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State Laws

State-by-State Infrastructure Guides Released by White House

July 20, 2021 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

By focusing on state-by-state cases of bridges and roads in dire need of reparations, the Biden Administration is working to urge republicans to ease their opposition to a bipartisan infrastructure plan. If such an agreement is reached, the administration says, its funding could help rebuild what is needed in these areas, as well as boost their broadband internet capabilities and water quality.

For the bipartisan agreement made by a group of senators, the White House is looking to achieve public backing and to convince lawmakers of the necessity of such a deal by detailing the amount of infrastructure repair needed in so many individual states across the country. Over the next few weeks, House Democrats are working to make informal negotiations to reach agreements on potential changes to be made, while Republicans are still likely to be in opposition of this bill due to its high costs.

The bipartisan bill agreement reached by the senate initially gained enough support to pass by regular order, although it saw later opposition from Republican senators after it was connected to a Democrat-backed budget bill by Biden. Still, the bill originally received backing from 21 total senators, which included 11 Republicans, and came out to propose $579 billion in new spending (or $973 billion when adding in regular maintenance spending costs).

Currently, the White House has not been able to identify the particular projects in each state that would be acted upon once that plan is officially set forth, as its framework still doesn’t have funding levels depicted on a state-by-state basis. Because of this, Congress is still negotiating specific details within each of the program’s categories.

“These state-by-state fact sheets will help folks localize the impact of these dollars, and better understand how these investments will make life better for their communities across the country,” said Emilie Simons, a spokeswoman for the White House.

“There is more work to do” to help improve living standards, reduce pollution, heal the economy, and create more jobs through the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan, according to the fact sheets. Although this new framework is a “critical step,” the fact sheets still point to the Democrats’ second bill as being a method of bringing these goals to the next level.

According to the documents, President Biden “will work with Congress to build on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework in legislation that moves in tandem, laying the foundation for a robust and equitable recovery for all Americans.”

The bipartisan Senate proposal includes $312 billion for countrywide transportation infrastructure projects–with $110 billion specifically allocated for bridges and roads. In California, 14,220 miles of highway need reparation as well as 1,536 bridges, and the state may need $51 billion to spend on drinking water infrastructure upgrades over the next two decades. Some of the framework’s funding could help cover these costs.

According to the fact sheets, Kentucky has 1,322 miles of highway needing reparations along with 1,033 bridges–and for costs in relation to roads needing repair, drivers pay around $444 a year. Still, the plan doesn’t explain exactly how much funding would be dedicated to Kentucky’s reconstruction projects.

“The need for action in Kentucky is clear” said the document. “For decades, infrastructure in Kentucky has suffered from a systemic lack of investment. In fact, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Kentucky a C- grade on its infrastructure report card.”

7,292 miles of highway and 1,702 bridges in New York are currently considered as being in poor condition, with commute times rising by 7.4% and drivers paying around $625 annually in road repair costs. Between 2010 and 2010, the state of New York endured 31 events of extreme weather that cost around $100 billion in damages, and the plan now details its intent to allocate $47 billion to boost infrastructure updates throughout the country in areas healing from natural disasters.

ICYMI: New State Laws You Should Know for 2015

January 8, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Illinois House of Representatives (Photo: Daniel Schwen)

A New Year is in full swing and some new state laws are officially in effect, ranging from increased speed limits to the regulation of e-cigarettes. The Illinois Senate Democrats previously released a list of Top 15 new laws of 2015; and you can read the complete list of around 220 state laws and regulations approved by the state legislature here. In the meantime, we’ve summarized some prominent ones we think you’d like to know about below.

Nursing Homes
Nursing home chains must now submit annual reports regarding the state of their institution; power of attorney forms have been updated for a new year; and procedures for maintaining and renewing an advanced nursing license have been adjusted for processing.

E-Cigarettes
Much has been said about the safety of e-cigarettes and their accessibility to children and teens. Illinois is toughening up its stance on the popular smoking alternative, making them much harder to buy in common locations like gas stations and convenient stores. E-cigs must now remain behind counters and in sealed packages, much in the same way cigarettes are sold. Refills for e-cigs are now required be in child-proof packaging, too.

Drones for Illinois Police
For Illinois’ finest, drones have been the topic of debate when it comes to their use. Certain restrictions apply, but what’s certain is that offices will continue to use drones during extreme cases, such as a natural disaster or public health emergency. Serving as a so-called “Eye in the Sky,” drones have the potential to change search and rescue – and police surveillance – as we know it, navigating vantage points and zones that a person simply cannot.

Illinois Schools
School construction plans now require the development and maintenance of storm shelters to protect students from dangerous weather; and schools now have the option to discipline students who engage in cyberbullying inside and outside of school.

Victims’ Rights
House Bill 5990 expands child advocacy centers’ authority over child sexual abuse victims and victims of maltreatment, as well as components of investigation into child maltreatment cases.

State Speed Limit
A new state law increases the speed limit on toll ways throughout Illinois, up from 55mph to 70mph in certain locations. The Illinois Toll way board still must approve the measure before it officially goes into effect.  Selected toll ways, however, have bumped the limit a smidge higher in rural areas, specifically for trucks and rigs, increasing from 55 mph to 60 mph.

Teen Drinking
Adults over the age of 21 can expect harsher laws and even harsher penalties, should they supply alcohol to those under the legal drinking age. House Bill 4745 expands the list of places, such as campers and boats, where parents are liable for supplying underage people with alcohol.

Are there any new laws you’ve heard about that you’d like to discuss?  Let us know in the comments or on social media!

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