By Julie Lays
The June issue of State Legislatures magazine will soon be in your mailbox. Be sure to flip through it to find all kinds of new and engaging information on state policy.
The cover story takes a look at our country’s changing demographics, specifically the increasing Hispanic population. Since 1970, the number of Hispanics in America has increased 592 percent. That’s more than 10 times the overall U.S. growth rate. That kind of change can’t help but have an impact on politics, policy and more. The change is no longer just regional, either. Although California, New Mexico and Texas have the largest portion of Hispanics, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee are experiencing the fastest growth rates. Further commentary along with more statistics can be found in the story. Check it out.
There’s a two-for-one special in this issue on alcohol. One article answers all your questions about Palcohol, a controversial powdered alcohol product. It comes in several flavors, like vodka and rum. The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has approved it, but some lawmakers are concerned it will be abused. At least eight states have banned it. Is yours one of them?
Heather Morton, NCSL’s policy expert on all things alcohol, wrote the Palcohol article as well as a piece on how the regulation of alcohol is changing with the growing micro beer and wine industries. Craft brewers now make up 11 percent of all U.S. beer sales and the popularity of their brews continues to increase. Read how states are updating the traditional three-tier system in which producers, distributors and retailers are regulated separately.
“Economies of Shale” gives readers an update on hydraulic fracturing from NCSL’s policy specialist, Kristy Hartman. There’s also a Q & A from the senior energy reporter for the Wall Street Journal, who wrote a book on how fracking has changed the energy world.
There’s lots more to read in the issue, from the EPA’s newly proposed power plant reduction targets—the 111(d) regulations—to videotaping police actions. State Legislatures is published 10 times a year. Don't miss an issue!
Julie Lays is the editor of State Legislatures magazine.
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