In The News 
School Voucher Plan Faces Challenge From Teachers
The state teachers union intends to file a lawsuit soon, arguing that the commission overstepped its authority when it took up the issue of vouchers. They and others are also planning to campaign against the amendments, should the court challenge fail.
Democrats Oppose “Open and Clean” Ballot Measure
Delegates to the Democratic State Convention adopted a resolution that urges South Dakota voters to reject a November ballot measure that's billed as an attempt to create a clean and open government.
Ban on Gay Marriage on State Ballot
In the final hours of one of the longest state legislative sessions on record, state senators approved a measure sending a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage to the fall ballot.
Stage Set for November Ballot Duels Over Clean-Energy Plans
Two major ballot initiatives, each emphasizing the need for clean power and renewable energy amid the public's rising concerns over greenhouse gases, will confront California voters in November.
Women’s Groups Help Qualify I-155 for Upcoming Nov. Ballot
Montana Women Vote, a coalition of groups that pursue low-income and women's issues, teamed up with its member organizations to help put Initiative 155 on the ballot and register women voters as well.
Milwaukee Could Become Third City to Pass Paid Sick Leave
coalition of health, religious, education, labor and women's groups will deliver petitions with the signatures of tens of thousands of city residents to put a paid sick days initiative on the November ballot. If passed, Milwaukee would join Washington, D.C., and San Francisco as cities who have enacted a paid sick days requirement for their local employers.
S.D. Republicans Oppose Open Government Measure
Delegates to the Republican State Convention have approved a resolution urging voters to reject a ballot measure billed as an attempt to create a clean and open government.
The Oregon Ballot Initiative: Following the Money
Erik Sorensen, a spokesman for Causa, an Oregon immigrant-rights group is opposed to one of the Sizemore initiatives and has assisted in bringing to light the way in which this anti-ESL initiative has been funded.
Voters May Decide Fate of Payday Loans
The fight between state lawmakers and payday lenders has entered a new phase as the industry is attempting to get on the ballot this fall in Ohio and Arizona and take its case directly to voters. Until now, the industry has largely confined its efforts to battling state legislatures, many of which have moved to protect borrowers who take out the short-term, high-interest loans. Ohio, New Hampshire and Virginia lawmakers approved payday reforms this year. Now industry officials are trying a new tack.
Petition Drive Off to Misleading Start
Workers circulating petitions to end affirmative action in Nebraska have dishonored the citizen initiative process by using misleading tactics.
