
01.11.2022 Poligage Top of Mind Report
By Poligage
January 11, 2022
The Poligage Top of Mind Report offers actionable insights on a wide range of policy and government affairs issues that all have a connection to the Poligage Experts Network. Read this week’s report below and engage our Experts through private consultations on these issues and more:
U.S. Congress
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Supply Chain Disruptions |
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U.S. Federal GovernmentFederal Government Procurement |
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Communication & ReputationESG |
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Partnerships & EventsPublic Private Partnerships and International Development |
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U.S. State and Municipal GovernmentNew York David BeightolCo-Founder & Managing Partner, Flywheel Government Solutions Governor Hochul outlined nine key components of her agenda for the Empire State as she finishes out the rest of former Governor Cuomo’s term which will end next January. Governor Hochul has declared that she intends to run for reelection in November. New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s First State of the State |
Kansas John FedericoPresident and Chief Lobbyist of Federico Consulting, Inc.
The state’s political future hangs in the balance during the 2022 legislative session and it all comes down to lines on a map… A few simple clicks on a computer program can change the ability for Democrats to hold onto a suburban Kansas City, Mo., congressional seat, reduce rural representation in the state legislature and tweak who Topekans are voting for up and down the ballot. Kansas is one of only three states where no proposed maps have been publicly released, underscoring how the process remains in its infancy. Kansas usually waits to handle its redistricting efforts — but it does build anticipation over how aggressive the Republican-controlled legislature will be in shoring up their own supermajority, as well as going after U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the lone Democrat in the state’s Congressional delegation. As Legislators Embark on Redistricting Effort, Kansas’ Political Future Hangs in the Balance |
Maryland Chris DiPietroPresident, CDi Consulting Services, LLC
In this final year of Maryland’s four-year electoral cycle, political scientists and lawmakers expect a more fiery session than usual. Democrats, already holding overpowering majorities in the House of Delegates and Senate, will still look to boost their party’s signal in heavily blue Maryland, while Republicans work to make the most of their State House platform and sway centrist voters in their direction. It’s against this political backdrop that legislators will debate the General Assembly’s collective top priorities for 2022, from cannabis legalization, criminal justice reform, and climate change policy to deciding the very boundaries that determine political representation for constituents across the state. Issues to Watch in Maryland’s 2022 General Assembly Session |
New Mexico Roy SotoVice President, RLR Resources
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday signed a contentious state Senate redistricting bill, ending speculation about whether she would approve the measure. Republicans in the chamber accused Democrats, who maintain a 26-15 advantage, of marginalizing Hispanic voters and favoring Democratic incumbents. New Mexico lawmakers voted last year to create a Citizens Redistricting Committee to collect, review and vet dozens of redistricting map proposals before creating and submitting several options to the Legislature for consideration. Governor Signs Contentious Redistricting Bill |
West Virginia Hallie MasonOwner, Mason Consulting
West Virginia’s economy continues to rebound from the COVID-19 recession. The pandemic continues to affect public health, particularly as the Delta strain caused large increases in hospitalizations and deaths, and the economy in perceptible ways but the state has managed to record significant improvement over the past 18 months or so. Indeed, several big-picture measures of the state’s economy have improved enough that they within range or have even surpassed levels seen prior to the pandemic and those that are lagging should reach those levels over the next several quarters. Even though the state’s near-term prospects are positive on balance, some sectors face challenges due to structural issues that existed long before the pandemic while several regions in West Virginia possess limited potential for growth due to a range or economic and demographic factors. Overall, this report provides a foundation to understand West Virginia’s long-run economic challenges and opportunities. West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics |
Key Policy IssuesGender Equality |
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Labor and Workforce Marcus CourtneyPrincipal, Courtney Public Affairs, LLC
Walmart Inc. is cutting paid leave in half for workers who test positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine after exposure to the virus, offering only one week through March 31 rather than two. Employees who catch COVID and are unable to return to work after a week may be eligible for pay replacement for as long as 26 weeks, a company spokeswoman said. The reduction in paid leave was reported earlier by Reuters. The change is “in alignment” with current guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Walmart said in a memo to employees dated Jan. 4. The CDC in December reduced its recommended quarantine and isolation periods in most cases to five days from 10 days. As the nation’s largest private-sector employer, Walmart’s early move to reduce COVID leave is being closely watched for its impact on other employers. Walmart Halves Paid Leave for Workers with COVID after CDC Guidance Shift |