State Politics & News
Coverage of state politics, elections, and conservative policy battles across all 50 states shaping America’s future.
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- Opinion
Why George Washington Thought the Practice of Gratitude Was Essential for the American Character
Our two greatest presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, respectively thought Thanksgiving sufficiently important to initiate its national celebration and to later revive this tradition. Our accepted convention is that Thanksgiving is about family togetherness and feasting. Surely this is part of it—but perhaps a more refined notion of what this nearly ancient holiday should…Arthur Milikh -
- Opinion
Why Massachusetts Gave Up on Common Core
The state Board of Education in Massachusetts has decided to retreat from common core and develop its own state tests—to the dismay of Common Core advocates. It comes as no surprise that a “top-down, one-size-fits-all” approach to education is not working for the people of Massachusetts. Interestingly, this policy reversal comes at the recommendation of…Mary Clare Amselem -
- News
Ohio Bakery Owner Who Posted ‘Politically Incorrect’ Sign on Stores Explains Why He Did So
A sign posted outside an Ohio bakery eschewing political correctness has gone viral. Schuler’s Bakery posted signs outside of its four Ohio locations that read: Notice: This store is politically incorrect, we say Merry Christmas, God Bless America, we salute our flag and give thanks to our troops, police officers and fire fighters. If this…Kate Scanlon -
- Opinion
Some States Talk About Border Security. Arizona Is Taking Action.
While the presidential candidates clash over how to handle illegal immigration and border security, Arizona is doing something about it. When Doug Ducey ran for governor, he made doing something about all the illegal activity on the border with Mexico a cornerstone of his campaign. Since taking office, he has made a high-profiled effort to deliver. His latest…James Carafano -
- Opinion
Are Unions Losing Their Grip in West Virginia?
West Virginia may well become the next right-to-work state. Bill Cole—the state-Senate president and probable GOP gubernatorial nominee—has made passing right-to-work legislation a top priority. However, Cole didn’t bring it up for hearings or a vote in this year’s legislative session. At the time, liberal groups celebrated the fact that right-to-work was bumped from the…James Sherk -
- News
Maine Doubles Down on Welfare Reform Despite Media Backlash
Mary Mayhew, commissioner of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, knows her politics aren’t always popular. “I can’t stress enough what an attack campaign it has been from the media for four and a half years,” Mayhew said Thursday at an anti-poverty forum in Washington, D.C., hosted by The Heritage Foundation. Then there are the…Madaline Donnelly -
- News
California College May Be Next Mizzou: ‘Our No. 1 Goal Is to Get President Veitch Out of His Office’
Students at Occidental College in Los Angeles have staked out tents and sleeping bags as they stage a week-long protest to support diversity on campus, and call for the removal of the college president. Over 400 students, encouraged to wear all black, occupied the Arthur G. Coons Administrative Center at the Eagle Rock campus on…Leah Jessen -
- News
In Rebuke to Governor’s Refugee Stance, Chicago Lawmakers Declare City Open to Syrian Refugees
In a symbolic attempt to challenge statements issued by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner that Syrian refugees are not welcome in his state, lawmakers in Chicago voted Wednesday in favor of a measure that establishes the windy city as a sanctuary city open to accepting Syrian refugees. “Many of us on the City Council have expressed…Kelsey Bolar -
- News
How Michigan’s Welfare Population Declined by 70% in 4 Years
Since Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder assumed office, the number of welfare recipients in the state has declined by a staggering 70 percent, according to a news report. A total of 64,492 individuals received cash assistance from the state this past August, down from 227,490 in 2011. Snyder, a Republican, took office in January 2011 and was re-elected in November…Sara Jones -
- Opinion
Hawaii Is Holding an Election That Only Allows People of Certain Racial Background to Vote
It’s bad enough having a state hold an election that is racially discriminatory. Now we have a judge willing to allow it to move forward. That would be federal district court Judge J. Michael Seabright (a George W. Bush appointee, surprisingly enough). He’s refused to issue an injunction to stop an election in Hawaii to…Hans von Spakovsky -
- News
In This Mississippi Town, Residents Are Fighting Atheist Organization Calling for Removal of Christmas Display
In one Mississippi town, residents are fighting back after an an atheist organization requested that that a Christmas display in their city be removed, organizing a show of support for the display. “I just feel like Christians lose a lot nowadays because we’re too polite,” says Andrea Kirkley, a resident of Collins and a stay-at-home…Kate Scanlon -
- Opinion
University of Missouri and Yale Show What Mob Rule Looks Like in Higher Education
America’s universities are supposed to be places where students can get an education. The vast majority of students want that. Some, however, do not. They want a “safe space” where their strange ideas about society can be aired without criticism, and where they can unilaterally punish other students for failing to toe the mass line….Andrew Kloster -
- Opinion
New York Attorney General Tries to Criminalize Scientific Dissent on Climate Change
Everyone reading this should do the attorney general of New York, Eric T. Schneiderman, a big favor: buy a copy of the U.S. Constitution, highlight the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights with a bright yellow or orange Sharpie, and mail him a copy. Schneiderman obviously needs a remedial lesson in the fact that…Hans von Spakovsky -
- News
Oregon County Passes Initiative Allowing Sheriff to Void Gun Control Laws If He Thinks They’re Unconstitutional
Nearly a month after a tragic mass shooting shook Umpqua Community College, a rural Oregon county roughly two hours west of the school passed a measure directing the sheriff to bypass state and federal gun laws if he judges them unconstitutional. Coos County residents smoothly approved the Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance on Tuesday with more than…Natalie Johnson -
- Opinion
Will the Illinois Supreme Court Set Chicago’s Pension Apocalypse in Stone?
Nov. 17—that’s the date set for the Illinois State Supreme Court to hear oral arguments regarding a 2014 deal to overhaul the city of Chicago’s pension plans. It’s a golden opportunity for the court to clarify or—better yet—overturn its misguided decision earlier this year, which invalidated the 2013 statewide pension reforms. Let’s hope the court…Andrew Kloster -
- News
Meet the New Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky. Here Are 15 Facts About Jenean Hampton
Elections were held around the country Tuesday, and results in Kentucky made history. Matt Bevin, the Republican candidate for Kentucky governor, and running mate Jenean Hampton won by a margin of 53 percent to 44 percent over Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, a Democrat, according to CNN. Conway had been at the top in polls leading up to the…Leah Jessen -
- News
Arizona Will No Longer Facilitate State Employee’s Planned Parenthood Donations
Arizona has cut the umbilical cord off Planned Parenthood, no longer allowing the organization to receive donations from state employees on the government’s dime. Republican Governor Doug Ducey, who serves as the chairman of the State Employee Charitable Campaign, “absolutely supports” the move to remove Planned Parenthood from the program, called the State Employee Charitable…Kelsey Bolar -
- News
Ohio May Legalize Marijuana Today
As voters across the United States move to elect their next state leaders Tuesday, Ohio residents are weighing whether the Buckeye State will become the latest to legalize marijuana. If voters approve the measure, Ohio will become the fifth state to legalize recreational weed and the first in the Midwest. But Issue 3, which would add…Natalie Johnson -
- News
New Food Stamp Bills in Wisconsin Aim to Curtail Welfare Fraud and Abuse
As part of continued efforts by Gov. Scott Walker and legislators, welfare fraud and abuse legislation will be put to a vote on Tuesday in Wisconsin. A series of four bills, three of which target abuse of Wisconsin’s food stamp program, are expected to pass. The legislation (Wisconsin Assembly Bills 222, 200, and 188) would require…Leah Jessen -
- News
How Georgia Became a Haven for Violent Illegal Immigrants
According to an investigation by Atlanta’s WSB-TV, Georgia ranks first in deportations of illegal immigrants among all non-border states. And it trails only Texas, Arizona, and California as fourth overall, based on a review of government deportation records. In fiscal year 2013, there were 7,120 illegal immigrants deported in Georgia alone, according to WSB-TV reporter Aaron Diamant’s investigation. Of…Daily Signal Staff