What do YOU care about?

Whatever cause you’re passionate about, state legislatures probably either make policy on it or implement (or don’t!) federal policy.

Voting rights State legislatures decide how many polling stations there are in each district, whether early voting is allowed, and whether their residents can vote by mail. They also oversee the integrity of elections.

Gerrymandering Most state legislatures decide the boundaries of congressional house districts.

COVID-19 response Although the federal government offered funding to help states with the costs of COVID testing and vaccinations, and to reduce the pressure on the healthcare system, not all states were willing to take the money. Many of the same states rejected the Medicaid expansion offered by “Obamacare”, leaving their poorest residents unprotected.

Climate change Federal efforts can be greatly hampered by uncooperative states, or accelerated by states that offer leadership.

Abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, gun control, education, policing, civil rights. State legislatures can drive change (in either direction!) or resist it.