Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, has presided over major changes in areas including education, taxes, immigration and economic growth. He discusses his legacy even as he gears up for a fourth term.
The Legislature once gave Gov. Ron DeSantis nearly everything he wanted, but now are pushing back in areas such as immigration and spending.
A report tallies 400 allegations of harassment against 145 lawmakers over the past decade, including 11 new allegations last year. Due to underreporting, the actual figure is probably three times as high.
Republicans are promoting private school choice, while Democrats are discussing K-12 funding increases. Most governors, however, are dodging the question of how to boost student achievement through curriculum changes.
Democrat Tina Kotek is backing legislation that would allow the state to take control of a quarter of underperforming schools’ budgets, as well as require those schools to hire tutors.
Democrat Josh Shapiro has ordered state agencies to give fired federal workers hiring preference, akin to that given to state employees. He said Pennsylvania will benefit from their skills and experience.
GOP Gov. Mike DeWine wants more able-bodied recipients to work to receive benefits. Such requirements in other states have been held up in court but Congress might make them universal.
The Democrat touted his experience in formally launching his bid, but many believe his tainted past and resignation as governor make him unelectable.
GOP Gov. Brian Kemp is pushing hard for a civil litigation overhaul, contending that excessive damages are harming businesses and driving up insurance costs. Opponents say it would give too big a break to negligent companies.
Allegations that presidents, governors and mayors are acting like dictators have been part of American government ever since the nation was founded.
Abbott is in Washington this week to lobby Congress for $11 billion to compensate Texas for money spent on immigration enforcement.
GOP legislators and governors around the country are borrowing Trump's ideas and language on a host of issues. Separately, red states are looking to put up barriers against ballot initiatives.
GOP governors and lawmakers have set up their own government efficiency task forces and committees to find ways to cut state spending.
Residents of red counties in blue states wish they had a new political home. Also, in Florida, the Legislature is starting to stand up to Ron DeSantis.
The administration rescinded its order for a spending review due to blowback. Republicans had not joined the chorus of critics, even though red states are heavily dependent on federal grants.
It could bring states a lot of revenue. But voters don’t like it, even though few of them would have to pay.
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