Latest news with #StateLegislature
Washington Post
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Texas goes back to future with controversial congressional redistricting
It's easy to forget these days, given the more than three-decade dominance of Republicans in Texas, that Democrats began 2004 with a majority of the state's delegation to the U.S. House. Holding just 15 of the state's 32 seats in the House, Republicans then kick-started one of the most important strategic moves to help determine the balance of power on Capitol Hill. Republicans in the state legislature worked hand in hand with their congressional delegation to launch a mid-decade redrawing of House district lines.
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Filipino-American Judge makes history with Queens Civil Court primary win
Judge Eve Cho Guillergan has secured a victory in the Democratic primary for Civil Court Judge in Queens, marking a historic first for the Filipino-American community in New York's judiciary. Guillergan, who is of Korean and Filipino descent, emphasized the importance of the civil court system in everyday life. 'The civil court is often where regular people turn to. That's why it's crucial to treat everyone with kindness, professionalism, and respect,' she said. Her father is originally from Iloilo City in the Philippines, while her mother is Korean. Guillergan expressed pride in her multicultural background and her opportunity to represent both communities. She highlighted the significance of fair hearings and due process, noting that civil cases, though routine in nature, often carry personal importance for the individuals involved. 'Everyone deserves to be heard and to feel that their case matters,' she said. Guillergan also acknowledged the support of community leaders such as Assemblymember Steven Raga, the first Filipino-American elected to the New York State Legislature. She credited leaders like Raga for helping empower the Filipino-American community. The June 24 Democratic primary featured several competitive races for civil court positions in Queens. Guillergan, Juliette-Noor Haji, and Sheridan Chu emerged as the winning candidates. In Queens, where Democrats hold a strong majority, a primary victory is often seen as decisive ahead of the general election, scheduled for November 4. Civil court judges in New York are elected through a partisan process and handle cases such as landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and civil matters involving up to $50,000. Candidates must collect thousands of petition signatures to qualify for the ballot and may face intra-party competition through primaries. Guillergan's win marks a milestone in representation and diversity within the city's legal system and is seen as an inspiration for more Filipino-Americans to enter public service and the legal profession.
GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Filipina wins primary as civil court judge in New York
Eve Cho Guillergan was born in Korea to a Filipino father and a Korean mother. She came to the United States at the age of 12 when her mother married an American soldier. Her mother grew up during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and her stepfather was a Vietnam War veteran. Eve was raised in Missouri and in Dutchess County, New York. DAVE LLAVANES Jr. NEW YORK — Judge Eve Cho Guillergan has won the Democratic primary for Civil Court Judge in Queens, New York—marking a significant step toward broader representation in the judiciary and a first-ever achievement for Filipinos. Guillergan emphasized the importance of the civil court in the daily lives of citizens. "The civil court is often where regular people turn to. That's why it's crucial to treat everyone with kindness, professionalism, and respect," she said. "People come to court seeking fair treatment and justice, and it is my duty to ensure they receive their day in court." Guillergan is of Korean and Filipino descent—her mother is Korean, and her father hails from Iloilo City. "My parents met while my father was working in Korea. I am proud of my heritage, and it is an honor to represent both the Korean and Filipino communities in my role." As a strong advocate for due process and fair hearings, she said, "The cases heard in court may seem routine, but to those involved, they carry deep personal meaning. Everyone deserves to be heard and to feel that their case matters." Her historic victory is not only a personal achievement but also a win for representation in public service. "Representation matters. I am proud to be part of the growing diversity in our courts. I hope to inspire others in our community to pursue careers in law and public service," Judge Guillergan told GMA Integrated News. She also praised the support of community leaders like Assemblymember Steven Raga, the first Filipino-American elected to the New York State Legislature. "Leaders like Steven Raga have opened many doors for us. Their offices are always welcoming, and they continue to empower our community." Judge Guillergan hopes her victory will pave the way for more Filipino-Americans to enter the legal profession. "I hope I'm not the last. I want to see others follow in my footsteps so that together we can build a more inclusive and representative justice system." Her win in the Democratic primary reflects the broader goal of diversity and inclusion in New York's judiciary, and her story serves as an inspiration to future generations of Filipinos and Asian Americans who aspire to serve the public. Civil court judges are elected through a partisan process that plays a critical role in shaping the local justice system. These judges handle everyday legal matters such as landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and civil cases involving up to $50,000—making their role especially important to ordinary New Yorkers. The election process begins with candidates seeking the endorsement of political parties, most commonly the Democratic Party due to its strong voter base in Queens. To qualify for the ballot, candidates must collect thousands of valid petition signatures from registered voters. If multiple candidates file under the same party line, a primary election is held—as it was on June 24, 2025, when several Democratic candidates competed for countywide and district civil court seats. This year, the Democratic primary featured closely watched races in key municipal court districts, with Eve Cho Guillergan, Juliette-Noor Haji, and Sheridan Chu emerging victorious. In heavily Democratic Queens, winning the primary is often considered the key to winning the general election, which is scheduled for November 4, 2025. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Visitors barred from entry in Vidhan Bhavan during Legislative session: Maha Assembly Speaker Narwekar
Mumbai: A day after the brawl between the supporters of BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar and NCP-SP legislator Jitendra Awhad in the lobby of Vidhan Bhavan in Maharashtra, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said on Friday that visitors will not be allowed into the Vidhan Bhavan from now onwards during the Legislative session. In his statement, Speaker Narwekar said, "The behaviour of MLAs in the last few days is a matter of concern, we need to follow the Constitution seriously while taking the oath of office. Therefore, from now on, only MLAs and their authorised personal assistants will be allowed into the Vidhan Bhavan. Also, most of the time, Ministers hold meetings in the Vidhan Bhavan, but now the Ministers are also being instructed to hold their meetings in the Mantralaya. If a meeting is to be held in exceptional circumstances, visitors will not be allowed but the concerned department personnel will be given entry." He added that visitors will not be allowed without the approval of the State Legislature's Board. Later on Friday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "This Assembly does not belong to MLAs or Ministers. This Assembly belongs to the 14 crore people of Maharashtra. The work of giving direction to the society should be done. If the message is being conveyed through kicking and punching instead through discussion and thought, then everyone needs to reflect. We told both legislators and they expressed regret. The poison emanating from words can be more poisonous than the poison of a snake." The Chief Minister noted, "There should be discipline in this regard. There are six crimes against Sarjerao Takle (a supporter of BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar). There are eight crimes against Nitin Deshmukh (associated with NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad). It is not right for such a group to come and fight. The decision taken by the Assembly Speaker is right. Just because some people made a mistake, everyone should not be punished." He urged the Assembly Speaker to establish a proper security system saying that henceforth visitors should be allowed in the Vidhan Bhavan only with a valid badge. "Who is responsible if someone comes and commits a terrorist act? MLAs come wearing badges. But visitors should at least have an identity card around their necks. Otherwise, the security guards should take them out," he said. Referring to certain objectionable comment by few legislators on Speaker Narwekar, CM Fadnavis said, "I apologise on behalf of those who made the statements."
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Telangana's BC quota dilemma: Will Governor approve ordinance amid legal hurdles?
HYDERABAD: While the state government is understood to have decided to amend the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018 by introducing an ordinance to enhance BC reservations to 42 per cent, it is now in a fix because it is not sure if Governor Jishnu Dev Varma would give consent to the proposed legislation. The Supreme Court's precedent on reservation limit too casts a shadow over the issue, regardless of the supporting empirical data and the Dedicated Commission's recommendations to enhance reservations. The apprehension of the government comes in the wake of Jishnu Dev Varma sending two Bills — the Telangana Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Rural and Urban Local Bodies) Bill 2025, and the Telangana Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions and of Appointments or Posts in the Services Under the State) Bill, 2025 which were passed in the State Legislature to enhance BC reservations to 42% — to President Droupadi Murmu. Draft Bill on amendment to Telangana PR Act According to sources, the Law department has prepared a draft Bill to promulgate an ordinance to amend the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, which would be presented during the Cabinet meeting on Thursday (July 10). The amendment would be confined only to the provisions which fixed a cap on reservations for SC, ST and BC communities, sources added. The Governor should prorogue the Fifth Session of the Third Telangana Legislative Assembly (Budget session) for the government to promulgate an ordinance. While there is a precedent set forth by the Supreme Court not to exceed the reservations by 50%, the state government is likely to present the outcome of the Socio Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste Survey to be the reasons to exceed that limit. Nevertheless, the legal and constitutional implications of exceeding the 50% threshold remain contentious. Timing and legality of local body elections Sources said that the Cabinet is also expected to deliberate on multiple scenarios, ranging from the President granting assent to the possibility of her withholding it. Either possibility carries significant consequences for the timing and legality of local body elections. With the clock ticking towards the September deadline set by the HC, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government can navigate the legal complexities to implement its reservation agenda or if it will be forced into a political recalibration.
