3 Questions Ahead of This Year’s State Elections

In today’s newsletter: Even in a presidential election year, if you care about public policy, look to the states; strategists Donna Brazile and Kellyanne Conway have thoughts on the election; and in a recent survey of civic knowledge, a third of respondents could not name all three branches of government. Also, 30 states and four territories have increased their minimum wages since 2009.

3 Questions Ahead of This Year’s State Elections

With all eyes on the presidential contest, it’s easy to forget that state legislative races often impact Americans’ lives more deeply. We consider three questions relating to these all-important elections.

Political Strategists Weigh In on Unpredictable 2024 Presidential Campaign

Donna Brazile and Kellyanne Conway discussed campaign dynamics and the importance of civility at NCSL’s Legislative Summit.

A Lesson in Civics

Every state has some form of civics education. Still, Americans of all ages score poorly on surveys of civic knowledge. Tammy Wehrle, an outreach officer in the Wisconsin Legislature, shares what she’s learned about the state of civics education through the programs she runs for young people.

Listen now

Which States Are Expanding Adult Dental Benefits?

Between 2020 and 2023, 26 states expanded Medicaid adult dental benefit offerings. And four of those states expanded their benefits twice during that time. This is just one of many updates captured in CareQuest Institute’s Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker. The tool shows the landscape for Medicaid adult dental benefits, helping to inform both federal- and state-level policymaking conversations.

Explore the Coverage Checker

Map Monday: Minimum Wage Laws—Where Does Your State Stand?

The federal hourly minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. Since then, 30 states and four territories have increased their minimums—Washington, D.C., tops the list at $17.50 per hour—while 20 states and one territory still follow the federal law.

View map