Key Topics in the 2024 State of the Union Address

President Biden discussed several key topics central to his own and the Democratic party’s platform. These included: 

The State of Democracy 

The State of the Union address started out with a conversation on the current state of Democracy. President Biden was inaugurated immediately following the capital insurrection on January 6, 2021. Since then, he has made many significant speeches on the state of democracy in the United States. During the State of the Union, President Biden spoke directly to the current state of affairs. With regard to the upcoming 2024 election, President Biden declared that the U.S. is facing “the biggest threat to democracy since the Civil War.”

Reproductive Justice

President Biden often discusses his staunch pro-choice beliefs. This was no different throughout the State of the Union. President Biden called out his presidential predecessor for his role in Roe v. Wade being overturned. He also slammed the Republican Party’s interest in voting for a federal ban on abortion access, discussing the dangers of such a proposal. In response, President Biden called for increased federal protections for reproductive healthcare. He promised the American people that, if elected, he would protect the right to abortion and ensure abortion medications are available via the U.S. Postal Service.

Job Creation and the Inflation Reduction Act

President Biden entered office in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Administration’s successes in COVID-19 response and recovery were a key aspect of the State of the Union address. He boasted about recovery efforts and how the country has emerged from quarantine with full access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The President also discussed increased employment rates. Over the past four years, the U.S. has seen the highest rates of job creation in the country’s history. With fifteen million jobs created in just three years, President Biden has seen the highest job creation rate of any U.S. president.

Job growth is due in large part to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a key success of Biden’s term as president. The IRA flooded state governments and the federal government with economic investments, clean energy programs, and job creation projects.

Support for Unions

Throughout his political career, President Biden has been a major supporter of Unions. In the State of the Union address, he boasted to the crowd that he was the first U.S. President to cross a picket line in support of a workers’ union. President Biden also spoke to the experiences of the middle class, including the difficulties they have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The middle class has endured challenges from a reduction in policies protecting them. They’ve also had fewer opportunities to unionize. President Biden concluded this portion of his address by exclaiming: “the middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class.”

The Economy

President Biden discussed the state of the economy in the United States. Since taking office, the President has signed off on and implemented policies aiming to reduce inflation across the country. He’s also supported efforts to increase job availability. President Biden stated: “wages are on the up, and inflation is on the down.”

Healthcare and New Policy Proposals

President Biden touted his ability to secure a reduction in insulin prices to no more than $35 per month for seniors on Medicare. As President, Biden has secured the passage of this measure through Congress. He has also advocated for the application of this policy throughout the United States.

On the topic of healthcare, President Biden also encouraged Congress to work with him to pass a bill allowing Medicare to negotiate prices on more than 500 essential medications. These policy proposals and passages are key goals for the Administration, as they hope to build on the legacy of Obamacare.

Housing and New Policy Proposals

The President discussed the ongoing housing crisis faced by renters, owners, and buyers across the country. He proposed a policy that would give homeowners $400 per month over the next two years to apply towards their mortgages. For renters, President Biden pointed to provisions within the IRA to build affordable housing in neighborhoods in need. In laying the groundwork for these proposals, President Biden is also signaling to Americans what another term as President would look like.

The State of Education

President Biden is a staunch supporter of public education. His wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, is a former public school educator and continues to advocate for education. In the State of the Union address, President Biden focused on many topics related to education.

The President signaled his support for early childhood education and universal access to preschool. He stating that students who finish preschool are more likely to finish high school and achieve a two to four year degree, no matter their background.

President Biden also mentioned his ongoing effort to decrease student loan debt, and already providing essential workers in the U.S. such as firefighters, teachers, and medics with student loan debt decreases. Last summer, the Supreme Court thwarted his efforts to cancel a significant portion of the student loan debt that plagues many Americans.

Next, President Biden informed viewers about measures to increase access to education for marginalized communities. The Administration has increased Pell Grants for low-income students. The President also announced investments in Historically Black Colleges and Hispanic Serving Institutions. 

Finally, President Biden called for increased support for public school teachers. He unequivocally announced: “Public school teachers need a raise.”

A Re-Framing of the State of Immigration 

President Biden reframed the issue of immigration from how Republicans typically discuss it. Republicans often frame immigration as a crisis of too many individuals crossing the border, seeking refugee status, asylum, or formal green cards. President Biden framed immigration as an issue of an underfunded legal and social immigration system within the United States.

The President outlined a proposal to hire hundreds more immigration case workers, lawyers, and judges. With increased staffing, the Administration hopes that court cases can go from a six-month wait to just six weeks.

The response to this proposal highlighted partisan divides on the issue of immigration. It was met with heckling from Republicans and cheers from Democrats. As such, it’s likely that this will be a highly contested policy.

Foreign Affairs

In the last portion of the Address, President Biden spoke about the ongoing conflicts internationally. Addressing his continued support for Ukraine and speaking to the aggression occurring in Gaza. Israel’s response to attacks by Hamas in October of 2023 has dominated public debate in the United States. The President began his speech by stating that Israel has the right to “go after” Hamas. He also voiced support for the return of hostages within Gaza.

Afterwards, President Biden declared that Israel has the responsibility to protect innocent civilians within Gaza. These statements come after more than one hundred days of ongoing conflict within Gaza. More than 35,000 men, women, and children have been killed, and thousands more have been injured.

President Biden urged Israel to stop blocking humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza. He also shared that the U.S. plans to create a temporary dock on the coast of Gaza to aid in the distribution of humanitarian aid. The President concluded his discussion of the topic by encouraging a six-week ceasefire in Gaza and exclaiming the necessity of a two-state solution.

The President’s remarks on Israel and Gaza were met with a variety of reactions, both from viewers at home and legislators in the crowd. The conflict between Israel and Palestinians is a hotly contested topic within the United States. Many Americans believe Israel is defending itself against Hamas. Many others view what is happening in Gaza as a genocide, especially following the International Court of Justice’s interim decision. A few Democratic legislators in the crowd held signs asking the President to call for a lasting ceasefire.

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The post The State of the Union 2024: Context and Key Topics appeared first on Plural Policy.

As California’s legislature wraps up its legislative session, many will monitor ACA 7. If the bill passes, Californians will soon find themselves voting on a referendum related to affirmative action. Californians have voted on two affirmative action-related referendums in five years, and three since 1995. Affirmative action remains a politically charged issue across the country. As such, ACA 7 has received significant attention from supporters and opponents alike. Below we examine ACA 7, how it relates to previous actions on affirmative action, and what might come next.

The Context Behind ACA 7

Assembly Member Corey Jackson proposed ACA 7 as a constitutional amendment. California requires a two-thirds majority in each legislative chamber to pass a constitutional amendment. Afterwards, the proposed amendment is voted on in the next statewide election.

ACA 7 seeks to amend a section of the state Constitution established by an amendment in 1996. At the time, 55% of voters supported the amendment, known as Proposition 209. After the successful vote, Proposition 209 was added as Section 31 to the state Constitution. Section 31 prevents discrimination or preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It pertains to employment, education, and contracting.

In 2020, California legislators sought to repeal Proposition 209 in a state-wide vote. 57% of voters rejected this effort, Proposition 16 (ACA 5).

What Does ACA 7 Propose? California ACA 7 Summary

We utilized Plural’s AI Bill Summarizer to gain greater insight into how ACA 7 fits into the history of affirmative action legislation in California. The Bill Summarizer distills hundreds of words to provide the following summary for ACA 7:

The bill is proposing an amendment to Section 31 of Article I of the California Constitution. The amendment would:

1. Prohibit the state from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, education or contracting, except:
2. Allow the state to utilize state funds for research-based interventions or programs targeted at specific ethnic groups or marginalized genders to improve health, education or poverty outcomes. These programs would need approval from the Governor.
3. Clarify that the amendment does not prohibit bona fide qualifications based on sex that are reasonably necessary for public employment, education or contracting.
4. State that the amendment does not invalidate any existing court orders or consent decrees.
5. Specify that the amendment does not prohibit any action needed to maintain eligibility for federal funding.
6. Define “state” and “state moneys”.
7. Require that remedies for violations provide equal treatment regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
8. Make the amendment self-executing but severable if any part is found in conflict with federal law.

Contextualizing California ACA 7 Summary

As we can see, ACA 7 differs from Proposition 16 in that it attempts to amend Section 31, rather than repealing it. ACA 7 would maintain Section 31’s ban on discrimination and preferential treatment. However, health, education, and poverty programs targeted at specific ethnic groups or marginalized genders would be exempt from the ban set forth by Section 31.

Proponents of ACA 7, including Assembly Member Jackson, argue that this exemption is necessary. Without it, programs that target marginalized groups may not exist. Disparities in education, housing, wealth, employment, and healthcare are cited as evidence of the need for change.

Meanwhile, opponents maintain that there is a lack of public support for affirmative action. They point to the 1996 and 2020 Propositions as evidence that Californians have consistently rejected affirmative action.

What’s Next for ACA 7?

ACA 7 passed out of the Assembly in September of 2023. The Senate will consider it at some point in 2024. Any action on the bill will draw significant attention from both supporters and opponents of affirmative action. If approved by the Senate, ACA 7 could go before voters for approval in November of 2024.

Get Started With Plural

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Legislative trends often emerge in the first few weeks of session. There is so much we can learn from the proposals considered across the country. In 2022, we identified trends in bills regulating discussions of race and gender in schools. That trend grew to be among the most hotly debated national issues this past year. This debate will only continue in 2024. Plural’s industry-leading open data and cutting-edge AI tools streamline and enhance legislative work.

The Biggest State Government Issues in 2024

It would be impossible to build a comprehensive list of the issues that each state will focus on in 2024. Instead, our research has allowed us to build a list of the topics which will be high on most state’s agendas this year. We’ve also identified specific proposals we see gathering momentum around the country. 

2024 Elections

Let’s get the big one out of the way first — elections will dominate political news coverage this year.  November’s elections will impact state legislative policy in a few distinct ways.

Voting Rights

Many bills related to voting rights will be considered across the country this year. In 2023, more than 1,100 bills expanding or restricting access to voting were introduced. Many of those same bills will come up again in 2024, and we expect hundreds more to be introduced. But prevalence alone does not make this our top legislative trend. The tenor and stakes of these debates will be extremely high. For better or worse, most voting rights proposals will be judged first by their potential impact on the 2024 elections. Advocates on both sides see these issues as central to ensuring a free and fair election. 

Culture Wars and Partisan Conflict

Federal elections, particularly the presidential election, will result in the nationalization of state legislative issues. Culture wars and partisan battles will prevail as legislators balance policymaking with politics. Abortion, parental rights in education, LGBTQ+ issues, and firearms regulation are areas we expect to see this dynamic play out. 

Session Logistics

Many state legislators themselves will be running for election in November. This being the case, we expect to see more sessions wrap up in a timely manner come spring. Legislators will be itching to get on the campaign trail. Fewer special sessions will take place this fall as election results signal priorities for 2025.

Affordable Housing

Housing affordability and homelessness have become a top issue at state legislatures. We recently wrote about the need for those in the housing space to monitor public policy. We expect to see proposals focused on:

• Affordable housing development
• State funding of shelters and emergency housing
• Continued action legislating the landlord-tenant relationship

Cannabis

At this point, state-level efforts to decriminalize or legalize marijuana are not novel. Despite this, recreational marijuana use remains illegal in just over half of U.S. states. Further, medicinal marijuana use is still prohibited in ten states. In Wisconsin, Hawaii, Florida, and New Hampshire, legalization will have a serious chance at passage this year. 

Even in states that have legalized marijuana, the subject remains prevalent. Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Ohio moved forward on legalization in 2023. However, there are significant intricacies in establishing a lucrative and regulated marijuana industry. Advocates can expect to return to their state houses frequently this year to monitor implementation plans. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

DEI policies were an emerging legislative trend over the past few years. This is true especially at universities. In 2023, this trend accelerated. University policies regarding freedom of speech, antisemitism, and racism have garnered attacks from the right.

Utah’s HB 111 would restrict the ability of private employers to require training that includes certain concepts related to race and sex. Utah legislators have already moved the bill out of its committee; it will be voted on by the full House next. 

Education

As always, state education committees will be busy this year. Education spending represents a significant portion of every state’s budge. Because of this, debates over spending can seem omnipresent.

About two dozen states must pass a budget by the end of this session. Those that don’t will likely still consider supplemental budget packages. New York Governor Kathy Hochul rolled out a budget that will increase state-provided school funding by more than $800 million. Legislators and interested parties will have their say whether the increase is too significant or not enough. They’ll also weigh in on the allocation of the funds.

Outside of education funding, other issues related to education will be hotly debated. We see continued trends in legislation relating to:

• Parental influence in the classroom
• Race in education
• Dual enrollment
• The expansion or restriction of charter schools

Environment & Climate Change Mitigation

In 2023, California enacted some of the most significant climate-related state action. The legislature passed laws requiring climate reporting by more large companies. As states adjust to meet their climate plans, we expect to see additional legislation. Twenty-four states have established greenhouse gas reduction targets. These states must evaluate their progress and adjust accordingly. Others may consider implementing targets of their own. 

As climate change continues, climate-related disasters increase in frequency and impact. Many states find themselves regularly considering how to respond to these tragedies. Hawaii’s devastating fires that took place in August 2023 will be a key focus of the state legislative session. Lawmakers will aid in the recovery of affected communities and victims. Further, they will plan for future fires and other climate-related disasters.

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Reform

Criminal justice and police reform efforts have received increased attention in recent rears. The murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests in 2020 catalyzed this focus. Despite progress by advocates, there is certainly more work to be done. This session, legislators in Maryland, Georgia, Minnesota, and California will prioritize justice reform.

Crime rates are decreasing throughout the United States. Despite this, growing public concern persists regarding increased crime rates. We expect some lawmakers to respond to this growing concern.

In Georgia, the development of a massive law enforcement training center has been the subject of debate.. Disagreements between lawmakers, law enforcement, have persisted for years over “Cop City.” Community activists have fought to prevent the construction of Cop City. As development continues, lawmakers have advanced legislation that could further criminalize protest actions. Cop City represents just one clash between those on both sides of the debate over police reform.

Transportation

We will monitor many major transportation issues in 2024. Among these is the continued development of electric vehicle policy. In 2023, some states followed the federal government’s lead in encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. Tax rebates and other incentives aimed to encourage public entities to make the switch to electric.

While many efforts have been bipartisan, most have been led by Democrats. Some Republicans remain critical of electric vehicles. These lawmakers also oppose any encouraged transition away from gas-powered cars. In 2024, we expect to see increased opposition to electric vehicles in Republican states. This might involve increased fees on electric vehicles and reduced taxes on gasoline. 

Using Plural to Track State Government Issues

Hundreds of bills are introduced as sessions kick off. It can be overwhelming to analyze legislative trends in one state, let alone throughout the country. However, keeping track of legislative trends is vital to understanding public policy. Dominant issues and trends started in just one or two states before going “viral” nationwide.

Plural makes the process of identifying and tracking legislative trends accessible and efficient. We’re committed to ensuring that every American can access high-quality legislative data. Using artificial intelligence, we leverage our data to identify trends and patterns.

Interested in learning more? Book a demo today!

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Criminal Justice Reforms in California

AB 360 addresses the classification of “excited delirium” as a cause of death. This terminology is controversial and was notably seen in the George Floyd case. Many argue that it stemmed from biased policing and investigations. This bill aims to eliminate certain discrimination against victims of police violence. 

AB 452 eliminates of the statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault victims. This bill brings overdue justice to survivors. It comes after a 2017 law that allowed a ‘look back window’ during which victims of childhood sexual assault may come forward. After this law lapsed in 2022, the state decided to bring back the intent of the law into permanence. California becomes one of the first states to implement this type of law. 

AB 2282 enforces stricter penalties for hate symbols in public spaces. This includes symbols like swastikas and nooses. The bill aims to combat hate crimes and foster a safer environment in California.

Housing Initiatives in California

AB 12 places restrictions on landlords. Under the new bill, landlords may not charge more than one month’s rent for a security deposit. This bill offers relief to renters and decreases barriers to housing in California. California is already facing a housing crisis, and measures like AB 12 lessen some of the strain

SB 4 grants certain entities the right to build housing on their properties. This includes religious institutions and independent higher education entities. The bill aims to streamline the housing development process.

Healthcare Advances in California

SB 345 reflects California’s commitment to reproductive rights. The bill aims to protect healthcare providers who mail certain medications out-of-state. This includes abortion pills or gender-affirming medications. SB 345 is one of many laws implemented in CA after the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The bill will allow women and the LGBTQ community to continue to access life-saving care.

SB 385 empowers physician’s assistants to perform surgical abortions without direct doctor supervision. It’s one of many efforts to expand access to reproductive healthcare.

SB 848 enacts workplace protections for those experiencing reproductive loss. It mandates five days of paid leave for those experiencing a reproductive loss, including miscarriages. The bill promotes compassion and support for pregnant people in the workplace.

SB 43 signals the legislature’s focus on mental healthcare. The bill allows for involuntary medical holds for those with severe mental illness. Individuals suffering from drug addiction or alcohol dependence also fall under the provisions of the bill.

Consumer Protections in California

AB 1084 states that retailers must establish a gender-neutral toy section. The bill promotes inclusivity in shopping experiences for those of varied gender identities.

SB 244, also known as The Right to Repair Act, requires that manufacturers provide consumers and repair shops with the tools and information necessary for device repairs.

Finally, SB 478 is another effort to increase consumer protections. Beginning in July, websites must transparently display the actual cost of services or items. This bill aims to increase transparency and prevent hidden fees.

California Minimum Wage Increases

Under AB 1228, fast-food workers will see an increase in the minimum wage to $20 an hour come April.

With SB 525, healthcare workers will experience wage increases based on facility type. The bill sets forth with an industry-wide $25 minimum wage goal by 2033.

SB 700 and AB 2188 protect cannabis users from employment discrimination. These acts further decriminalizing cannabis in California. Certain trades and federal workers are excluded from the protections set forth by both bills.

Miscellaneous New Laws in California

AB 587 requires social media companies to disclose their approach to hate speech and disinformation. It’s an effort to promote accountability in a sector that’s recently come under fire.

SB 497 is also known as The Equal Pay and Anti-Retaliation Act. The bill streamlines the process by which employees can make retaliation claims against their employers.

SB 616 creates increased protections for workers. Under the bill, employers must provide at least five paid sick days per year for both hourly and salaried workers.

Monitoring New Laws in California in 2024

California’s legislative agenda for 2024 demonstrates a commitment to addressing issues affecting Californians. Major bills address criminal justice, housing, healthcare, consumer protection, and employment. As these policies come into effect, the state aims to create a more equitable, inclusive, and compassionate society, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.

Plural is catered to the needs of public policy teams monitoring new laws in California in California. Unlock premium legislative data, advanced searching and tracking, tools for easy organization and collaboration, and AI-powered insights, catered to your needs in California.

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Housing is one of the top issues on state legislators’ agendas as we head into 2024. This policy space is broad and complex. It covers issues ranging from zoning codes to social barriers to housing. There’s a diverse range of perspectives that legislators must weigh. From builders to buyers, approaches to housing issues vary. For those working in housing, tracking the development of public policy is key. Tracking policy will keep you aware of changing regulations that impact your work. It’ll also give you the opportunity to weigh in with your valuable perspective. 

Below we summarize a few major areas of focus in housing policy in 2023. These specific issues will be the focus of debates across the country in 2024. 

Key Developments to Housing Policy in 2023

Housing Development

There are a myriad of causes for the rising cost of housing. Most parties agree that an increase in housing supply is necessary. Developing housing takes time, and the COVID-19 pandemic generally slowed progress. Legislators across the country are looking to incentivize rapid growth in housing supply. 

Financial incentives for developers are one tool lawmakers have to spur housing development. One such incentive is “gap funding.” This funding solves for the difference between building and the revenue generated from selling or renting at an affordable rate.

Illinois SB 1484 passed into law in June. The law appropriates $5 million in grants for organizations developing cooperative housing. With cooperative housing, residents own a share of the building.

In October, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey unveiled a massive housing bill. The Affordable Homes Act calls for the investment of more than $4 billion to solve the housing crisis. This includes over $1 billion in incentives for affordable and sustainable housing development.

States are also addressing regulations that make it harder to develop housing in certain areas. Allowing for more building and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) has been a popular strategy. California AB 976 and AB 1033 passed this session. Both prevent restrictive local ordinances that would make it harder to rent or sell ADUs. Similar efforts passed in Minnesota as well. SF 3035 authorized religious groups to develop “micro-unit” housing, regardless of local regulation. 

Many bills tackle specific types of housing, including ADUs, cooperative housing and micro-units. This targeted approach often leads to innovation in housing policy. With diverse options, housing solutions are more likely to fit community needs. For those looking to engage with these specific programs, tracking policy is crucial.

Legislation Impacting Tenants & Landlords

The relationship between tenants and landlords has been a policy issue for centuries. However, recent developments have brought new urgency to legislating rental agreements. This includes:

• The housing crisis
• Increases in homelessness
• The COVID-19 pandemic
• Pandemic-related eviction moratoriums

Maine provides a good example of a state making progress on protections for renters. In 2023, the state passed LD 330 and LD 45. LD 330 requires that tenants facing eviction have access to legal representation. LD 45 provides legal protections for tenants to assert their rights without retaliation. Additional legislation includes proposals to prevent discrimination and increase eviction notice requirements. 

Some state legislators have also proposed legislation increasing the rights of landlords. North Carolina’s HB 551, though ultimately unsuccessful, is a good example of this type of legislation. The bill sought to allow landlords to refuse to rent to tenants using federal housing assistance. It also proposed holding tenants liable for certain legal actions.  

Policy impacting rental relationships is the most divisive issue in this realm. States often move in opposite directions based on their partisan makeup. A national view of policy development ensures you’re aware of proposals made by each side. 

Homelessness Prevention

The most acute and visible sign of the need for legislators to act on housing is the rise in homelessness. Many policies mentioned above aid in preventing homelessness. Lawmakers have also aimed to tackle homeless as its own issue.

In 2023, Oregon passed two massive investments in housing and homelessness prevention. HB 5019 and HB 2001 include nearly $100 million in rental assistance. The bills aim to both prevent homelessness and aid in rehousing efforts. This investment is in line with Massachusetts’s Affordable Homes Act. Measures such as these are a popular approach as states face rapid increases in homelessness. Following the development and impact of this policy will be essential for advocates and researchers alike. 

Other proposals throughout the country include:

• Supporting unhoused students
• Increasing access to healthcare services
• Promoting a “housing-first” model to end homelessness

Get Started With Plural

Housing policy in 2023 was characterized by a focus on development, relationships between tenants and landlords, and homelessness prevention. The amount and diversity of housing policy solutions can be overwhelming. Even following one state’s housing committee is challenging, time consuming, and inefficient. Plural’s unmatched open data and discovery tools make it easy to find and track the policy that matters to you.

The post Why Everybody Involved in Housing Should be Tracking Policy appeared first on Plural Policy.

California’s Legislature has a total of 120 legislators, 80 Assemblymembers and 40 State Senators. The Assembly is composed of 62 Democrats and 18 Republicans, while the Senate is composed of 32 Democrats and eight Republicans.

Before the session began, Democratic leaders announced their legislative priorities:

• Housing
• Climate change
• Economic investment
• Big oil industries
• The opioid crisis
• Healthcare
• Systemic racism
• Public transportation.

Republican leaders shared their own, including: cutting government costs, tackling crime, acting on homelessness, investing in students, building water storages, and reducing wildfires.

Governor Gavin Newsom broke tradition by not delivering a State of the State address, where governors make the case for their agenda. Instead, he traveled throughout the state to share priorities. Governor Newsom’s legislative priorities include SB 2, ‘The Price Gouging Penalty Bill.’ This bill passed on March 27, 2023, and went into effect on June 26, 2023.

Key 2023 Session Data

In California, 3,036 bills were introduced during this year’s legislative session. Of those, nearly 40% (1,196) were passed by the Senate and Assembly. Governor Newsom has signed nearly 400 bills into law. He will sign many more throughout the rest of September. New laws relate to abortion, education, climate change, the LGBTQ+ community, and consumer protections.

Key Legislative Trends in California

• Gun control
• LGBTQ+ rights
• Climate change
• Abortion and reproductive healthcare
• Education
• Elections and voting rights
• Anti-discrimination
• Criminal justice reform

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The post Recapping California’s 2023 Legislative Session: The First Half of the Biennium appeared first on Plural Policy.

Key Topics in the California Legislature

Our research has highlighted the remarkable consistency of California’s legislature. Across sessions, the CA legislature is very consistent when it comes to activity, passage rates, number of bills passed, and time to passage. General information about the legislative process can be helpful for those predicting or reacting to policy. For our final blog in this series, we wanted to dig deeper. In this blog, we will go beyond the high-level of how legislators are acting, to look at what they are acting on.

We built and trained an AI model using Plural’s legislative datasets to categorize bills by their topics. Bills were assigned to 17 topic categories. We applied the model across two complete biennial sessions, 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, as well as the first half of the current biennium, 2023. Our analysis paints a picture of the legislative topics that attract the most activity in any given session.

Percent of Analyzed Bills within Each Topic Category, by Session (2019-2023)

A few insights immediately jumped out to our team as we examined this data.

Over the biennium examined, the legislature focused on Health and Social Services far more than other topic categories. Health and Social Services is a broad category, far broader than privacy, for example. It includes everything from pandemic-related safety measures to Medi-Cal reimbursement rates. Beyond the wide scope of the subject matter, this is also an area that lawmakers often highlight as a priority. It’s unsurprising to see more than 1 in 5 bills logged into this category.

More than 20% of bills introduced in 2023 fell into the Appropriations, Budget and Taxation category. This is likely overweighted, as the first year in a biennium tends to have more appropriations legislation than the second year. Despite this, no other category comes close to the level of consistent focus on Health and Social Services.

Finally, looking at this data shows the value in expanding this type of dataset. Five years of legislative data from one jurisdiction can unlock a few insights. However, the real value could come from comparing across jurisdictions or across wider spans of time.

Analyzing California’s Legislative Activity

Our analyses of California’s legislative activity over the past fifteen years has produced many interesting insights. We’ve learned that:

• A majority of passage votes to come in August in September
• Most bills receiving final passage votes will indeed pass
• Most bills that become law have a 30-35 week lifespan between introduction and final passage

Continuing and expanding this type of analysis can help better understand legislative activity. It can also give us insights into how legislative activity compares across jurisdiction and time. Here at Plural, we’re committed to using our data to help our community of public policy experts deepen their legislative insights.

Get Started With Plural

With Plural, it’s easier than ever to get and stay ahead in the public policy landscape. Get started today to:

• Access superior public policy data 
• Be the first to know about new bills and changes in bill status
• Streamline your day with seamless organization features
• Harness the power of AI to gain insights into individual bills and the entire legislative landscape
• Keep everyone on the same page with internal collaboration and external reporting all in one place

The post What Policy Topics Do California Legislators Typically Focus On? appeared first on Plural Policy.

Massachusetts FY 2024 Budget

Most notably, Massachusetts lawmakers passed their Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 on August 1, 2023. This budget was historic for many reasons, including:

• The millionaire’s surtax revenue, totaling $1B, was split between education and transportation initiatives. Of this total, funding was divided between the following initiatives:
  • $523M earmarked for education
  • $477 earmarked for transportation
  • $5M to research a “means tested” MBTA fare
• The budget included $50M in expansions to community college access, including:
  • $20M for MassReconnect, an new initiative by Governor Maura Healey
  • $18M to cover the cost of attending community college nursing programs
  • $12M to make community college accessible by the fall of 2023, an initiative by Senate President Karen Spilka
• Under the budget, universal free school lunch is now a permanent program.
• Lawmakers reintroduced an eviction protection program, called Chapter 257. The program will pause eviction cases for tenants who have a pending application for rental aid, which lapsed earlier this year.

Governor Healey signed the budget on August 9, 2023, with one veto and eight amendments. The veto removed $205M in one-time funding from the state.

Many priorities were not included in the final budget. These priorities will be included in future iterations of the annual budget.

Massachusetts Legislative Priorities in 2023

• Equity Initiatives
• Education
• Guns
• Environment
• Abortion/ Reproductive Rights
• Housing

Looking Ahead to 2024

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has only begun its two-year legislative cycle. Throughout the remainder of the session, legislators will continue to work on a wide range of bills and lead national movements on salient issues like gun violence and climate change. The Massachusetts legislature prides itself on its leadership in national conversations, and the state will be one of many to watch in the coming months.

The post Recap: Massachusetts Legislative Session 2023 appeared first on Plural Policy.