Legislative

NJ Governor Approves Pay Raises for Judges, Lawmakers, and Legislative Staff in New Legislation

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Trenton, New Jersey – Governor Phil Murphy has signed nearly 80 bills into law during the final hour of New Jersey’s 2022-23 legislative session. One of the bills approved by Murphy provides pay raises to judges, legislative staff, and lawmakers. Additionally, the bill increases allowances given to legislators to cover their staff salaries. Starting in 2026, members of the Legislature will see their annual salary increase from $49,000 to $82,000. This raise marks the first increase since 2002 for New Jersey legislators who are considered part-time. The allowance they receive to pay their staffs will … Read more

Federal Judge Orders Redrawing of North Dakota Legislative Districts, Impact on Native American Representation Remains Uncertain

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MINOT, N.D. – A federal judge has implemented a new legislative district map on North Dakota, following a lawsuit that claimed the previous map did not adequately represent Native American voters. While some are celebrating this as a victory for voting rights, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the state’s political landscape. The lawsuit argued that the districts were gerrymandered because Native Americans were not proportionally represented in the Legislature. However, it should be noted that the previous map, which was also designed to increase Native American representation, successfully elected two Native … Read more

Violations of Election Laws Reported in Taiwan’s Presidential and Legislative Elections, Prompting Local Government Action

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Taipei, Taiwan – Several voters have been accused of breaking election laws during Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections, according to local government election officials. In New Taipei, the largest city in the country, there were numerous reported violations at polling stations across the municipality. One female voter in Xizhi District tore up her legislator ballot because it did not include her preferred candidates. In Shulin District, a man was caught taking a picture of his blank ballot with his mobile phone, while in Yonghe District, a male voter was found talking on his phone inside … Read more

Minnesota Expects Surge in Administrative Rules for 2024 Amidst Legislative Activity

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Minneapolis, Minnesota – The year 2023 saw the adoption of 27 administrative rules in Minnesota, with expectations for more to come in 2024. Although administrative rules may not receive the same level of celebration as legislation, they play a vital role in shaping society and ensuring the implementation of comprehensive regulatory schemes. These rules, which are essentially laws formulated by state agencies, help solidify and complement the legislative framework. While the bureaucratic process behind rulemaking may seem dull, it is crucial for ensuring that these rules are constitutional, reasonable, and aligned with legislation. Statistically, the … Read more