In The News 
Measure to Forbid Union-Dues Removal From Checks on Ballot
A measure that would bar governments in Colorado from taking unions dues directly out of workers' paychecks will appear on the November ballot. Amendment 49, authored by Independence Institute President Jon Caldara, had more than enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, Secretary of State Mike Coffman said Thursday.
Pickens’ Effort Touts California Wind Power
Pickens spokesman Jay Rosser, the VP of public affairs for BP Capital Management, said that the campaign aims to capitalize on Pickens' access to influential individuals and groups as much as possible but that the heart of the campaign lies in drawing interest and support from advocacy groups and individuals around the country. The goal is to pressure the next presidential administration and the next Congress to adopt the plan.
Gay adoption ban falls short of signatures, has 30-day extension
Supporters of a proposal that would ban unmarried couples living together from adopting or fostering children in Arkansas did not gather enough signatures to secure a place on the November ballot, the secretary of state's office said Wednesday.
Physician-Assisted Dying measure Qualifies for November Ballot
Initiative 1000, also called the "Death with Dignity" initiative, would allow terminally ill people to legally obtain lethal prescription drugs for ending their own lives. It is patterned after a similar law in Oregon - the only one in the country.
Florida Realtors Launch Campaign in Support of Amendment 5
The Florida Association of Realtors on July 22 launched a new grassroots campaign pushing for the passage of Amendment 5 in November. The association also plans to contribute $1 million to the "Give Me 5 for Florida's Future" campaign, which supports the amendment that would eliminate the school portion of local property tax to save property owners an estimated $9.3 billion in 2011.
California Green Energy Proposal Has Thin Support
Awareness is low, but 63 percent of those who had a view on it favor a California ballot measure that would require half the state's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025, a Field poll issued on Tuesday shows.
Teacher Merit Pay Initiative Set for Ballot
Oregon teachers' salaries would be tied to their "classroom performance" under an initiative that won a spot on the November ballot. It is sure to spark a tough fight between teachers unions and the measure's sponsor, Bill Sizemore.
Ethics Complaint Filed Against AZ Legislator on Same-Sex Marriage Amendment
An Arizona legislator's ethics complaint accuses a fellow senator of disregarding Senate rules by conspiring to cut off debate to help speed a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage.
Income Tax Cut Petitions Turned In
Advocates of a North Dakota income tax cut have turned in petitions to put their proposal on the ballot.
Critics Assail ‘Self-Serving’ Ballot Measure
Texas billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens has made no secret of his desire to open up the market for natural gas-powered vehicles. He's gotten kudos from environmental leaders for mounting a national campaign to lead the country away from its reliance on foreign oil.
