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Govs On Deck – June 3, 2019

Govs on Deck

Good Monday morning and welcome to the first edition of “Govs on Deck” – the weekly tip sheet dedicated to keeping you informed about what is happening in Democratic governors’ offices around the country.
Questions or suggestions? Send me a note at amestoy@dga.net.
Coming up this week:

  • NEVADA’s 80th legislative session will conclude at midnight today, June 3rd. Since the start of session, Gov. Steve SISOLAK has fulfilled multiple campaign promises including expanding background checks on gun sales and creating the state’s first maternal mortality review board. Still to come? Major legislation that is expected to pass out of the legislature, including his key initiatives this session to establish the Governor’s Office for New Americans, the Cannabis Compliance Board, and the Patient Protection Commission.
  • In MAINE, Gov. Janet MILLS is expected to sign legislation that will expand access to abortion by allowing licensed medical professions who are non-physicians to perform the procedure.
  • On Tuesday, OREGON Gov. Kate BROWN will sign HB 2013commonsense firearm safety legislation that further closes the “boyfriend loophole” in Oregon statute by making a handful of changes to existing law.
  • KANSAS Gov. Laura KELLY will attend a community engagement session on Tuesday to collect input on how Kansas can develop a statewide strategic plan for early childhood.  
  • In NEW JERSEY, Gov. Phil MURPHY will unveil a plan on Monday to deliver over $250 million in property tax relief to taxpayers by enacting a millionaire’s tax. On Wednesday, Gov. Murphy will give a major speech on corporate tax incentives reform, outlining his vision for a new economic agenda that invests in small businesses and startups instead of giving overly generous tax incentives to a select few large corporations.

Some news from this past week:

  • Paid Leave:
    • MAINE Gov. Janet MILLS signed one of the most progressive paid leave policies into law. Roughly 200,000 Mainers or 85 percent of the workforce will be covered under this plan.
    • NORTH CAROLINA Gov. Roy COOPER signed an executive order granting paid family leave for all state employees. 56,000 workers will benefit from the policy.
  • Criminal Justice Reform:
    • NEVADA Gov. Steve SISOLAK signed legislation automatically restoring ex-felons’ voting rights following the completion of their prison time. An estimated 77,000 Nevadans will benefit.
    • COLORADO Gov. Jared POLIS signed bills prohibiting employers from inquiring about a person’s criminal history, allowing those on parole the right to vote, and creating scholarships for young people who have been in juvenile custody.
  • Health Care:
    • NEW MEXICO Gov. Michelle LUJAN GRISHAM announced her plan to increase Medicaid hospital reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient services by $168.7 million. The new rates will be effective July 1st.
  • Insurance:
    • MICHIGAN Gov. Gretchen WHITMER signed a bill into law Thursday that will make significant changes to Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system. The changes passed with bi-partisan support.

Name that governor:
Before ever serving in public office, this governor was a “corner man” for a now-World Boxing Hall of Fame trainer during his early days as a boxer…
Think you know? Shoot me your answer at amestoy@dga.net. Winners will be praised and answers will be given next week.
Have a great week!