Latest news with #14th
NBC News
01-08-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Supreme Court raises the stakes in a Louisiana redistricting case
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Friday expanded the scope of a Louisiana congressional redistricting dispute that has been pending for months by ordering new briefing on a legal question that could further weaken the landmark Voting Rights Act. The court issued an order asking the lawyers to address whether, in seeking to comply with the 1965 law that protects minority voting rights, Louisiana violated the Constitution's 14th and 15th Amendments enacted after the Civil War to ensure Black people were treated equally under the law. If the court rules that the state did violate the Constitution, it would mean states cannot cite the need to comply with the Voting Rights Act if they use race as a consideration during the map-drawing process, as they currently can. Rick Hasen, an election law expert at the UCLA School of Law. wrote on his Election Law Blog that the order "appears to put the constitutionality of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act into question." That provision bars voting practices or rules that discriminate against minority groups. The Supreme Court's 6-3 conservative majority is often receptive to arguments that the Constitution is 'colorblind,' meaning no consideration of race can ever be lawful even if it is aimed at remedying past discrimination. In 2013, the court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act in a case from Alabama and further weakened it in a 2021 case from Arizona. The justices heard arguments in the Louisiana case on more technical, less contentious questions in March and was originally expected to issue a ruling by the end of June. Even then, the constitutional issue loomed large. The new order did not indicate whether the court will hear another round of arguments before it issues a ruling in the case. The Louisiana map in question, which is currently in effect, includes two majority Black districts for the first time in years. The complicated case arose from litigation over an earlier map drawn by the state legislature after the 2020 census that included just one Black majority district out of the state's six districts. About a third of the state's population is Black. Civil rights groups, including the Legal Defense Fund, won a legal challenge, arguing that the Voting Rights Act required two majority Black districts. But after the new map was drawn, a group of self-identified 'non-African American' voters led by Phillip Callais and 11 other plaintiffs filed another lawsuit, saying the latest map violated the 14th Amendment. As recently as 2023, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the Voting Rights Act in a congressional redistricting case arising from Alabama. But conservatives raised questions about whether key elements of the law should ultimately be struck down.
The Print
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
Karnataka seeks bigger share of central taxes, Rs 1.15 lakh crore for Bengaluru infrastructure
'The imbalance in fiscal returns is so much that for every rupee Karnataka contributes to union taxes, it receives only 15 paise in return,' the CM told reporters after the meeting. In the meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, Siddaramaiah flagged that there has been a 'stark imbalance in fiscal returns' despite Karnataka contributing nearly 8.7 per cent of the national GDP with just 5 per cent of the population and ranking second in the country in GST collections. New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met 16th Finance Commission Chairman Arvind Panagariya, demanding a larger allocation for the state from the central tax pool and Rs 1.15 lakh crore investment to strengthen Bengaluru's infrastructure for the five-year period beginning April 1, 2026. Speaking about the discussion, Siddaramaiah said: 'The meeting was very cordial and the chairman was very receptive to our demands… We have told them that the tax devolution to states should be done fairly and rationally.' The CM pointed out that the reduction in Karnataka's share under the 15th Finance Commission — from 4.71 per cent to 3.64 per cent — resulted in a cumulative loss of over Rs 80,000 crore during the award period. Karnataka's per capita devolution has also dropped significantly from 95 per cent to 73 per cent of the national average between 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, despite increased GDP contribution. Siddaramaiah called for 'critical reforms' to make the fiscal devolution system more growth-oriented, predictable and fair, while highlighting three main concerns: the growing disparities in per capita devolution; the flawed design of revenue deficit grants; and the unpredictable nature of state-specific grants. In the memorandum submitted to the Commission, Karnataka demanded that the share of taxes devolved to states be increased to at least 50 per cent, and that cess and surcharges be capped at 5 per cent. The state also recommended including union non-tax revenues in the divisible pool. 'The Centre collects cess and surcharge on various commodities. We don't have a share in it. If they collect more than 5 per cent it should come under the divisible pool,' Siddaramaiah said. For sharing funds among states, the chief minister suggested that each state retain about 60 per cent of what it contributes, with 40 per cent going to less-developed states — ensuring both growth and equity. To make the formula fairer, Karnataka has proposed reducing the weight of the income-distance criterion by 20 per cent and reallocating the same to reflect state's fiscal contribution as measured by the share in national GDP, so that high-performing states are not penalised but encouraged. Siddaramaiah also questioned the effectiveness of revenue deficit grants. 'About Rs 38,000 crore revenue deficit grant was given to Kerala, but not to Karnataka. Similarly, a special grant of Rs 5,495 crore was recommended for Karnataka by 15th Finance Commission but Government of India refused to give it to us,' he said. As a result, the state government has recommended replacing 'discretionary' special grants with a formula-based allocation of 0.3 per cent of Gross Union Receipts. However, the state has requested grants for Bengaluru development and other critical projects if the Commission continues with such provisions. 'Karnataka's fiscal strength fuels national growth. It is time to ensure that growth is not penalised but rewarded. We urge the commission to adopt a balanced, forward-looking approach to devolution,' Siddaramaiah said. The overall share allocated to all states from central taxes was reduced to 41 per cent for 2021-26, as against 42 per cent in the previous cycle, primarily due to the creation of Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Siddarmaiah was accompanied by Economic Advisor to CM Basavaraya Reddy, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Principal Secretary of Finance Ritesh Singh, and other state officials. The 16th Finance Commission, established in December 2023, is tasked with recommending tax revenue distribution between the central government and states for 2026-31. The commission must submit its recommendations by October 31, 2025. PTI LUX DRR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘For every ₹1 we give, Karnataka gets only ₹0.15 back': Siddaramaiah seeks ₹1.15 lakh crore for Bengaluru
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday made a strong pitch before the 16th Finance Commission for a more equitable share of central taxes for the state and sought a ₹1.15 lakh crore investment over five years to bolster Bengaluru's infrastructure. In a detailed meeting with Commission Chairman Arvind Panagariya, the chief minister flagged the fiscal disparity Karnataka faces, stating that despite contributing nearly 8.7% to India's GDP with only 5% of the population, the state receives disproportionately low returns from the Centre. Also Read - Bengaluru climbs to 14th spot in Global Startup Ecosystem Rankings 2025 'For every rupee Karnataka contributes to union taxes, we receive just 15 paise in return,' Siddaramaiah said, calling the imbalance stark and deeply unjust. He added that the discussion with Panagariya was cordial, and the Commission appeared open to the state's demands. The chief minister also drew attention to the state's reduced share in central funds under the 15th Finance Commission. Karnataka's share in tax devolution dropped from 4.71% to 3.64%, leading to an estimated loss of over ₹80,000 crore during the award period. Moreover, Karnataka's per capita devolution fell from 95% to just 73% of the national average between the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions. In its formal submission, the state government called for a significant overhaul in the devolution formula. Karnataka urged the Commission to raise states' share of divisible taxes to at least 50%, cap cess and surcharges at 5%, and include the Centre's non-tax revenues in the divisible pool. Siddaramaiah stressed that states are currently excluded from revenue earned through central cess and surcharges. 'If cess and surcharges exceed 5%, they should be brought into the divisible pool so that states can benefit,' he said. Also Read - Bengaluru woman witnesses rare 'peaceful accident': 'No fights, just handshakes' To ensure a fairer distribution among states, Karnataka proposed a model in which each state retains about 60% of its contribution to central taxes, while the remaining 40% supports less-developed regions — striking a balance between equity and incentivising performance. The chief minister also criticised the current design of revenue deficit and state-specific grants. He cited Kerala's receipt of a ₹38,000 crore revenue deficit grant, while Karnataka received nothing under that head. He also questioned the denial of a ₹5,495 crore special grant recommended for Karnataka by the 15th Finance Commission but ultimately not sanctioned by the Union government. To correct these imbalances, the state has suggested recalibrating the weight of the income-distance criterion — currently favouring poorer states — by reducing it by 20%, and reallocating that weight to reflect each state's contribution to the national GDP. This, Siddaramaiah argued, would ensure that economically productive states like Karnataka are rewarded rather than penalised. He concluded by urging the Finance Commission to consider reforms that would make the devolution system more predictable, performance-based, and transparent — with a focus on both promoting national growth and addressing regional disparities.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Serving the Ozarks: Stomp the Blues Out of Homelessness
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The 14th annual 'Stomp the Blues Out of Homelessness' event is set to take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, continuing its mission to provide direct assistance to those experiencing or near homelessness in the Springfield community. Since its founding in 2011, the event has donated over $250,000 to organizations offering stability for at-risk teens and young adults in Springfield. Founder Jim Payne combines his passion for serving his neighbors with his love of music through this annual festival. 'We always felt like, when we were to a point, it's our responsibility to give back to the community,' Payne says. The mission and purpose of 'Stomp the Blues Out of Homelessness' is to provide direct assistance through existing organizations: Women In Need of the Ozarks The Rare Breed The Youth Connect Center Laura's Home & Darr House Play it Forward SWMO Serving the Ozarks: Watching Over Whiskers Donations from the music festival go directly to these non-profits focused on helping at-risk teens and young adults, like the Youth Connect Center in downtown Springfield. Erin Washburn, Vice President of Youth Housing at Foster Adopt Connect, says the center puts no requirements on anyone, ages 13 to 21. 'It's really no commitment for the youth. If they want to check it out, all they have to do is be brave enough to step through the front door,' Washburn says. Inside the Youth Connect Center, young people can find a safe space to relax, play, do laundry, and access meals, new clothes, and groceries. During a recent visit, the Youth Connect Center received a surprise donation, marking an early contribution from Jim Payne's annual event. Serving the Ozarks: NAMI of Southwest Missouri 'I appreciate it. It will get used,' Washburn says. 'We're seeing an average of 26 people a night. On Friday night, we have 52 youth come through the front door. So every dollar helps.' In the two and a half years since its opening, the Youth Connect Center has served more than 1,000 individuals. The 14th Annual 'Stomp the Blues Out of Homelessness' event takes place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at The Barnhouse Baseball Park at 5484 W Sunshine in Springfield, MO. For more information or to buy tickets, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Golden shuttlers win silver in China teams event
(From Left) Ong, Chua, Neoh, Chan, Tan, Chong, Dr Goh and Kong all smiles after taking the silver in the men's doubles at WCBF Team Championship in China. A GROUP of Malaysian senior shuttlers rose to the occasion amid fierce competition to take home silver at the 14th World Chinese Badminton Federation (WCBF) Team Championship. The event in XinChang, ZheJiang province, saw eight-member all-Malaysian Team NZPAL place second in the men's doubles team event in the 70-74 age category. NZPAL, headed by Stephen Tan, managed to upset the Chinese home team in the semi-finals, heading to the finals against Team NZ70+ with players from Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. The championship had attracted 692 teams, with more than 4,500 players in various age categories ranging from 18 to 70+ years. NZPAL, comprising seasoned campaigner Chan Wan Seong as well as Chua Koh Keong, Ricky Kong, Chong Yew Chzon, Neoh Cheong Kooi, Ong Sin Oong and Dr Goh Kim Chuan, qualified through the group stages after playing three matches. In the elimination stage, the team had to play three 31-point men's doubles knockout matches to advance to the final. The semi-finals saw NZPAL facing a strong team from China but they managed a 2-1 win. Kong and Neoh lost the first match while Chan and Chua, the reigning 2024 WCBF men's doubles 70-74 Champions, won the second to tie the score. 'We played under tremendous mental and physical pressure, neck-and-neck with the opposing pair, with the lead changing hands and no more than three or four points separating us. 'At the halfway stage, the China pair was leading 16-12. 'We fought to tie at 25-25 and we managed to power ahead to win 31-27 after a tense and thrilling contest,' Chan said. In the deciding third match, underdogs Chong and Dr Goh defended superbly against their opponents' constant attack, winning 31-24. In the finals played 15 minutes after the semi-finals, Tan said the team unfortunately was a spent force after playing five matches on the same day. They faced Team NZ70+, favourites to win, and lost 0-3. Tan said the Malaysian team played with courage and gave their all in making it to the final to take silver. 'It is not easy to find Malaysian players in the 70-74 years category who are still playing competitively,' he said. 'Most of the players had not partnered with each other regularly, forming scratch pairs to participate in this tournament.' Participating in the 3P220 event, a three-shuttler team event with an aggregate age of 220 years, Tan topped the category alongside teammates Hartono and Fritz Manaiky from Indonesia. He won another gold as a member of the NZ75 men's doubles team event, consisting of shuttlers from other countries. Just a week prior to the WCBF Team Championships, 71-year-old Chan participated in the All-England Senior Badminton Championships held in Hatfield, the United Kingdom. In his quarter-final match, Chan lost to seeded Cheddi Liljestrom from Sweden who is also the reigning Men's Singles 65-69 years Bronze medallist in the 2023 BWF World Senior Championships.
