In 2023, all 50 state legislatures will convene, including biennial legislatures. Nationwide, state legislatures will spend months grappling with policies that will impact their state and constituents. And although each state legislature’s political makeup differs, several policy issues will trend, like inflation and the economy, infrastructure, women’s health and reproductive rights, health care, education, data privacy, cybersecurity, corporate social justice and environmental, social and governance, broadband and public safety.
Below is a readout of five policy issues that states have already pre-filed legislation on and will address this upcoming 2023 session.
Inflation. Inflation has impacted nearly every American nationwide and continues to be a dominant issue for federal and state lawmakers. President Biden recently signed the Inflation Reduction Act to combat the rise of inflation. The act aims to curb inflation by reducing the deficit, lowering prescription drug prices and investing in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy.
Currently, 19 states are offering a one-time tax rebate or credit to help residents adjust to the rising cost of living. States can provide tax rebates or credits because many have recorded a significant budget surplus. Tax rebates and credits aim to relieve Americans from the looming aftereffects of the pandemic and offset the rise in gas prices and the cost of children and child care. In 2022, Colorado sent tax rebates of...
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