May 2, 2012 •
Here is the Latest Redistricting News
Today we have items from eight states:
Alaska: “Redistricting map solutions elusive as court battle looms” by Richard Mauer in the Anchorage Daily News.
Kansas: “Kansas Senate OKs redistricting plan” by Brad Cooper in the Kansas City Star.
Kentucky: “Kentucky Supreme Court cites redistricting law as unconstitutional” by Franklin Clark in the Cadiz Record.
Mississippi: “Mississippi Senate unveils its redistricting map” by The Associated Press in the Clarion Ledger.
New Hampshire: “House redistricting plan faces more legal challenges” by Garry Rayno in the Union Leader.
Pennsylvania: “Redistricting panel to receive input on new Pa. maps” by Ali Lanyon (Associated Press) on WHTM.
South Carolina: “Supreme Court considering fate of primary candidates” by Gina Smith in The State.
South Carolina: “SC justices consider fate of dozens of candidates” by Jeffrey Collins (Associated Press) in the Spartanburg Herald Journal.
Vermont: “Vt. lawmakers finish redistricting” on NECN.com.
Measure the Result of Citizens United Decision
Citizens in 53 communities approved a measure on Vermont’s Town Meeting Day, coinciding with Super Tuesday, calling on the United States Congress to begin the process of amending the Constitution in order to clarify that corporations do not share the same rights as natural persons possess.
The push for such a measure is a result of the decision of the United States Supreme Court in the Citizen’s United case.
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont, introduced such an amendment in December and appreciated support by his constituents for his efforts, noting “Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, Town Meeting Day voters understood that corporations are not people.”
January 27, 2012 •
Bill Proposes Lobbyist Statute Alterations in Vermont
Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Would be Affected
Senator Jeanette K. White has introduced Senate Bill 150, a bill concerning lobbyist registration and reporting. The bill proposes the removal of the ability to register within 48 hours of beginning to lobby and would require all lobbyists to register prior to lobbying, employers to register prior to engaging a lobbyist, and lobbying firms to file their lobbyist listings prior to the lobbyists commencing lobbying activities.
The bill also requires lobbying firms to update their listing of lobbyists before any new lobbyist commences lobbying activities and within 48 hours of a lobbyist’s termination. Finally, the threshold on reportable gifts to legislators would be decreased from $15 to $10.
If passed in present form, the changes would take effect July 1, 2012.
July 18, 2011 •
Lawmakers Tapping Into Their Social Media Resources
An Increasing Number of Lawmakers Connecting to the Public
It seems that following Obama’s Twitter Town Hall, politicians across the nation are following suit and making the effort to use social media to connect to their followers more than ever. Hopeful Republican presidential nominee Newt Gingrich, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont are three examples of such politicians.
Being one of the first politicians to utilize the new Google+, Newt Gingrich hosted his first Hangout, posting the 13 minute long video of him having a conversation with up to 10 regular Americans at a time onto YouTube. TechPresident published an article written by Nick Judd providing the video and more information here.
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