Latest news with #Polis
Politico
4 hours ago
- Business
- Politico
The labor feuds that can undercut Dem governors looking at 2028
Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Polis, said in a statement that the governor is 'proud of the work his administration has done' to expand wages and benefits through collective bargaining for state employees. Democratic-led states like New York have previously feuded with public-sector unions on return-to-office orders as the pandemic eased. Some strategists believe that governors could stand to gain politically by setting boundaries with public-sector unions. 'I actually think — despite what the unions might have you think — what [governors] are doing is going to be seen as acts of principle and political bravery that are going to significantly accrue to their benefit in the Democratic presidential primary should any of them run,' said Jon Cowan, a former Clinton administration aide who is now president of Third Way, a center-left think tank. Walz's battle with unions comes despite his history as a longtime ally of organized labor, a movement that's been baked into the state's Democratic politics for generations. In recent years, he helped expand paid sick leave for workers and made noncompete agreements unenforceable in Minnesota. The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees is hoping to finalize a new contract with the Walz administration. The union sent a tentative agreement back to its members for ratification last month after successfully pushing back against previous proposals from Walz's budget agency that would've eliminated paid parental leave and raised employees' health care costs. MAPE also rebuffed a provision that would've created new categories for 'emergency layoffs,' allowing the state to idle workers without following the process laid out in their contract. 'Our state has a strong labor history and labor identity,' Dayton, the union president, said. 'So when [the] governor treats public workers like a cost center instead of a partner in governance, I think it's a betrayal of the very political tradition that has built our state.' In California, Newsom's administration worked with unions to secure agreements on retirement contributions and unpaid leave to help the state save money in the short-term. However, despite their outcry, the governor still sent thousands of employees back to the office on July 1. Ted Toppin, the executive director of Professional Engineers in California Government, said that the state's $12 billion deficit is making it more difficult for unions to deliver worker-friendly deals for their members. 'In California, we've got to be frank, we have an employer who is constantly dealing with multibillion-dollar budget deficits, so the answer is always no,' said Toppin, whose union of roughly 14,000 engineers and architects sued over the return-to-office policy and won a rare exemption. 'So it's a tough environment.' Newsom has argued that the return-to-office mandate would foster better collaboration and accountability across his administration.
Politico
a day ago
- Politics
- Politico
Democratic governors face off with unions at home
With help from Nick Niedzwiadek QUICK FIX WHAT HAPPENS IN THE HOUSE…: Democratic governors who may be eyeing 2028 presidential runs have been at odds with public sector-unions in their states over a variety of issues, including return-to-office policies and the impact of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. In Colorado, state workers sought to join a lawsuit after Gov. Jared Polis allegedly instructed employees to provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement with information on undocumented immigrants. Unions have also sparred with California Gov. Gavin Newsom over his order calling state workers back to the office for at least four days a week, with three of them securing eleventh-hour temporary exemptions. And Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's office has been engaged in a tense bargaining process with state employees over health care benefits and paid parental leave. President Donald Trump's appeal among working-class voters was already upending the historical alliance between Democrats and unions. Now, a tough budget season has put some of the party's aspiring talent deep into negotiations that are creating new fissures in a Democratic coalition that hasn't yet coalesced around a message for 2026, let alone 2028. Newsom and Polis are seen as contenders for 2028. Walz, who was his party's vice presidential nominee last year, has waffled on whether he'll do a top-of-the-ticket run. 'Democrats are going to have a hard time getting elected if unions are not ... supporting them actively and vocally,' said Brian Melendez, former chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Unions, which often play difficult with Democrats before backing them anyway, are warning that workers are increasingly cynical of both parties. Some high-profile unions stopped short of endorsing presidential candidates last election cycle. 'If Democrats want to be the party of working people, they can't just show up at Labor Day parades,' said Megan Dayton, president of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees. 'They have to be at the table. They have to bargain in good faith.' Walz's office and Newsom's office did not respond to requests for comment. Ally Sullivan, deputy press secretary for Polis, said in a statement that the governor is 'proud of the work his administration has done' to expand wages and benefits for state employees. Lawrence has more for Pro subscribers. GOOD MORNING. It's Monday, July 21. Welcome back to Morning Shift, your go-to tipsheet on labor and employment-related immigration. Send feedback, tips and exclusives to nniedzwiadek@ lukenye@ rdugyala@ and gmott@ What if I told you AI talent is making more than some NBA players? Follow us on X at @NickNiedz and @Lawrence_Ukenye. And Signal @nickniedz.94. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. AROUND THE AGENCIES G-G-G-G-UNIT: Trump last week signed an executive order creating another class of federal employees who are exempt from civil service protections and are expected to leave their positions at the end of a president's term. The new Schedule G will only apply to 'non-career' workers whose roles entail 'policy-making or policy-advocating work.' It is unclear how many roles or federal employees would fall under this new classification, but the White House specifically references the Department of Veterans Affairs as an agency that will benefit from the change. A number of public policy experts say it appears largely duplicative of the long-established Schedule C, as FedScoop reports. F for simplicity: The creation of a Schedule G further underscores the gangliness of the Trump administration's Schedule Policy/Career designation for career staffers. That category was formerly known as Schedule F when it was conceived in Trump's first term, but was rebranded in a January executive order after becoming a Democratic talking point on the campaign trail. Now there are Schedules A, B,C, D, E, and G with the proposed P/C squeezed in where F logically would sit. In the States RIPPLE EFFECT: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned that the cancellation of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' could risk hundreds of local jobs after the state gave CBS $16 million in tax breaks and grants in 2014 to keep the show in the city. 'The loss of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' is more than just the end of a television show,' a Hochul spokesperson told Gothamist. 'It means the loss of hundreds of good-paying production jobs, lost income for dozens of vendors, and a hit to the local businesses that rely on the show's daily audiences.' The deal was inked amid the show's transition from former host David Letterman to Colbert and included $5 million to restore the Ed Sullivan Theater where the show is recorded. Gothamist has more. CAL/OSHA REVIEW: California's workplace safety arm does not have enough staff to keep workers safe at work, a report released last week from the state auditor general found. Nearly a third of jobs at the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal/OSHA, were vacant last fiscal year. The report also noted that the agency closed a number of complaints before conducting on-site inspections. A spokesperson for Cal/OSHA told the Los Angeles Times that they have taken steps to improve staffing and operations at specific offices. More state news: "From green icon to housing villain: The fall of California's landmark environmental law,' from our Jeremy B. White. Even more: "Prison staffing woes spiked New York's overtime costs,' from our Nick Reisman for Pro subscribers. Unions BUILDING SUPPORT: 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East voted last week to endorse Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The union, which represents 200,000 health care workers, backed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the Democratic primary and is the latest of several unions pivoting toward endorsing Mamdani's upstart bid for mayor. The New York State Nurses Association, the United Federation of Teachers and District Council 37 — which represents municipal workers — have also endorsed Mamdani. Our Maya Kaufman and Emily Ngo have more for Pro subscribers. HEADING FOR THE EXIT: Lloyd Howell Jr. resigned as executive director of the NFL Players Association last week after documents revealed he expensed the union for two trips to strip clubs, ESPN reported. His resignation comes amid a flurry of damaging news reports that claimed he worked part-time for a private equity firm seeking ownership in NFL teams and that he was a defendant in a gender discrimination lawsuit at his former employer Booz Allen. Howell could not be immediately reached for comment by ESPN. Quite the transition: 'ChatGPT-maker OpenAI brings on former Sen. Laphonza Butler,' from our Christine Mui. In the Workplace AI MAX DEALS: Some of the offers that artificial intelligence companies are doling out massive amounts of money to recruit highly-coveted talent to get ahead of competitors. Alexandr Wang, an entrepreneur hired by Meta to lead its new AI lab, has extended offers to AI researchers and investors that mirror NBA offseason contracts. 'He's offered more than 10 of OpenAI's researchers eye-watering pay packages of $300 million over four years, including $100 million the first year, according to people familiar with the matter,' WSJ's Berber Jin, Keach Hagey and Ben Cohen write. More workplace news: ''United' WNBA All-Stars wear 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' shirts,' from ESPN. Even more: 'Maryland had largest single-month decrease in federal government jobs in almost 3 decades, report finds,' from WTOP. Immigration A TOUGH SELL: The Trump administration is working to tap retired immigration officers amid plummeting morale and grueling hours that have made the job a tough sell for recruiters, The New York Times reported. Officials have reached out to former officers directly in addition to posting openings on LinkedIn, while offering large bonuses to individuals who apply within the next two weeks. The hiring push comes just after Congress approved roughly $170 billion in funding for immigration-related enforcement and as the Trump administration announced a goal of hiring 10,000 ICE officers. WHAT WE'RE READING — 'The Cities Where College Grads Are Actually Landing Jobs,' from The Wall Street Journal. — 'Nantucket's Workers Are Living on the Margins,' from The New York Times. — 'How the 2017 Trump tax cuts ballooned the 'big, beautiful bill',' from our Taylor Miller Thomas, Paula Friedrich and Jonathan Lai. THAT'S YOUR SHIFT!
Axios
6 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Polis asks public to back his $29M bridge in last-ditch plea
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is looking for a Hail Mary as opposition mounts to his pet project, a $29 million pedestrian walkway that critics call a bridge to nowhere. Why it matters: The Democrat posted a public survey Tuesday in what amounts to a last-ditch effort to justify the project, designed to commemorate Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood. Driving the news: The survey comes eight months after he announced the ornate, winding bridge across Lincoln Street from the state Capitol, and he vowed to accept the public's collective verdict. The results "will lead to the outcome of the celebration," the survey states. It asks four questions and gives respondents the opportunity vote for "a major 150th anniversary project" in Denver, "several smaller-scale projects" elsewhere in the state or no project at all. The fine print: The survey is live through midnight July 21. Yes, but: The survey is far from scientific and it's easy to manipulate, making the outcome dubious, at best. Catch up quick: An advisory committee gave an initial nod in favor of the bridge project, but in public testimony, critics called it "ugly" and "useless." The next step is a legislative committee, where all its members are opposed. Even if the initiative survives the committee's vote, the bridge needs the approval of the Denver City Council and state Legislature, high political hurdles. Follow the money: Polis is soliciting big-dollar donations to cover the price tag, but the governor's office has acknowledged they are using federal pandemic relief dollars to get the design process started. The state also will cover the unknown costs of maintaining the structure if it's built. The other side: The governor's office touts the project as a grand monument to Colorado that will highlight local artists. Other touted benefits include easier pedestrian access across Lincoln Street to Memorial Park and revitalizing an area often frequented by people experiencing homelessness.
Scoop
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Porirua Poll Demonstrates New Ways To Build Consensus
Moira Lawler, candidate for Pāuatahanui Ward in the Porirua City Council election, has launched an innovative online poll, inviting residents to share ideas on the question: What do we need to do now to get the Porirua we want in the future—and what does that mean for Council? Lawler, a long-standing Pukerua Bay resident and former member of Porirua City Council's executive team, is running on a platform of community voice, environmental protection, and financial sustainability. A seasoned community engagement specialist, she is using the campaign to trial new ways of involving residents in local decision-making. " We should be worried that public interest in local government is declining at a time when our city faces urgent challenges—climate change, rising rates, housing access, failing infrastructure, and the health of our harbour," she says. " Social media has become the default communication tool for many, but too often it drives polarisation and personal attack. That discourages participation. We need tools that encourage thoughtful contributions and give residents the ability to frame the issues in their own words." Polis, the digital poll, enables participants to vote on statements submitted by others, and add their own. Participants can see where ideas cluster into areas of agreement, as well as where divisions exist—helping people focus on practical steps that can move the conversation forward. " Even when people disagree, they often propose new ideas that help bridge the gap," says Lawler. " That's how we make progress." Unlike traditional polling, it doesn't force simple yes/no responses to other people's questions—it's a dynamic, community-shaped conversation designed to surface shared priorities and foster constructive debate. 'We encourage people to return to the site to see what's emerging'. says Lawler. " It's a way to hear the quiet as well as the loud, and see consensus building on a way forward." She cites the recent Porirua Assembly on Climate, which was hosted in partnership between Ngāti Toa Rangatira and the wider community, as a positive example of deliberative democracy in action. " It showed that when people come together from different backgrounds and perspectives, they can develop smart, community-based solutions. I'd love to see that kind of process used more often." The poll is open now, and all Porirua residents are encouraged to take part and to continue to visit the site. " This isn't about my views—it's about starting a wider conversation. I'm excited to see what emerges."
NBC News
11-07-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Takeaways from Trump's latest interview and how his bill plays in the states: From the Politics Desk
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team's latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. In today's edition, Adam Edelman looks at the blue states seeking quick action to adjust their budgets following the passage of President Donald Trump's big domestic policy legislation. Plus, Kristen Welker analyzes the key takeaways from her interview with Trump. — Scott Bland Blue-state leaders weigh new laws to deal with financial fallout from Trump's big bill By Adam Edelman State lawmakers are scrambling to deal with the expected financial fallout from President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with many in blue states demanding special legislative sessions they say are necessary to shore up funding for health care and food assistance programs affected by the new law. Democratic governors in at least five states are weighing such special sessions, and Democratic lawmakers in several more are urging their governors to convene them to address expected funding shortfalls. In Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis' Office of State Planning and Budgeting has projected that the state would receive about $500 million less in revenue yearly — and could see about the same amount in additional costs — because of the new law's impact on Medicaid and food assistance. Democratic state Sen. Iman Jodeh said a special session is 'absolutely necessary' to deal with the state's new financial landscape, predicting that it was 'imminent' that Polis convenes one. 'We have to do it,' said Jodeh, a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. 'Our budget just cannot absorb the backfill, the shortfall, the cuts.' Polis spokesperson Shelby Wieman said in email that Polis 'has previously indicated we may need to reconvene the General Assembly to deal with the terrible impacts from the bill — and we are still reviewing the impacts of this new law to evaluate next steps, including a potential special session.' Jodeh said that because of Colorado's unique Taxpayer Bill of Rights — a 1992 measure that effectively limits how much the state can raise taxes — it will be exceedingly difficult for Democrats, despite their control of the governorship and both legislative chambers, to avoid mostly cutting and freezing social programs to address the expected shortfalls. 'We're all incredibly scared about how we can possibly navigate this,' she said. 'What are those programs that we're going to have to freeze or defund or do away with altogether? Those will be the questions that we're going to have to answer during the special session.' Analysis by Kristen Welker I spoke with President Donald Trump yesterday in a wide-ranging 20-minute phone call, where we discussed his approach to tariffs, his response to the devastating floods in Texas, his views of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and more. One key takeaway from our conversation is that the president signaled he is looking to pivot from policy to politics now that his sweeping tax and spending proposal, which he dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill, has become law. I asked Trump if he plans to hit the road to talk about the measure and he said 'a little bit,' later adding, 'But honestly, it's been received so well I don't think I have to, but a little bit. And certainly before midterms we'll be doing a lot but a little bit.' That focus on next year's midterm elections underscores the tough fight ahead for the GOP as it tries to hold onto its narrow majorities in both chambers. Democrats need to net just three seats to flip the House and four seats to take control of the Senate — a tougher task given the general lean of the states holding Senate races next year. And Democrats plan to campaign on the sweeping tax and spending measure, emphasizing cuts to Medicaid. But the president did not seem overly concerned that his party would lose seats in Congress. 'They said that about 2024 too. They said, 'We're going to win seats,'' Trump said of Democrats. 'They didn't. They said — we're going to do great in the presidency, and I won all seven swing states, won the popular vote by millions, etc. So you know, they always say that. They've lost their way. They've lost their minds, and they've lost their way, not necessarily in that order.' Meanwhile, the president is walking a fine line with his MAGA supporters, who Republicans need to turn out in droves to hold onto control of Congress next year. These voters have more isolationist views of foreign policy, creating some tension when it comes to assistance to Ukraine. Trump made some news on that front yesterday, when he stressed that NATO, not the U.S., would be covering the cost of additional weapons for Ukraine. 'We're sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%,' Trump told me. 'So what we're doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons and NATO is paying for those weapons.' 'We are not paying for any more weapons,' the president later added. The details of that agreement with NATO are still unclear, though the president did tease a 'major statement' on Russia coming on Monday. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart responded to Trump's comments in a statement on Friday. 'Allies continue to work to ensure Ukraine has the support they need to defend themselves against Russia's aggression. This includes urgent efforts to procure key supplies from the United States, including air defence and ammunition,' she said. We'll delve more into all of this on Sunday's 'Meet the Press,' where I'll speak to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, and Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky. ✉️ Mailbag: When do the provisions of Trump's new law go into effect? Thanks to everyone who emailed us! This week's reader question, from Cindy Scruggs, is about how Trump's big domestic policy law will be implemented. 'Knowing that many of the cuts will be put into effect after the 2026 elections, what parts of the bill or associated fallout (if any) will occur before the midterms?' One of our Congress experts, senior national political reporter Sahil Kapur, provided an answer: This is an important and somewhat complicated question. The short answer is that Republicans backloaded the most significant cuts under Medicaid, SNAP and the Affordable Care Act until after the 2026 election. That was a deliberate effort to manage political pain — hard-right Republicans wanted the Medicaid work requirements to take effect right away, but the party reached a deal to trigger them on the last day of 2026, just weeks after the midterms. Some GOP lawmakers have told us they believe (or hope) this will insulate them in the 2026 elections. Beyond that, many of the law's cutbacks are phased in over the coming decade. As KFF health policy expert Larry Levitt put it to me, 'There's not going to be a day where we wake up and there are suddenly millions more people without health insurance.' That said, some effects will still be felt beforehand. There are already reports of at least one hospital in Nebraska shutting down, citing the 'anticipated federal budget cuts to Medicaid,' a huge source of funding for hospitals. Sometimes, anticipation of an unpopular law taking effect can make for effective politicking: Republicans made Democrats paid a heavy political price in the 2010 midterms for the then-unpopular Affordable Care Act, even though it hadn't kicked in yet. In 2018, vast swaths of voters barely felt the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which Trump sold as the greatest tax cut in history, and House Democrats won 40 seats in that year's midterm election. Finally, the impacts of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' will certainly be felt by the 2028 presidential election, and if this law takes effect as designed, Democrats are sure to make that an issue.
