Email from Vote Smart Research: Last Week Today   Timely, non-partisan insights straight to your inbox, helping you stay informed on key political facts and developments. Tip: Test your knowledge with the quiz at the bottom. Subscribe to our new weekly Civic Education email, "Civic Currents" delivered every Monday! Yes, please! No, thank you. EPA Proposes Repeal of Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has suggested reconsidering the scientific determination that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health. This move could lead to significant alterations in existing climate regulations. Source 1: Washington Post, Source 2: POLITICO President Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on Mexican and Canadian Imports: On February 27, 2025, the U.S. government announced that a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada will take effect on March 4. This policy is part of a broader approach that includes increasing tariffs on Chinese imports and restructuring federal agencies. The announcement has generated varied responses, with some raising concerns about potential economic and trade implications. Source 1: USA Today, Source 2: Fox News Iowa Legislature Passes Bill Redefining Gender Identity Protections: The Iowa Legislature has passed a bill that removes gender identity as a protected category under the state's civil rights code and defines gender based on biological sex. The bill passed along party lines, with the Senate approving it first, followed by the House. The bill now awaits Governor Kim Reynolds' decision. If signed into law, Iowa would become the first state to remove gender identity protections from its civil rights statutes. Source: 1: Des Moines Register, Source 2: News Max   Congress Senate Confirmed PN 12-12 - Nomination of Daniel Driscoll to be Secretary of the Army. Senate Confirmed PN 11-17 - Nomination of Jamieson Greer to be U.S. Trade Representative. House Passed HR 832 - Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act. State Colorado (CO) - Senate Passed SB 25-003 - Prohibits the Manufacture, Distribution, Transfer, Sale, or Purchase of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms. Missouri (MO) - Senate Passed SB 60 - Amends Existing Law Making Manufacturing or Possessing Meth an Act of Child Endangerment. Virginia (VA) - Senate Passed SB 854 - Limits Social Media Use for Minors Under the Age of 16 to One Hour. (Glossary) A: Assembly Bill (particularly in states like New York or California). Assembly Bills address state issues such as education, health care, transportation, taxation, or environmental policies. Con Res: A concurrent resolution is a type of legislative measure used to address matters affecting both the House of Representatives and the Senate, express collective opinions, or make or amend rules that apply to both chambers. These resolutions do not require presidential approval and do not have the force of law. HB: Used in State Legislatures: Refers to bills introduced in the House of Representatives or State Assembly at the state level. HR: Used in the U.S. Congress: Refers to bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives at the federal level. PN: Presidential Nomination. S: S stands for Senate, meaning the bill originated in the U.S. Senate. SB: SB stands for Senate Bill. Meaning the bill originated in the State Senate rather than State House or Assembly.     Republican Kelly Loeffler was confirmed as the next Administrator of the Small Business Administration last week. Loeffler, a former United States Senator from Georgia, will now oversee an agency that provides support to small business owners and entrepreneurs through capital, contracts, and counseling. She was confirmed by a vote of 52 to 46. Republican Joe Perillo and Democrat Dan Gaiewski won special elections for Connecticut’s 21st State Senate and 40th State House district, respectively. Perillo, a former state representative, won the seat being vacated by Kevin Kelly, who was nominated for a state judicial position. Gaiewski, on the other hand, succeeded Christine Conley, who was awaiting appointment to the state Worker’s Compensation Commission. Neither seat changed parties, and Connecticut’s state legislature remains in Democratic hands. Democrat Sean Faircloth won the special election for Maine’s 24th State Senate District, succeeding State Treasurer Joe Perry. Faircloth’s win, which was the only vacancy in the legislature, solidified the Democrat’s slim 76-73 majority in the State House. On Tuesday, February 25th, there were a set of special elections in California and Maine. Click on the links below to view the results:  California State Assembly District 32 and State Senate District 36 Primary Elections Main State House District 24 Election (Glossary) Special Election: is an election scheduled outside the regular electoral calendar to address specific issues or fill vacancies in public offices. These elections are typically held when an incumbent official resigns, passes away, or is otherwise unable to continue in office. Special elections can also be called to vote on urgent matters, such as referendums or specific legislative proposals.   🎉 Congratulations to Last Week’s Winners! 🥇 First Place: Mark Ohl, MD (NY) 🥈 Second Place: Sally Benton (OR) 🥉 Third Place: Mark A. Hischar (NM) Quiz here!   Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Vote Smart | 1153 24TH ST | DES MOINES, IA 50311-4308 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice