The focus on the presidential election belies the impact state politics and public policy in state capitals is having on millions of Americans; particularly people of color. Every day the actions of governors and state legislators are affecting the quality of life of citizens, infringing upon equal opportunity, and negatively influencing the manner in which Americans view and treat their fellow citizens. This article from Vox  details how public policy is being influenced at the state level. The fascination with all things Washington has distracted us from the critical role states are playing in shaping the future of our nation.

Elementary and secondary education, higher education, local law enforcement, oversight of public utilities, elections management and criminal justice are just a few of the concerns handled by state governments.



It is why we are launching a monthly e-newsletter - States Matter! - focused entirely on developments in state capitals, legislative trends and information that you can use to be a more effective advocate for progressive policies in your state. For just $24 annually, we will bring States Matter! to you electronically the third Thursday of each month. You can subscribe via Pay Pal or go directly to the NorthStarNews.com home page and the Donate button in the top right corner of the page. When you click the Review Donation and Continue button, on the next screen type the e-mail address where you want to receive the newsletter in the box marked: Add Special Instructions to the Seller. The first edition of States Matter! launches October 20, 2016.

Do you know what’s going on under your State House dome?

In the last few months we have witnessed important decisions of national impact that were all rooted in state-level politics. In North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory has shown total disregard for the voting rights of Blacks by pushing regressive measures such as Voter ID that aim to undo the success of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in expanding access to the ballot. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has launched a full-scale attack on public sector labor unions. The people of Kentucky saw the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the landmark health-care law signed by President Obama, blocked. In Ohio there have been successful legal challenges to the use of provisional ballots that disproportionately disfranchise voters of color and the poor. The Baltimore Police Department has come under heavy criticism in a scathing report issued by the U.S. Department of Justice. The transportation infrastructure of states across the country is in disrepair as partisan battles prevent legislative action.



Many states continue to attempt to turn back the clock and reverse hard fought and blood-earned victories that affirmed the rights of African-Americans, language minorities, women and the LGBQT community. It’s time we paid much greater attention to what is happening in the halls of state government.

Don’t wait until it happens in your state.

Subscribe today to States Matter! For just $24 per year we will bring you the latest news out of state capitals across the country directly to your in-box and alert you to policies that might be heading your way. Subscribe today!