Legislative Therapy Session edition

It's that time again...

Gavels get dropped

Budgets get chopped

Legislation gets filed

Partisans get riled

It's the best time of the year --

Legislative session season is here!

Legislative sessions are convening in 19 states this week, and 36 states will have begun their sessions by the end of January. 

Many of the over 3000 legislators converging on their state capitals this month also face elections this fall. (The hottest ones to watch: Michigan House, Kentucky House, Arkansas House, New Hampshire Senate, Pennsylvania Senate, Iowa Senate, Colorado Senate, Arizona Senate, Nevada Senate, Washington Senate. But that's a discussion for another time.)

Let the fun begin!

• Department of loose threads: Somewhat less than shockingly, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill into law on December 27 that doubles campaign contribution limits and protects the secrecy of "issue ad" donors. Look for a bruising campaign season here this fall as Republicans try to defend their 6-seat majority from Democratic encroachment.

• Also, as Ohio convenes its legislature this week, they'll be considering some controversial measures held over from last year, including a voter suppression measure that would eliminate the state's "golden week" -- during which voters can register and cast ballots at the same time -- and a version of Florida's infamous "stand your ground" law.

• Another recount is undoubtedly coming in Virginia. This one will probably determine control of the state Senate.

• Show Me a war on workers: Missouri House Speaker (and notorious birther) Tim Jones has proclaimed his intention push a so-called "right to work" measure during this year's session. While the GOP likely lacks the numbers to override an almost-certain veto by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, the legislature could pass the measure as a Joint Resolution, placing it on the ballot this fall.

• Cows don't take weekends off -- so why should you? In Wisconsin, one GOP lawmaker wants to give workers the "freedom" to be work seven days a week. Current law requires employers to provide at least one 24-hour rest period in each calendar week. Workers could actually end up working 12 days in a row, as long as the day off fell at the beginning and end of that 2-week period. (Dairy workers, understandably, are exempt. Cows' milk waits for no one.)

• Fun fact: This same Republican state Senator supported the 2012 repeal of the state's equal pay law because "money is more important for men."

• Meanwhile, in Maine, Gov. Paul LePage is still banging the child labor drum. He told a group on Tuesday that 12-year-olds should get off their pint-sized duffs and get to work.

• Bummer. Things are lousy for Democrats in Tennessee, but some bright spots pepper the situation. Democrats hold the mayor's office in the state's seven largest cities -- a platform that served as a nice springboard to higher office for Bob Corker, Bill Haslan, and Phil Bredesen. And it's easy to forget that, before the 2008 elections, Democrats held a majority in the state House, and the state Senate was tied. In 2006, the state reelected a Democratic governor, and the five Democrats in the congressional delegation won reelection handily. Never say die.

• What's the matter with Kansas? According to some Kansas Republicans, the problem is GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. A former state House Speaker and two other retired Republican lawmakers have endorsed Democratic House Leader Paul Davis for governor. Keep in mind, Kansas reelected Democratic governor Kathleen Sebelius not so long ago, and Davis has already raised just over $1 million in less than five months.

• Depressing personal aside: This picture made me cry today. It's so wonderful that Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds is back in Richmond to serve in the General Assembly, but it's so heartbreaking to know he carries so much pain. I'm not sure anyone can imagine how hard it is to deal with everyday life -- much less a legislative session -- after what he's endured. But his district and his Commonwealth are fortunate that he's back in Mr. Jefferson's Capitol.

For the Week of January 8, 2014 The following 19 state legislatures are actively meeting this week: CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, IDAHO, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MISSISSIPPI, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA and WEST VIRGINIA Also meeting: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO

CALIFORNIA The Assembly Higher Education Committee met January 7 to discuss student financial aid, as well as other aspects of education funding in the state.  COLORADO The General Assembly is scheduled to convene the 2014 legislative session January 8.  DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA The Council District of Columbia convened the 2014 legislative session January 7.  FLORIDA The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will meet January 8 to discuss S.B. 224, which prohibits giving sample nicotine dispensing devices to persons younger than 18.  GEORGIA A special election was held January 7 for House districts 2 and 22.  IDAHO The Legislature convened the 2014 legislative session January 6.  Governor Butch Otter (R) delivered his State of the State address January 6.  INDIANA The Legislature convened the 2014 legislative session January 6.  IOWA A special election was held January 7 for House district 25. KENTUCKY The Legislature convened the 2014 legislative session January 7. MAINE The Legislature is scheduled to convene the 2014 legislative session January 8.  The Joint Insurance and Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing January 9 to discuss L.D. 1037, which provides access to health plans for all state residents by 2020.  MASSACHUSETTS A special election was held January 7 for the 9th Norfolk House district.  MINNESOTA The MNSure Legislative Oversight Committee will meet January 9 to review MNSure's operations and recommend any necessary changes in policy, implementation and statutes to the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Exchange Marketplace and the state Legislature.  MISSOURI The General Assembly will convene the 2014 legislative session January 8.

MONTANA The Environmental Quality Council will host an information public hearing January 8-9 to discuss updates to the State Water Plan, including updates on the Clean Water Act.  NEW HAMPSHIRE The General Court will convene the 2014 legislative session January 8.  NEW YORK The Senate Health Committee and Senate Insurance Committee met January 7 to hear from stakeholders on the implementation of the New York State Health Insurance Exchange, to discuss the impact federal health care reform is having on insured individuals, families and small businesses and to explore possible state options for providing assistance to those affected.  Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) will deliver his State of the State address January 8.  RHODE ISLAND The General Assembly convened the 2014 legislative session January 7.  VERMONT The General Assembly convened the 2014 legislative session January 7.  Governor Peter Shumlin (D) will deliver his State of the State address January 8.  VIRGINIA A special election was held January 7 for House district 11 and Senate district 6.  The General Assembly is scheduled to convene the 2014 legislative session January 8.  WEST VIRGINIA Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D) will deliver his State of the State address January 8.  WISCONSIN The Assembly Urban Education Committee will hold a public hearing January 9 to discuss A.B. 549, which pertains to charter school authorization.  WYOMING The Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committee will meet January 9-10 to hear an explanation of proposed bill drafts regarding Medicaid expansion with limited benefits; Medicaid with premium assistance options (Arkansas model); and Medicaid expansion-insurance pool (Arkansas model with modifications). via Stateside Associates, Project Vote.