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Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces Legislation to Prevent Antisemitism on College Campuses

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Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces Legislation to Prevent Antisemitism on College Campuses

Florida Senator Rick Scott announced the reintroduction of the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act which he led last Congress with former Senator Marco Rubio, to address the rise in antisemitic incidents and rhetoric following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas. This legislation will hold colleges and universities accountable for addressing the rise of antisemitic harassment and discrimination, which violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, or risk losing federal funding, as leaders on campuses failed to do in recent years while antisemitic mobs took over academic buildings while Jewish students feared for their safety.

This legislation will build on President Trump’s recent efforts to withhold federal funding from higher education institutions failing to stop antisemitic actions on their campuses, including President Trump’s move today to cut $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University.

Senator Rick Scott said “Following Iran-backed Hamas’s attack on Israel, we saw a drastic rise in antisemitic attacks in the United States with anti-Israel mobs taking over campuses, and we’ve seen an unacceptable failure from leadership at higher education institutions to take action to condemn these mobs and protect Jewish students. Jewish students were afraid to go to class, fearful of the violence these pro-terrorist mobs threatened. That can’t happen. President Trump is completely right to withhold federal funding from higher education institutions that refuse to enforce the law on their campuses and enable antisemitic hate to flourish, and I’m proud to lead this bill to build on his efforts.”

The Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Actwould:

  • Expand Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance to include religious discrimination as a prohibited practice, with exceptions for programs or activities tied to religious organizations.
  • Implement clear and escalating penalties for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that are repeat violators.
  • Ensure that Title VI is enforced with the same rigor against antisemitic discrimination as it is for other forms of discrimination.
  • Mandate that IHEs inform students, faculty, and staff if they are found in violation of Title VI.
  • Direct the U.S. Department of Education to oversee private lawsuits against colleges receiving federal financial aid related to antisemitism.

Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ban High-Capacity Gun Magazines

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Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ban High-Capacity Gun Magazines

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined 21 of his Senate colleagues to introduce the Keep Americans Safe Act (KASA), legislation to reinstate a nationwide ban on the sale, transfer, possession, import, or manufacture of high-capacity gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds. A federal law prohibiting semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines was in place from 1994 to 2004—during which time mass shooting fatalities dropped by 70 percent. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), and Brad Schneider (D-IL-10).

“Bans on semiautomatic weapons save lives—proven by the previous ban that lowered death rates of mass shootings by 70 percent. The expiration of this ban, and the continued refusal by many of my Republican colleagues to reinstate it, is leading to preventable tragedies across our nation,” Kaine said in an official statement. “I’m proud to introduce this commonsense legislation that will once again put in place this essential safeguard to make Virginia and our nation a safer place for all.”

Specifically, the Keep Americans Safe Act would:

  • Ban the sale or transfer of high-capacity gun magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds for any use outside of law enforcement;
  • Ban the possession of a high-capacity gun magazine manufactured after the date of enactment for any use outside of law enforcement;
  • Authorize high-capacity magazine buyback programs; and
  • Authorize law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to seize and destroy high-capacity magazines possessed illegally.

The Keep Americans Safe Act is led by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Kaine has long championed efforts to prevent gun violence. Last month, Kaine introduced the Age 21 Act, legislation that would raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. Last year, Kaine cosponsored the Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act and the Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act, two pieces of legislation that would ban bump stocks, devices that turn semiautomatic weapons into machine guns by increasing their rate of fire. These bills followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2024 that overturned a ban on bump stocks that President Trump signed in his first term.

The full text of the bill is available here.

Warner, Kaine Submit Bill to Stop Trump Taxes on Canadian Goods

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Warner, Kaine Submit Bill to Stop Trump Taxes on Canadian Goods

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, (D-VA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), unveiled legislation to undo President Donald Trump’s wildly unpopular tariffs on Canadian goods, which amount to a 25 percent tax on goods imported from one of America’s top trading partners and closest allies.

“Virginians can’t afford the cost of President Trump’s tariffs, which will raise prices on everything from groceries to houses and cars,” said Sen. Warner. “Congress must step in before President Trump tanks our economy.”

“Americans want prices to go down—not skyrocket, which is exactly what will happen if Congress lets President Trump slap new taxes on goods from one of our largest trading partners and closest allies,” said Sen. Kaine. “We don’t need to guess what kind of damage these senseless new taxes will do. During Trump’s first term, his trade wars spelled disaster for Virginians, particularly for farmers and foresters who were hit especially hard. Congress has a responsibility to stop that from happening again, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in blocking Trump from destroying our economy.”

“This Administration is igniting a reckless trade war and regular Americans are paying the price,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Costs for everyone will go up and our farmers and businesses will suffer. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner and is a key U.S. ally. We must reverse these damaging tariffs before it’s too late.”

In Virginia in 2024, Canada was the largest export market and accounted for 15 percent of Virginia exports. In Virginia in 2022, top goods exports to Canada included motor vehicles and transportation equipment, such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks. 56.1 percent of Southwest Virginia’s economic output is dependent on trade.

Polls have overwhelmingly demonstrated that the American people do not support Trump’s trade wars. According to a recent survey by Public First, just 28 percent of American adults supported specifically applying tariffs to Canada, while 43 percent opposed.

Specifically, the senators’ legislation would work by terminating the February 1 emergency that Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada, and thus eliminate the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as a result. Trump’s order cites the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), an unprecedented use of IEEPA in its nearly half century history. After an initial one-month delay, President Trump decided to move forward with the tariffs, with the import taxes starting to be collected on March 4, 2025. In total, President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs will cost the average American household up to $2,000 a year, with the Canada tariffs making up a significant portion of that. These IEEPA tariffs represent the largest tax increase on American families in recent history.

A copy of the legislation is available here.

Cotton, Banks: States Should Fight True Child Abuse, Not Punish Parents for Rejecting Sex Changes for Minors

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Cotton, Banks: States Should Fight True Child Abuse, Not Punish Parents for Rejecting Sex Changes for Minors

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Jim Banks (R-Indiana) today reintroduced legislation to stop state governments from discriminating against parents who oppose “gender transitions” for children. The Guaranteeing Unalienable and Anatomical Rights for Dependents (GUARD) Act would make a state government ineligible for Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) funds if that state discriminates against a parent or guardian in custody disputes for opposing medical treatment, clothing changes, or social changes related to a child’s subjective “gender identity.”

“If you don’t let your kid ‘transition’ to the opposite sex, certain state governments will help remove them from your custody. It sounds like dystopian science fiction, but it’s happening in the United States of America. Our bill would take funding away from states that abuse their power by taking away parents’ rights simply for opposing radical gender experiments,” said Senator Cotton.

“The government has no business punishing parents for protecting their kids from radical gender ideology. My bill ensures that states respecting parental rights aren’t strong-armed into embracing dangerous social experiments,” said Senator Banks.

This legislation is supported by the American Principles Project, Family Policy Alliance, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and Heritage Action.

Full text of the bill may be found here.

The GUARD Act would:

  • Make any state government ineligible for Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) funds if they discriminate in child custody disputes, child services, or cases against a parent or guardian based on their opposition to medical, surgical, pharmacological, psychological treatment, or clothing and social changes related to affirming the subjective claims of so-called “gender identity” expressed by any minor, if such claimed identity is at odds with the minor’s biological sex.
  • Create a private right of action for individuals to sue if they were subject to the prohibited discrimination. If a suit is successful, CAPTA funds granted to the state are required to be returned to the Treasury. 

Background:

  • Left-leaning states such as California, Oregon, and Washington have been removing children from their non-affirming parents’ care for years. This violates the religious freedom, conscience, and medical rights of parents.
  • In the case of Abby Martinez, her daughter was removed from her care. She ultimately committed suicide.

Tuberville May Run for Governor of Alabama

Matt OHern
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Tuberville May Run for Governor of Alabama

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R) is considering a run for governor of Alabama in 2026, believing he has a solid chance to win. He mentioned to Alabama Daily News that he hasn’t made a final decision yet and knows it would be tough to leave Congress, but he’s interested in the governor’s role.

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“As the CEO of a state, you can do more in less time,” he said. “I’m not planning to be up here forever.”

Tuberville, who gained national recognition prior to the Senate as the head football coach at Auburn University, has been the subject of political pundits speculating the potential candidates for Alabama’s gubernatorial race.  

This week, Punchbowl News’ Andrew Desiderio reignited those rumors after posting his brief conversation with Tuberville.

Tuberville has discussed the potential switch with Senate leadership and other senators who were previously governors. He also said he’s been encouraged by the response from people in Alabama who are interested in seeing him run.

“I’ll have people here today, ask me, ‘What are you going to do, coach? We need you to come back,’” Tuberville told Alabama DailyNews. “We have all the county commissioners coming from the state of Alabama this week, and it’s encouraging that I’d have a good opportunity to win, but also can win this one, this seat.”

Tuberville conceded that the decision to leave a U.S. Senate would be a difficult one, especially with his party enjoying the majority.

Other potential candidates for the seat that will be vacated by current Gov. Kay Ivey include Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who plans to announce his decision after the Alabama State Legislature completes its 2025 session.

Governor Kehoe Announces Two Judicial Appointments

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Governor Kehoe Announces Two Judicial Appointments

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced judicial appointments to the 21st and 9th Judicial Circuits.

Ellen W. Dunne, of Des Peres, was appointed as the Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Judge Dunne currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit, a position in which she has held since 2017. She earned her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Missouri. Prior to her judicial service, she practiced law for over two decades, representing clients in all types of civil matters. In addition to her judicial duties, Judge Dunne is an active member of the Missouri Bar Association, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Lawyers Association of St. Louis, Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis, and St. Louis County Bar Association. Judge Dunne will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Nancy M. Watkins McLaughlin from the circuit bench.

Adam Warren, of Chillicothe, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Sullivan County in the 9th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Warren currently serves as the Livingston County prosecuting attorney, a position he has held since 2011. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and restaurant administration from Missouri State University. Mr. Warren built a successful private practice as the owner of Warren Law Office, LLC. He also served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 2004 to 2011 before receiving a honorable discharge. Mr. Warren will fill the vacancy left by the recent passing of Judge Tracey Mason-White.

Kentucky Secures Another Top 5 Ranking in Economic Projects Per Capita 

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Kentucky Secures Another Top 5 Ranking in Economic Projects Per Capita 

Kentucky ranks 2nd in South Central Region; 14 Kentucky communities recognized in Top Metropolitan, Micropolitan rankings

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 4, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky has once again placed in the top five for economic development projects per capita as Site Selection magazine posted its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings, a placement the state has held during all five years of this administration.

In the South Central region, Kentucky placed second for regional projects per capita, as well as third for total projects, with 187 announcements in 2024.

“These Governor’s Cup rankings showcase what we already know: Kentucky is witnessing unprecedented economic growth and setting a strong foundation for long-term success,” said Gov. Beshear. “Hundreds of new and expanding companies are selecting our New Kentucky Home for their projects and creating jobs throughout the commonwealth. I am proud to see not only recognition for what we have accomplished as a state, but also significant growth in so many of our communities.”

In addition to the commonwealth’s strong placement in the South Central region, several Kentucky communities were recognized for their economic success in 2024, with categories based on population size.

Bowling Green, for the second year in a row, placed first among top metro areas by total projects with populations between 50,000 and 200,000. The community also moved to the top spot in the per capita category. Announcements in Warren County includes a new headquarters location from Clark Beverage Group.

Paducah and Owensboro also placed in the top 10 in the category for both total projects and per capita, and includes expansions from Blockware Mining, Swedish Match and Mizkan America.

Louisville/Jefferson County and the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati region both took spots in the top 10 for metros per capita for populations over one million, in addition to Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati placing seventh in total projects, with 126. Projects contributing to the placement include a new laboratory from HealthTrackRx; a relocation and expansion from Dan-O’s Seasoning; new facilities from ISCO Industries, Chick-fil-A Supply and L2 Aviation; and an expansion from Nexigen Communications.

Lexington/Fayette County placed fifth per capita and tied for ninth overall in top metros with populations between 200,000 and one million, with 25 projects. Expansion projects from SRC of Lexington and Piramal Pharma Solutions contributed to Lexington’s strong placement.

Paducah was recognized with top 10 spots in the 2024 Top Mississippi River Corridor Metro rankings, in both total projects (eighth) and projects per capita (second).

Additionally, eight Kentucky communities placed in the Top Micropolitans rankings by number of projects – the sixth most nationally – including Richmond-Berea, Corbin, Frankfort, Somerset, Campbellsville, Danville, Franklin and Madisonville.

Since 1988, Atlanta-based Site Selection has awarded the Governor’s Cup annually to the U.S. state with the newest and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by the Conway Projects Database. The rankings are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as an industry scoreboard. The magazine’s circulation reaches 42,000 executives in corporate site selection decision-making roles.

Last year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Kentucky’s recognition in the 2024 Governor’s Cup builds on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,100 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $35 billion in announced investments, creating more than 60,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $14 billion more than the next highest total.

The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County.

The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.

Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.

Gov. Beshear announced a Supply Kentucky initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies. The Governor also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Tennessee Governor Announces Judicial Appointments

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Tennessee Governor Announces Judicial Appointments

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced two key judicial appointments.

“I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles,” said Gov. Lee. “I appreciate their leadership and am confident they will serve Tennesseans with integrity.”

The following Tennesseans have been appointed:

·       Steven W. Sword – Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division

·       Valerie L. Smith – Court of Appeals, Western Division

Steven Sword currently serves as a Criminal Court Judge for the 6th Judicial District. Sword earned his bachelor’s degree at King College and juris doctor at University of Tennessee School of Law. Sword has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the untimely passing of Judge James C. Witt, Junior. This appointment is effective upon confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Valerie Smith currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge for the 30th Judicial District. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree at The University of Memphis and juris doctor at The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Smith has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Arnold B. Goldin. This appointment is effective upon confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly.

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