Former State Legislators Join Congressional Ranks
Legislatures have long been an effective launch pad for state lawmakers, whether to statewide office or to Congress. The recent midterm elections have underscored this truth.
In the 118th Congress, which begins in January, the Senate will include 45 former state legislators and the House will have 219. There were two additions to the Senate—with Vermont Democrat Peter Welch moving from the House—and 31 additions to the House.
The results build on the 117th Congress, in which 45 senators (22 Republicans, 23 Democrats) and 212 representatives (108 Republicans, 102 Democrats, one Independent and one New Progressive Party member) were former state legislators.
Visit State Legislatures News for more on the makeup of the 118th Congress and see a full list of its former state legislators.
NCSL Contact: Deanna Ross
CISA Updates the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released an updated Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework to better help state, local, tribal and territorial planners protect infrastructure. First released in 2021, the framework helps officials incorporate critical infrastructure resilience considerations into plans for capital improvements, hazard mitigation and other efforts, as well as for funding requests. The update adds important new resources and tools to better support partners as they face an evolving threat environment.
NCSL Contacts: Erlinda Doherty and Susan Frederick
EPA Requesting Feedback on New $27B Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
The Environmental Protection Agency announced its plan to engage stakeholders in the design and implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The $27 billion fund will provide competitive grants to states, local governments, tribes and eligible nonprofit financing institutions to mobilize financing and leverage private capital for clean energy and climate projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA recently held a call allowing policymakers and regulators to share perspectives on the new fund and provide feedback on its design and implementation. The EPA had a formal request for information that closed to the public on Dec. 5, 2022, that is intended to inform the fund’s program design and guidance. However, the agency has informed NCSL that it will accept comments from state and local partners through the end of the year.
NCSL Contact: Kristen Hildreth
Public Health Grants Aim to Rebuild Public Health Workforce and Infrastructure
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded $3.2 billion in grants to 107 health departments in all 50 states, the territories and 48 cities. Three national partners also received funding to support the work of the health department grantees. Grantees may create programs that fit the needs of their communities but will be expected to ground their programs in data and evidence, engage in meaningful partnerships and direct resources to support diversity and health equity. Read more
NCSL Contact: Lauren Kallins
Student Loan Pause Extended as Supreme Court Agrees to Rule on Biden’s Relief Plan
The Department of Education announced an extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collection activity that has been in effect since March 2020. Payments will resume 60 days after litigation over the Biden administration’s plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt is resolved. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on the legality of the debt relief plan in a February 2023 session. Read more.
NCSL Contacts: Emily Katz
In Every Edition
- NCSL Recent Letters to the Hill and Blogs: Read NCSL’s most recent correspondence to members of Congress and the administration.
- The Reading Room: Interesting reports issued last week.
NCSL's Advocacy in Washington
NCSL’s Washington staff advocates on behalf of state legislatures before Congress, the White House and federal agencies in accord with the policy directives and resolutions that are recommended by the NCSL Standing Committees and adopted by the full conference at the annual NCSL Legislative Summit Business Meeting. As a result of the advocacy that is guided by these policies’ positions, NCSL is recognized as a formidable lobbying force in state-federal relations.