Oklahoma cancels nine of 13 scheduled school board elections

Stay in the know this week: No Images? [Click here]( [Ballotpedia: The Encyclopedia of American Politics]( The week in review: February 11 - February 17 What's on tap next week: February 18 - February 24 State - On February 14, the [Arizona Supreme Court]( announced it would [hear]( arguments in a case about the legality of [Proposition 206]( on March 9. Proposition 206 was passed by voters in [November 2016]( and will raise the state’s minimum wage to $12 by 2020. [Chief Justice Scott Bales]( said oral arguments are scheduled for March 9, 2017. He also said that arguments would be limited to whether the initiative creates new costs to the general fund without providing a new revenue source. Depending on how the court rules, state contractors could be exempted from the measure's requirements, the measure could be upheld in its entirety, or it could be struck down in its entirety. Prior to the passage of the initiative, Arizona had the [24th-highest]( minimum wage in the [country](. Local - On February 14, [general elections]( were held across 13 of Oklahoma’s largest school districts for 16 school board seats. Elections in eight of these districts were canceled because only one candidate filed to run for each available seat. In a ninth district—[Mustang Public Schools](—no candidate filed in the election. The district canceled the election and will appoint someone to the position now that the general election date has passed. The largest of the districts holding elections was [Oklahoma City Public Schools](, which served 41,074 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 6 percent of all public school students in the state. The smallest school district holding elections was [Owasso Public Schools](, which served 9,658 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 1.4 percent of all public school students in the state. [State politics]( The Week in Review Ballot measures update: 2017: - So far, [five statewide measures]( are certified to appear on the ballot in 2017 in [Maine](, [New York](, [New Jersey](, and [Ohio](. Over the previous five odd-year election cycles, an average of about seven citizen-initiated measures and 34 total statewide measures have appeared on ballots. Moreover, voters in Puerto Rico will decide [a referendum]( on June 11—and another in October depending on the results of the June referendum—asking whether they want statehood or independence/free association. - The next [signature filing deadline]( for citizen initiatives in 2017 is in [Ohio]( on July 5. - An [indirect initiative]( petition addressing [casinos]( was certified as valid and sufficient and sent to the legislature in Maine; it will go before voters if the legislature does not approve it. - Signatures for a 2017 initiative related to [Medicaid expansion]( in Maine were submitted. 2018: - [Four measures are certified to appear on statewide ballots in 2018]( so far, and a signature petition for a [citizen-initiated measure in Nevada]( designed to establish an automatic voter registration system was certified as sufficient. It will be sent to the legislature and later to voters if the legislature does not approve it within the first 40 days of its 2017 session. Over the previous five even-year election cycles, an average of 61 citizen-initiated measures and 173 total statewide measures have appeared on ballots. - Discover how your legislators voted on key bills - Connect directly with them and share your view [Click here to learn more and hold your elected officials accountable](. Saturday, February 11 Two Weeks Away from the Delaware Senate Special Election - Partisan control of the [Delaware State Senate]( will be decided in two weeks—February 25—in one of the most closely watched [special state legislative elections]( of the year thus far. The chamber became split 10-10 in early January 2017 after Democrat [Bethany Hall-Long]( vacated the [District 10]( seat to be sworn in as [lieutenant governor of Delaware](. Vying to replace her are Democrat [Stephanie Hansen](, Republican [John Marino](, and Libertarian [Joseph Lanzendorfer](. If Marino wins the election, Republicans will control the chamber for the first time in more than 40 years and break the state’s [Democratic trifecta](, which has been in place since 2009. The race has also drawn attention as one of the first electoral contests to take place since [Donald Trump]( (R) was sworn in as president of the United States. Political analysts and observers in the media have speculated that the District 10 race could serve as a preview of how Trump's presidency could affect down-ballot races throughout his first term. In the [2016 presidential election](, District 10 voters backed Democrat [Hillary Clinton]( over Trump 54 to 41 percent. The last time the seat itself was up for election, however—in 2014—Democrats carried it by just 267 votes. The Republican candidate in the 2017 special election, John Marino, was also the Republican candidate for the seat in 2014. - Both [former]( Vice President [Joe Biden]( (D) and [former]( Governor of Maryland [Martin O’Malley]( (D) spent time campaigning on behalf of [Stephanie Hansen]( (D) in Delaware this week. - See also: [Delaware state legislative special elections, 2017]( Sunday, February 12 NFL Warns Texas Over Bathroom Proposal - A week after Houston hosted the Super Bowl, the National Football League sent a [warning]( to Texas legislators over a proposal that would limit transgender access to bathrooms. A spokesman for the league said that such a law could impact where the league chooses to schedule major events in coming years. The law’s main sponsor, [Lois Kolkhorst]( (R), said the bill contained language that would exclude major sporting events. “[T]he Texas Privacy Act ensures that our state continues the same welcoming environment we all enjoy at NFL events,” he said. The Texas Association of Business, which opposes the bill, says the state could lose up to $8 billion in business investments if the law passes. Texas is currently one of 25 states with a [Republican trifecta](. - On February 6, the North Carolina Sports Association sent a [letter]( to the [North Carolina State Legislature]( stating that if House Bill 2 wasn’t repealed, the NCAA would not allow basketball tournament games in the state until at least 2022. The NCAA has said that it would not consider bids from any school, city, or arena to host March Madness games from 2018-2022 unless lawmakers comply. House Bill 2 was passed in March 2016 and prohibits individuals from using any bathroom that does not correspond with the sex on their birth certificate. The NCAA has already pulled seven events during the 2016-17 season from the state across a number of sports. [Senate Bill 25](, which would repeal House Bill 2, was proposed last week by Senate Democrats and is currently under consideration in the Senate. VERBATIM FACT CHECK [Will CalPERS' new investment assumption lead to higher pension costs for school districts?]( - Sacramento Bee writer Jim Miller wrote that CalPERS' decision to reduce its investment return assumption from 7.5 to 7.0 percent means school districts will have to contribute more to employee pensions. This is true. The new rates apply this year for the state’s payment into the pension system, but school districts and other public agencies have until 2018 before the new rates kick in. CalPERS projects a 30 to 40 percent increase in participating employer unfunded liability payments as a result, though the increased contributions are necessary to fund benefits already earned by government workers. Monday, February 13 Medicaid Expansion Signed in Georgia - Georgia Gov. [Nathan Deal]( (R) signed a [law]( that would bridge a $900 million gap in the state’s [Medicaid funding](. The bill allows the Department of Community Health board to charge a hospital provider fee through 2020 and would require hospitals to pay 1.45 percent of their net patient revenue to the state. The estimated $311 million in fees would allow the state to acquire an additional $600 million in funding from the federal government. In total, 17 of the state’s 236 legislators voted against the bill across the two legislative chambers. Georgia is currently one of 25 states with a [Republican trifecta](. Louisiana Special Session Begins - The [Louisiana State Legislature]( [convened]( a special session to address a $304 million shortfall in the state’s current budget. The session was called by Gov. [John Bel Edwards]( (D) and is set to conclude on February 22. According to the rules of the session, because the call did not allow legislators to act on taxes during the session, tax increases to make up for the shortfall cannot be considered. Louisiana is currently one of 19 states with a [divided government](. Tuesday, February 14 Federal Aid in California - The Trump administration [announced]( it would provide federal funding to California in response to an emergency at the Oroville Dam. Gov. [Jerry Brown]( (D) had previously asked Trump to declare a state of emergency to make the state eligible for federal assistance. Problems at the dam have caused the evacuation of more than 200,000 residents. In recent weeks, Trump’s administration has threatened to withhold federal funding from states and cities that operate as sanctuary jurisdictions. California is currently one of six states with a [Democratic trifecta](. Kentucky Governor Announces Criminal Justice Bill - Kentucky Gov. [Matt Bevin]( (R) joined representatives from the [American Civil Liberties Union]( to [announce]( the introduction of Senate Bill 120, which would make changes to the state’s criminal justice system. State Sen. [Whitney Westerfield]( (R), SB 120’s sponsor, said that the legislation was aimed at reducing the number of individuals who return to prison by increasing opportunities for rehabilitation. The plan would allow felons to apply for state occupational licenses, gives probation and parole more flexibility when punishing offenders, creates drug treatment programs, and may lead to private industry being allowed to open factories inside prisons, with federal approval. Bevin said such a program would allow inmates to accrue wages that could be used to pay for prison costs, taxes, restitution, and child support, or saved up and given to the prisoner upon their release. Kentucky is currently one of 25 states with a [Republican trifecta](. Abortion Legislation Clears Virginia Legislature - The [Virginia State Senate]( voted 20-19 along party lines to approve a [bill]( that would decrease funding for Planned Parenthood and other health centers that perform abortions. Because the legislation had already passed the [Virginia House of Delegates]( on February 7, it now goes to the desk of Gov. [Terry McAuliffe]( (D). McAuliffe has said he will veto the legislation. The law would restrict funding for abortions that don’t qualify for matching funds under Medicaid, which is limited to cases of rape, incest, or “gross fetal anomalies.” Supporters of the legislation said that it “ensures that hospitals, federally qualified health clinics and rural health clinics are funded over abortion centers.” Planned Parenthood, meanwhile, has spoken out against the legislation, saying it “would undermine the health of thousands of our patients who count on us for comprehensive care.” Virginia is currently one of 19 states with a [divided government](. Tennessee Representative Resigns - Tennessee State Rep. [Mark Lovell]( (R) [resigned]( from his position amid accusations of sexual misconduct but denied the claims against him. He said the accusations of inappropriate sexual contact with a woman last week are “100 percent false.” Lovell was elected to the position in 2016, when he defeated incumbent [Curry Todd]( (R) 56-18 in the Republican primary before running unopposed in the general election. Lovell’s resignation leaves the Republican Party with a 73-25 majority in the chamber. Minnesota Special Election - A [special election]( took place in Minnesota, where [Anne Neu]( (R) defeated [Laurie Warner]( (D) to fill the [District 32B]( seat in the [Minnesota House of Representatives](. The seat became vacant after the general election on November 8, 2016. A special election was called after the[Minnesota Supreme Court]( found that incumbent[Bob Barrett]( (R) did not live in House District 32B. He stayed on the general election ballot, but the results were not certified. Republicans currently hold a 20-person majority in the chamber. Minnesota is currently one of 19 states with a [divided government](. VERBATIM FACT CHECK [Do ridesharing services reduce drunk driving and related fatalities?]( - Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick recently told Syracuse Post-Standard that the introduction of ridesharing services in upstate New York “could have a dramatic impact on reducing drunk driving and the fatalities attendant to the problem.” The potential impact of legalizing ridesharing services in upstate New York is a matter of speculation. Research on the impacts of ridesharing is limited, and the results of at least three academic studies are mixed. Wednesday, February 15 Alleged Collusion in WI Superintendent Race - [Wisconsin superintendent of public instruction]( candidates [Lowell Holtz]( and [John Humphries]( revealed in separate [interviews]( with the Wisconsin State Journal that the candidates had discussed a proposed position with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in exchange for one of the two candidates leaving the race. The position would be made available to the withdrawn candidate upon the remaining candidate’s defeat of incumbent Superintendent [Tony Evers](. The proposed position would allegedly pay $150,000 a year and include a driver as part of the benefits. Holtz denied the claim, saying it was just an idea brought forth by business leaders who hoped that the two candidates could work together to defeat Evers. Humphries said he offered Holtz a position with his campaign, but that the two men could not come to an agreement. Both Holtz and Humphries were identified by the paper as conservative candidates, though they support different policy approaches. Evers is backed by progressive organizations. A primary election will take place on February 21, where the top two candidates will advance to the April general election. New Alabama AG Recuses Himself - [Steve Marshall]( (R), Alabama Gov. [Robert Bentley](’s (R) recent appointment as attorney general, [recused]( himself in the [ongoing investigation]( over Bentley’s relationship with his former top political aide, Rebekah Mason. In his stead, Marshall appointed former Montgomery County District Attorney Ellen Brooks to lead the investigation. As special prosecutor in the case, Brooks will have the full powers that Marshall would have had in this case. Former Attorney General [Luther Strange]( (R), appointed to the U.S. Senate last week, was thought to be investigating Bentley over the matter but did not officially comment on it. Bentley will be term-limited in 2018 and unable to run for re-election. Powers of Maryland AG Expanded - The [Maryland General Assembly]( passed a [resolution]( allowing Attorney General [Brian Frosh]( (D) to sue the Trump administration without needing the approval of Gov. [Larry Hogan]( (R). The legislature, which has the constitutional authority to direct the attorney general, granted Frosh blanket approval to file lawsuits against the federal government at his discretion. This move marks the first expansion of that office’s power since 1864. Because it was passed as a resolution, the act cannot be vetoed by the governor. Maryland is currently one of 19 states with a [divided government](. Abortion Reversal Bill Advances in Indiana - The [Public Policy Committee]( of the [Indiana House of Representatives]( voted [7-6]( to approve legislation that requires abortion providers to give patients information on abortion-reversing drugs prior to giving them abortion drugs. Two of the committee’s Republicans joined the four Democrats on the committee to vote against the bill, which now heads to the full chamber for consideration. Similar laws have been passed recently in Arizona, South Dakota, and Arkansas. A court challenge to the Arizona law led to the legislature rescinding it and the state’s attorney general conceding the court case. Indiana is currently one of 25 states with a [Republican trifecta](. Maine Governor Asks Committee Co-chair to Step Down - Maine Gov. [Paul LePage]( (R) [called]( on State Rep. [Ryan Tipping-Spitz]( (D) to step down from his position as co-chair of the [Taxation Committee]( over Tipping-Spitz’s connection to a referendum campaign committee. The legislator was paid $9,000 to work on the campaign in support of [Question 2](, which was approved by voters and placed a surcharge on income over $200,000 to provide additional education funding. LePage and others within the Republican Party believe Tipping-Spitz has a conflict of interest by chairing the committee, which is considering legislation to repeal the initiative. Tipping-Spitz said that such a conflict of interest was not uncommon and happens to each legislator multiple times. Maine is currently one of 19 states with a [divided government](. - [Maine]( is one of 12 states with no restrictions on the legislature [repealing or amending citizen initiatives](. South Dakota Considering Initiative Legislation - The [South Dakota State Senate]( voted [19-15]( to approve a[legislatively referred constitutional amendment]( that would change the rules surrounding constitutional amendments in the state. The [proposal]( would increase the vote needed in the[state legislature]( to refer a constitutional amendment to the ballot from a simple majority of members to two-thirds of members. Additionally, it would also increase the vote needed at the ballot box to approve a constitutional amendment, whether legislatively referred or[citizen initiated](, from a simple majority to 60 percent. The legislation would still be required to pass the [state House]( this session before being put on the ballot for [November 6, 2018](. - [Other bills]( designed to change the state’s laws governing ballot measures were also introduced, including bills to add a [distribution requirement]( for citizen initiatives, restrict out-of-state contributions to initiative campaigns, and require fiscal impact statements for ballot measures. To see descriptions and statuses of these proposed laws, click [here](. Missouri AG Appeals to Supreme Court Over Eggs - Missouri Attorney General [Josh Hawley]( (R) said he [filed]( an appeal with the[U.S. Supreme Court]( over a follow-up law to [California Proposition 2](. Proposition 2 prohibited the confinement of egg-laying hens, as well as other animals, in a manner not allowing them to turn around, lie down, stand up, or extend their limbs. The state legislature passed another law, AB 1435, to require that all eggs sold in California are produced in compliance with Proposition 2. Missouri, along with five other states, first filed a complaint in the[U.S. District Court for Eastern California]( on February 3, 2014. The six states said AB 1435's impact on out-of-state vendors violated[Clause 3, Section 8, Article I](, also known as the Commerce Clause, of the[United States Constitution]( by creating a substantial burden on interstate commerce. The court dismissed the case, saying the states did not have legal standing to challenge the law. An appeal to the[United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit]( returned a similar ruling in November 2016. New Jersey Enacts Changes to Painkiller Prescriptions - New Jersey Gov. [Chris Christie]( (R) signed [legislation]( into law that limits initial prescriptions for pain-killing opioids to five days and requires insurance companies to accept addicts into treatment programs without delay. Christie had challenged the legislature to send him a bill aimed at opioids within 30 days of his January 10 State of the State address. The Medical Society of New Jersey spoke out against the law, saying it limits doctors’ ability to treat patients. Supporters of the law, however, said that it allowed doctors to extend prescriptions beyond the five days if painful symptoms were still occurring. Nearby, New York, Maine, and Massachusetts have previously passed similar laws with seven-day limits on pain prescriptions. New Jersey is currently one of 19 states with a [divided government](. - This is the [second bill]( Christie has signed into law this month regarding opioid prescriptions. On February 6, he signed a bill that required doctors prescribing opioids to minors to discuss the risks of dependence and addiction with the minor’s parents and obtain written acknowledgment of the discussion. The law went into effect immediately. New York Assembly Advances Marijuana Legislation - The [New York State Assembly]( passed a [bill]( that would seal the criminal records of anyone arrested for marijuana possession in public view. The bill’s primary sponsor was [Crystal Peoples-Stokes]( (D), and it was supported by members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus. This legislation could have effects beyond marijuana. A report by researchers at Syracuse noted that marijuana possession was the fourth leading cause of deportation in the United States. By sealing the records of offenders, information about arrests and legal status would not be available to the FBI for deportation purposes. This legislation would still need to pass a Republican-held [state Senate]( before going to Gov. [Andrew Cuomo]( (D) for his signature. New York is currently one of 19 states with a [divided government](. - See also: [Minority and coalition control of state legislative chambers]( Thursday, February 16 Collective Bargaining Changes in Iowa - The [Iowa General Assembly]( passed House File [291](, which would limit most public-sector union contract negotiations to only base wages. These unions would no longer be allowed to negotiate over things like health insurance, evaluation procedures, and leaves of absence for political purposes. HF 291 passed the [state House]( with all Democrats and six Republicans dissenting and passed the [state Senate]( along party lines. HF 291 sparked three days of debate and protest at the state capitol. Republicans won control of the state Senate in the [2016 elections](, making Iowa a [Republican trifecta](. The Des Moines Register said it expects Gov. [Terry Branstad]( (R) to sign the bill. Recreational Marijuana Initiative Filed in Arizona - A political action committee named Safer Arizona [filed]( an [initiative]( with the [Arizona Secretary of State]( to put an initiative legalizing recreational marijuana for people 21 years of age and older on the [2018 ballot](. In November 2016, voters in Arizona defeated [Proposition 205](, a similar measure. Arizona was one of five states with recreational marijuana initiatives on the ballot in 2016, and the other four measures passed. To get the statute on the ballot, supporters will need to collect 150,642 valid signatures. Between 1996 and 2016, an average of 10 measures appeared on the ballot in Arizona during even-numbered years. Louisiana Senator Resigns - Louisiana State Sen. [Troy Brown]( (D) [resigned](, with debate on his potential expulsion scheduled to take place next week. A disciplinary [hearing]( was scheduled in the [Louisiana State Senate]( for February 20 over the potential expulsion of Brown, who had pleaded no contest in two separate cases of misdemeanor domestic violence charges involving women in the last four months. “Unfortunately, recent events have caused me to relinquish my dream in favor of the greater goal of preserving the integrity of the Louisiana Senate,” he said in a resignation letter. Prior to his resignation, Brown said that he knew he would be expelled during that hearing but that he expected to win an appeal in court. With Brown’s resignation, Republicans control the chamber 25-13, and Louisiana is currently one of 19 states with a [divided government](. VERBATIM FACT CHECK [Do bag taxes induce shoppers to bring reusable bags and get rid of plastic bags?]( The New York City Council adopted an ordinance requiring shoppers to pay five cents for each plastic or paper bag provided by a store. New York City Councilman Brad Lander claimed the bag tax will induce shoppers to bring bags with them to the store and get rid of plastic grocery bags. Lander is partially correct. Some studies have shown that bag restrictions do induce people to bring reusable bags to shop, and the use of reusable bags increased after bag restrictions took effect. However, some studies show that bag laws do not "get rid of" plastic bags. Special elections and appointments As of this week, [six state legislative seats]( have been filled through special elections in 2017. Another 12 elections (not including runoffs) have been scheduled in eight states to fill vacancies. Due to redistricting, additional [state legislative special elections]( may be held in North Carolina in 2017. The special elections have been called in response to a federal court order that ruled 28 state legislative districts unconstitutional because of racial gerrymandering. The U.S. Supreme Court issued an [order]( on January 10, 2017, that would cancel the 2017 special elections in North Carolina. The change would move elections under new maps to the regularly scheduled 2018 elections. The court is expected to decide whether to take up an appeal of this order. - An average of 89 seats were filled through special elections in each of the past three odd years ([2011](: 94, [2013](: 84, [2015](: 88). - An average of 44 seats were filled through special elections in each of the past four even years ([2010](: 26, [2012](: 45, [2014](: 40, [2016](: 65). Upcoming special elections include: - February 25, 2017: - [Delaware State Senate District 10]( - February 28, 2017: - [Connecticut State Senate District 2]( - [Connecticut State Senate District 32]( - [Connecticut House of Representatives District 115]( - March 7, 2017: - [Alabama House of Representatives District 58]( (primary) What’s On Tap Next Week Tuesday, February 21 Primary Election for Wisconsin Superintendent - Wisconsin will hold a [primary election]( for [superintendent of public instruction](. Incumbent[Tony Evers]( is seeking a third term in office and is challenged by three candidates: [Lowell Holtz](, [John Humphries](, and [Rick Melcher](. The office of superintendent of public instruction in Wisconsin is a nonpartisan position. However, candidates can and often are supported in their bids for election by partisan groups. The top two candidates will advance to the April 4 general election. VERBATIM FACT CHECK [Is distracted driving out of control in Washington state?]( - Endorsing legislation to prohibit holding electronic devices while driving in Washington state, a Union-Bulletin editorial said, “Distracted driving is out of control.” Collisions involving distracted driving increased by 46 percent between 2009 and 2015, and fatalities resulting from distracted driving collisions increased 6 percent. However, fatalities involving an impaired driver consistently accounted for a higher proportion of fatal collisions. [Local politics]( The Week in Review 2017 Elections - In 2017, Ballotpedia is covering [municipal elections]( across 51 of America's 100 [largest cities]( by population and several of the [largest counties]( by population, [local judicial elections]( across all six states holding elections for general and limited jurisdiction trial courts, [school board elections]( across 464 of the 1,000 largest school districts by student enrollment, all [local recalls](, all [local ballot measures]( in California, and notable local ballot measures across the United States. - So far this year, Ballotpedia has covered one city election, one county election, and 22 school board elections. Ballotpedia will cover approximately 100 local ballot measures in California in 2017. - One local ballot measure election occurred in California on January 10, when [a fire district parcel tax]( was approved. The next local ballot measure elections in California are on [February 28](—when [a property owner-only election]( will take place in Santa Barbara County—and [March 7](—when local voters will decide 19 measures. Los Angeles city voters will decide four measures, including [Measure S](, a development-related initiative. Monday, February 13 U.S. House Committee Votes to Block a D.C. Law - The U.S. House [Oversight and Government Reform Committee]( voted to [block]( a [Washington, D.C.](, law that legalized medically assisted death for those with six months or less to live, who are not suffering from depression, and who have requested the option multiple times. The committee voted 22 to 14 to block the law, with 21 Republicans and one Democrat (Rep. [Jim Cooper]( of Tennessee) voting in favor of blocking the law and 13 Democrats and one Republican (Rep. [Darrell Issa]( of California) voting against. Committee Chair [Jason Chaffetz]( (R-UT) voted in favor of blocking the law and stated, “Our country should never facilitate, encourage or tacitly accept measures that prematurely end the lives of its people.” This power was last used in 1991 by the U.S. Congress to void a law that would have changed the maximum height of buildings in the city. - Since the full U.S. Congress did not vote to block the law by the end of the review period on February 17, it went into effect on February 18. The U.S. House committee vote was only one of several steps that were needed in order to void the law. - On November 1, 2016, D.C. legalized physician-assisted suicide after an 11-2 vote by the city council. [Mary Cheh]( (D), the bill’s sponsor, said that “[t]o deny it to those who competently choose it is simply to prolong the process of death, to prolong suffering, to rob a person of autonomy, and in some cases to simply impose one’s own moral or religious choice on another person.” Washington, D.C., is the [23rd-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - This is a form of government preemption. At the state and local level, preemption is a legal concept that allows a state law to supersede a conflicting local law due to the state's power to create cities as granted by state constitutions. The federal government can preempt state law in a similar manner. In this instance, the federal government is preempting local law due to the unique nature of how D.C. is overseen. [Click here]( to learn more about preemption conflicts at the state and local level. Plano City Council Puts $224 Million Bond on May Ballot - In Texas, the [Plano City Council]( approved a measure that will put a $224.12 million bond referendum on the city ballot on May 6, 2017. If the referendum is approved by voters, the additional revenue would be used to fund ground transportation maintenance, public safety, and a historical restoration project. The council voted 7-0 in favor of putting the referendum before voters, with Place 1 Councilmember [Angela Miner]( absent from the meeting. The referendum was originally estimated to be $257.4 million, but it was reduced after city officials made changes to the proposal. Plano will also be holding an [election]( for mayor and three seats on the city council on May 6, 2017. Plano is the ninth-largest city in the state and the [70th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. Federal Judge Turns Down Elected Chicago School Board, School Board Sues State - An effort by former Illinois Governor [Pat Quinn]( (D) and a group of Chicago residents to change the selection method of the [Chicago Public Schools]( Board of Education was [rejected]( by U.S. District Court Judge [Elaine Bucklo](. The current system allows the city’s mayor to appoint the members of the public district’s school board. The lawsuit requested the abolishment of this system in favor of an elected school board. The judge stated in response to the lawsuit, “Plaintiffs have no fundamental right to vote in school board elections as a matter of law, and the fact that residents of other Illinois jurisdictions have the privilege of voting in such elections in their districts does not confer such a right upon residents of Chicago.” Quinn served as governor from 2009 to 2015 following the impeachment of Gov. [Rod Blagojevich]( (D). He lost his second re-election bid to challenger [Bruce Rauner]( (R) in 2014. - On February 14, 2017, the Chicago Board of Education voted to [sue]( Gov. Rauner and the Illinois State Board of Education regarding financial issues. The lawsuit alleges that the state has engaged in “separate and unequal systems of funding for public education in Illinois” by handling the Chicago school district’s funding separately from other public school districts in the state. The district’s chief education officer, Janice Jackson, stated, “This really is our last stand. ... We have hoped for a legislative solution, and that has not happened. Therefore, we're left with this as an option.” State officials responded to the lawsuit by highlighting a recent report of recommendations from a bipartisan state commission on school funding, and one stated, “The governor remains focused on moving forward these recommendations and hopes that CPS will be a partner in that endeavor.” Chicago Public Schools served 392,558 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 19 percent of all public school students in the state. Tuesday, February 14 Judge Rejects Effort to Hasten Kansas City Minimum Wage Measure - In Missouri, Jackson County Circuit Judge [Margene Burnett]( [rejected]( an effort by minimum wage ordinance ballot initiative proponents to put the measure on the [Kansas City]( ballot on April 4, 2017. Her ruling suggested that the city should instead put the initiative on the ballot on August 8, 2017, once all steps of the ordinance approval process have been completed. If approved, the ballot initiative would increase the city’s minimum wage incrementally from $10 per hour this year to $15 per hour in 2021. The state’s minimum wage is $7.70 per hour. Kansas City is the largest city in the state and the [37th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - Ballotpedia covers [statewide]( and [local]( minimum wage ballot measures. New York City Plastic Bag Fee Preempted by State Government - New York Governor [Andrew Cuomo]( (D) [signed]( a bill passed by the [New York State Legislature]( to preempt a [New York City]( law that would have put a five-cent fee on plastic bags within the city. At the state and local level, [preemption]( is a legal concept that allows a state law to supersede a conflicting local law due to the state's power to create cities as granted by state constitutions. The governor objected to the city law’s permittance of businesses keeping the fee instead of passing it on to the local government, which he estimated would raise approximately $100 million in annual revenue. Cuomo also stated that he would create "a statewide task force to develop a uniform state plan for addressing the plastic bag problem." A New York Times [article]( on the issue argued that the plastic bag fee would have an outsized impact on low-income residents. Two New York City Council members, [Brad Lander]( and [Margaret Chin](, released a joint statement in response to the preemption, which criticized the environmental impact of plastic bags and said, "We fought plastic bags, and for now, plastic bags won." New York City is the [largest city]( in the U.S. by population. Kentucky’s Largest School District To Be Audited - Kentucky Commissioner of Education [Stephen Pruitt]( announced that his agency would conduct an audit of [Jefferson County Public Schools](, which is the state’s largest school district. In an interview, he stated that he was concerned about the school district’s management as well as student safety, disproportionate student disciplinary practices, data reporting issues, and district communication. The audit is following an initial review period that alleged the district has “systemic issues that are preventing students from getting the education they deserve.” Depending on the results of the audit, the state government could decide to take over management of the school district from the superintendent and school board. Pruitt was appointed commissioner by the state board of education in October 2015. Jefferson County Public Schools served 100,602 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 14.7 percent of all public school students in the state. School Board and City Council Elections Held in Oklahoma - [General elections]( were held across 13 of Oklahoma’s largest school districts for 16 school board seats. Elections in eight of these districts were canceled because only one candidate filed to run for each available seat. In a ninth district—[Mustang Public Schools](—no candidate filed in the election. The district canceled the election and will appoint someone to the position now that the general election date has passed. The largest of the districts holding elections was [Oklahoma City Public Schools](, which served 41,074 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 6 percent of all public school students in the state. - A [primary election]( was held for four of the nine seats on the [Oklahoma City Council](. The incumbents in Wards 1, 3, and 7 filed for re-election and faced two challengers each in their bids for reelection. All three received enough votes to win re-election outright without the need to appear on the general election ballot. The Ward 4 incumbent did not file for re-election, guaranteeing that a newcomer will be elected to the council. Richard Morrissette and Todd Stone were the top two vote recipients in the Ward 4 primary and will face one another in the general election on April 4, 2017. Oklahoma City is the largest city in the state and the [27th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. New York City Holds Special Election - [New York City]( held a [special election]( to fill a vacant seat on the city council. Councilwoman [Inez Dickens]( vacated her District 9 seat after she was elected to the New York State Assembly in November 2016. State Sen. [Bill Perkins]( (D), who won the special election, would have to compete again in the regular election on November 7, 2017, to win a full term on the city council. Wednesday, February 15 Phoenix Rejects Sanctuary City Petition in Accordance with State Law - In Arizona, the [Phoenix City Council]( [voted]( to turn down a citizen petition that was submitted to it on February 1 requesting that Phoenix become a sanctuary city. A [sanctuary city]( limits cooperation between its local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in order to prevent the deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally. In these cities, government workers and police officers are barred by city policy from asking residents about their immigration status, and compliance with ICE detainer requests is limited. The council, which was required by city charter to review the petition within 15 days of filing, voted 7-2 against it. An existing state law, SB 1070, [outlaws]( Arizona municipalities from serving as sanctuary cities. - The petition followed Mayor [Greg Stanton]( (D)’s criticism of President [Donald Trump’s]( (R) executive order on January 25, 2017, withholding federal funding from sanctuary cities as “a divisive attack on Latinos in Phoenix and around the country." Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Ken Crane responded to the mayor with a public letter, which stated in part, “As police officers that man the front lines with the goal of equal treatment under the law, it appears easy for some liberal politicians ensconced in a 12th floor office in city hall to make statements that only serve to pander to selective and elite voting blocks.” Phoenix will hold a [general election]( for four city council seats on August 29, 2017. The candidate filing deadline is May 31, 2017. Phoenix is the largest city in the state and the [sixth-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. Los Angeles Mayor Calls Measure S Campaign Materials Misleading - [Los Angeles]( Mayor [Eric Garcetti]( (D) [responded]( to the use of one of his quotes and his image in campaign material supporting [Measure S](, an initiative on the March 7 ballot for Los Angeles voters that would establish a moratorium on certain development projects and permanently prohibit project-specific changes to the city’s general plan. A Vote Yes on S campaign message featured a photo of Garcetti and a quote from a letter Garcetti sent to [Michael Weinstein](—a chief proponent of the initiative—stating that he agreed with the idea that “exceptions to the General Plan must become the rare exception to the rule,” which is consistent with one of the key tenets of the group behind Measure S. Garcetti stated, however, that he strongly opposes Measure S and that the Vote Yes on S campaign was misleading voters by implying that he supports it. Ileana Wachtel, the Yes on S campaign spokeswoman, said that the campaign was using Garcetti’s quote and image to show that Garcetti approves of one of the ideas behind the initiative and as “a friendly reminder on what these City Hall insiders promised and what they’ve yet to deliver to the voters of Los Angeles.” - [Proponents of Measure S]( argue that the existing zoning and project approval system in Los Angeles [allows developers to give political contributions to city officials]( in return for approval of their large development projects, which, according to Measure S supporters, increase traffic, ruin neighborhood integrity, and result in the eviction of residents—including senior citizens and low-income households. - [Opponents]( of Measure S argue that the proposed moratorium and restrictions on project approval would put a stop to most development projects in the city, resulting in an even greater housing shortage, economic decline, the loss of thousands of jobs, and the loss of millions in tax revenue for education, parks, and other city services. - Both campaigns have received about [$2 million in funding](. The [AIDS Healthcare Foundation]( funded the support campaign, while much of the opposition funding has come from development companies and business interests. - Los Angeles voters will decide three other city ballot measures on [March 7, 2017.]( Los Angeles Approves Street Vending Decriminalization Ordinance - The [Los Angeles City Council]( voted to [approve]( an ordinance decriminalizing street vending, thereby removing misdemeanor charges against those making sidewalk sales of food or other goods. Street vendors will still be at risk of being fined, but not jailed. City officials indicated that permits would soon be issued to street vendors so that they could operate without fines. The city council’s vote was unanimous. The Los Angeles Times wrote that the decriminalization ordinance is meant to prevent individuals residing in the country without legal permission from developing a criminal record that could put them at risk of federal deportation. - Los Angeles will hold [primary elections]( for mayor, eight city council seats, city attorney, and city controller on March 7, 2017. Any race where no candidate earns a majority (50 percent plus one) of the primary votes cast will advance to a general election on May 16, 2017. Mayor [Eric Garcetti]( (D) will face 10 challengers in the primary election as he runs for a second term. Los Angeles is the largest city in the state and the [second-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. Thursday, February 16 Filing Deadline in Ohio - The filing deadline passed to run in the [general election]( for mayor of [Cincinnati, Ohio.]( The election will be held on November 7, 2017. Because more than two candidates filed for the position, a primary election for that race will be held on May 2, 2017. Cincinnati is the third-largest city in Ohio and the [65th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. Friday, February 17 Texas School Board Filing Deadline - The filing deadline passed to run in [general elections]( for 195 school board seats across 71 of the largest Texas school districts by enrollment. The largest Texas school district holding May elections in 2017 is the [Dallas Independent School District](, which served 160,253 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 3.2 percent of all public school students in the state. The smallest Texas school district holding May elections in 2017 is the [Canyon Independent School District](, which served 9,419 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 0.2 percent of all public school students in the state. Filing Deadlines Pass to Run in Municipal Elections across Eight Texas Municipalities - The filing deadline passed to run in municipal elections in eight of the largest cities by population across the state of [Texas](. Six cities are holding regular elections for the position of mayor. A total of 56 city council seats will be up for general election. All of the following cities will hold elections on May 6, 2017. - In [Arlington](, the filing deadline passed to run in the [general election]( for mayor and five seats on the city council. Arlington is the seventh-largest city in the state and the [50th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - The deadline passed to run in the [general election]( for 14 seats on the [Dallas]( City Council. Dallas is the third-largest city in the state and the [ninth-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - In [El Paso](, the filing deadline passed to run in the [general election]( for mayor and five seats on the city council. El Paso is the sixth-largest city in the state and the [19th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - In [Fort Worth](, the filing deadline passed to run in the [general election]( for mayor and nine seats on the city council. Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in the state and the [17th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - The deadline passed to run in the [general election]( for mayor and five seats on the city council in [Garland](. Garland is the 12th-largest city in the state and the [88th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - In [Irving](, the deadline passed to run in the [general election]( for three seats on the city council. Irving is the 13t