two of the...
Campaign Theme, Absentee Ballots, Reinventing School and More
Posted on September 9, 2020
Register New Residents Act: Whenever people move, they should register to vote or update their preexisting voter registration. That’s why Seattle enacted a simple ordinance that requires landlords to provide information on voter registration...