PLI Bulletin
Hate Speech, Teacher Pay, Tobacco Taxes and More
Posted on May 8, 2019
Tobacco Tax Act: Despite the fact that nearly all states have increased tobacco taxes in recent years, polls show that voters would gladly raise them again. The Tobacco Tax Act not only provides millions of dollars for worthy state projects, it substantially decreases teen smoking which in time saves lives.
Don’t accept the normalization of hate speech: America is not really a nation of laws. It is our national culture – a set of generally-accepted beliefs, customs and behaviors – that determine right and wrong. The United States is at a turning point. Will we accept the unapologetic use of bigotry? This is discussed in the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.
The growing movement around public banking: Wednesday, May 22 @ 2:30pm Eastern, 1:30pm Central, 12:30pm Mountain, 11:30am Pacific. Increasingly, municipal and state governments are investigating whether publicly-owned banks could improve the management of their fiscal resources. This webinar, put on by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), provides the basics on public banking and details about campaigns currently underway. You can register here.
Repeal the TANF “family cap” in 13 states: A recent column from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities calls on states to follow the lead of Massachusetts and repeal the “family cap” in TANF. Thirteen states (AZ, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IN, MS, NC, ND, SC, TN, VA) still have such a cap.
Teacher pay, adjusted for inflation, has been decreasing: Despite claims that policymakers support public education, and contrary to the obvious teacher shortage, teacher pay has declined and the “wage penalty” inflicted on teachers hit a record 21 percent in 2018, according to a study by the Economic Policy Institute.
Review our pocket messaging guide: This very small booklet contains a great deal of poll-tested messaging advice covering a wide range of issues. To download a PDF, click here.
Foam Containers, Economics, Progressive Philosophy and More
Posted on April 24, 2019
Foam Food Container Prohibition Act: Expanded polystyrene is a lightweight material often used as foam food containers. After use, they often break into small beads, absorb toxins, and make their way into waterways where...
Five Words, Fifteen Podcasts, Advocacy Handbook and More
Posted on April 11, 2019
Prepare for an Aging Population Act: As the Baby Boom Generation ages, both state and local governments will need to respond with new programs and services. Shouldn’t we prepare now? The Prepare for an Aging...
Fair Pay, Gig Economy, Progressive Values and More
Posted on March 26, 2019
Fair Pay Act: For Women’s History Month, here’s a version of one of the strongest equal pay laws in the country. The Fair Pay Act provides that employers cannot engage in wage discrimination for...
Social Media, Youth Voting, Repro Rights and More
Posted on March 13, 2019
Transgender Equality Task Force Act: Based on legislation enacted in New Jersey, the Transgender Equality Task Force Act commissions a study to assess legal and societal barriers to equality and provide recommendations to the...
Cyber Security, Non-Verbal Communication, Youth Voting and More
Posted on February 27, 2019
Public Agency Cyber Security Act: Based on legislation that just passed the Virginia General Assembly, the Public Agency Cyber Security Act prohibits public agencies from using hardware, software, or other services that have been...
Non-Discrimination, E-Scooters, Hate Incidents and More
Posted on February 13, 2019
No Discrimination by Government Contractors Act: States, municipalities and counties have routinely included language in government contracts that prevent limited types of discrimination. The No Discrimination by Government Contractors Act expands protections to require...
Drones, Taxation, Speaking Like a Fourth-Grader and More
Posted on January 30, 2019
Tax Expenditure Sunset Act: All government spending should receive the same scrutiny. And yet, while budget line items are reviewed and adjusted every year, there are insufficient mechanisms for reviewing tax expenditures. The Tax...
New Model Bills, Drug Testing, Clean Energy and More
Posted on January 16, 2019
End Marijuana Drug Testing Act: Either recreational or medical marijuana is now legal in 33 states and the District of Columbia. Yet, perhaps half of employers conduct drug tests for marijuana on job candidates,...
The 150th Biweekly PLI Bulletin
Posted on January 2, 2019
Prescription Drug Affordability Act: Because of federal restrictions, states have found it hard to find a way to directly lower the cost of prescription drugs to their residents. This new legislation from Maryland, the...