PLI Bulletin

Black History, Mental Health, Big Lie and More

Posted on February 8, 2023

Large-Capacity Ammunition Magazine Prohibition Act: No civilian needs a high-capacity ammunition magazine for their gun. But they are very useful for gang members and mass shooters. From 1994 to 2004, federal law banned the manufacture or sale of magazines holding more than ten rounds. Today, at least ten states ban magazines of different sizes. The Large-Capacity Ammunition Magazine Prohibition Act is based on a recent law, in Delaware.

A Big Lie that’s more dangerous than the one about the 2020 election: Most Republicans now believe that average Democrats are “extreme,” “immoral” and “dishonest.” This results from years of right-wing propaganda. Rank-and-file conservatives now live in a carefully curated alternate reality. The polling evidence is discussed in the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.

Ron DeSantis and the Battle Over Black History: It’s probably no coincidence that the Florida Governor attacked the teaching of Black history just as Black History Month was beginning. The NPR 1A Podcast explores what happened and what it means.

States must act to preserve Medicaid: Medicaid has been de-linked from COVID emergency measures and terminations from Medicaid will resume on April 1 unless states act. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities explains what needs to be done.

2023 Key Findings about the State of Mental Health in America: 50 million Americans have recently experienced mental illness. About three-quarters had a substance abuse problem in the past year and 93 percent of those did not receive treatment. Mental Health America provides a concise briefing on the issue.

Our latest Progressive Agenda for States & Localities: The 2023 edition of the Progressive Agenda highlights 50 model bills and hyperlinks to more than 200 models. You can download a PDF with hyperlinks built-in, or read it online in HTML text.