CPA News Releases, Advisories, and Editorials

HUGE INCREASE IN PROGRESSIVE VICTORIES IN THE STATES

2007 a terrific year, 76 measures enacted so far

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The progressive movement is alive and well in state legislatures across the nation according to a new report, 2007 Progressive Victories in the States, released by the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA). CPA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that focuses on state policy.

“Today, state legislators are leading the fight for progressive solutions,” said Tim McFeeley, executive director of the Center for Policy Alternatives. “While the federal government is stuck in partisan gridlock, state governments are enacting far-reaching new legislation.”

The report describes 76 proactive, progressive measures that have become law, or will become law, in 2007. Among the highlights of this report:

∙ Minimum Wage—While the issue languished in Washington, four more states increased the minimum wage in 2007. In 2003, only 11 states had a minimum wage above the federal wage of $5.15. Today, 34 states have a minimum wage over the federal level. Even if federal legislation passes, these 34 states will still have a higher wage for more than a year and many would continue to have a higher minimum even after a federal law is fully implemented.

∙ Living Wage and Paid Family Leave—More than 130 cities and counties have a living wage law, which is a wage floor required of government contractors. This year Maryland became the first to enact a statewide living wage. In addition, Washington State enacted a groundbreaking law to grant parents a measure of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Only a few other states have similar laws.

∙ Civil Unions and GLBT Anti-Discrimination—Advocates for GLBT rights have had a banner year. New Hampshire legalized same-sex civil unions; Oregon and Washington authorized domestic partnerships; Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey and Oregon banned discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity; Iowa and Kansas enacted measures to protect GLBT students from bullying; and Colorado legalized adoption by a second parent outside of a marriage, including same-sex parents.

∙ Election Day Registration and Voting Rights Restoration—Election reform advocates are having a great year too. Iowa became the eighth state to permit Election Day registration. Florida (by executive order) and Maryland enacted measures to restore voting rights to ex-offenders after they have completed their sentences.

∙ Reproductive Health—Arkansas, Colorado and Connecticut passed laws requiring that rape victims be informed about and/or provided with emergency contraception. Colorado, Iowa and Washington enacted measures to mandate that school sex-education classes teach medically-accurate information (which is, incredibly, a serious problem). Montana allowed nurses to dispense contraceptives. Iowa and Michigan enacted laws encouraging stem cell research.

∙ Tobacco—Illinois, Maryland and New Mexico enacted bans on smoking in workplaces including restaurants and bars. Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey and Oregon banned the sale of cigarettes that are not the self-extinguishing, “fire-safe” variety.

∙ Prescription Drug Prices—In 2005, seven states enacted a range of policies to make prescription drugs more accessible and affordable. Over the past three years, 30 states have led a revolution in the prescription drug marketplace, enacting laws that go far beyond federal policies.

A very large number of the progressive laws enacted this year are promoted in the 2007 edition of the Center for Policy Alternatives’ policy handbook, the Progressive Agenda, and on its website, www.stateaction.org. Of the 76 new measures listed, 62 (79 percent) are similar to CPA-recommended legislation.

The report can be downloaded in PDF format here:

http://www.stateaction.org/about/press/2007victories.pdf