Voter Protection Act: Too many Americans are prevented from exercising their right to vote because of voter intimidation or suppression, or by mistakes by election officials. The Voter Protection Act bans specific types of...
If you are politically active, you know you’ll have some difficult debates over the next four weeks. Sometimes you will have to defend a controversial position. When that happens, remember three messaging rules: (1)...
122 model bills on our NEW WEBSITE: Come visit PLI’s new website! Part of it offers a library of model legislation addressing all areas of state and local policy. If you’re looking for a...
We can’t all match Hillary’s performance. But we can be aware that a debate is somewhat different than a one-sided talk. Whether you’re an advocate debating an issue or a candidate running for state/local...
** Indicates new or updated legislation Civil Rights & Liberties The Iowa Senate passed SF 2284 which would make it a hate crime to commit an offense against a person because that person identifies...
Abortion Coverage Equity Act: Although it is common practice for private insurance to cover abortion, most states block coverage in one way or another. For example, 33 states prohibit the use of Medicaid funds...
Here are just a few examples from the latest edition of the Progressive Agenda for States & Localities, including hyperlinks to model bills: Demilitarize the police More than 8,000 state and local police forces...
For the moment, most state legislatures are controlled by conservatives and there’s not a lot that progressives can enact in those states. But most large cities, towns and counties are controlled by moderates or...
Help Drug Offenders Act: A 1996 federal law allows states to decide if people who are convicted of drug felonies should be eligible for food stamps or TANF. There is a recent trend toward...
Fair Pay Act: Massachusetts just enacted SB 2119, one of the strongest equal pay laws in the country. Starting in July 2018, employers cannot engage in wage discrimination for the same or “comparable” positions,...