PLI Bulletin

E-cigarettes, Housing Crisis, Direct Mail and More

Posted on May 9, 2018

E-cigarette Smoke-Free Act: There has been a tremendous increase in vaping, especially by teenagers, and particularly with the E-cigarette device Juul. States and localities should protect both children and nonsmokers from the health risks of vaping and the E-cigarette Smoke-Free Act is an important step.

The housing crisis of 2018: Home prices are higher now than at the peak of the housing bubble in 2006. Since the bottom of the housing market in late 2011, the median price has increased 45 percent (from $147,000 to $213,000) while the consumer price index (CPI-U) rose only 10.3 percent. It’s not currently a bubble, but it’s a very serious problem for everyone, as explained in the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.

Top Ten Rules of Direct Mail: For most policy, referendum or other election campaigns, direct mail is one of the most essential ways to broadcast themes and educate residents. We will discuss how to improve the mechanics, message and design of direct mail. To register, click here.

Guaranteeing reproductive rights in correctional facilities: Maryland recently enacted legislation that requires all correctional facilities to provide pregnant inmates access to reproductive medical care, including prenatal testing, labor and delivery, postpartum care, child placement services—and the right to a timely and safe abortion. Every jurisdiction that operates a jail should adopt this policy.

How fun is your state? Tired of our very serious policy resources? Here is a list from WalletHub that answers the question “What is the most fun state to visit?” For entertainment and recreation, California is first; West Virginia is last. For nightlife, Nevada is first; Delaware is last.

2018 PLI Conference: Our State Strategy Forum will be held in Washington, D.C. on July 13-15. There are limited travel and hotel scholarships available for progressive state elected officials only. If you are interested, please contact mweiss@publicleadershipinstitute.org.