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Biden administration’s abortion-related rule challenged in litigation | Louisiana

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – 2024-05-14 13:01:00

(The Center Square) – The attorneys general of Louisiana and Mississippi have filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a new rule by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that they say could impose a national abortion regime.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch filed the complaint in the U.S. District Court in Lake Charles on Monday that seeks to challenge a rule that would require employers to accommodate employees’ abortions under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. 

This bipartisan bill was intended to provide protections for pregnant women in the workplace, including “reasonable accomodations” related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. 

The two Republican attorneys general are seeking an injunction to stop the rule, which goes in effect 60 days after it has been filed in the federal register. The rule is intended to implement the provisions of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act passed by Congress in 2022.

“This new action by the EEOC is another example of bureaucrats rewriting acts of Congress to their own liking, and it’s unconstitutional,” Murrill said in a news release. “We will continue to challenge this administration’s overreach and protect pregnant women.”

In the complaint, the two attorneys general say the new rule, which doesn’t require employers to pay travel costs for an abortion or an employee’s insurer to pay for an abortion, runs afoul of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the Roe v. Wade decision and sent abortion policy back to the states.

The rule requires employers in states that have largely outlawed abortion such as Louisiana and Mississippi to accommodate abortions or else face federal lawsuits for monetary damages and injunctive relief as any violation of EEOC rules can draw.

“The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was a bipartisan effort to help women in the workplace while they are pregnant and following childbirth,” Fitch said in a news release. “But the Biden administration is threatening to derail commonsense measures, like adequate seating, bathroom and water breaks, and relaxed dress codes, by reading into the law required accommodations for elective abortion, even where that overrides the will of the people or the religious liberty of the employer. 

“This administration will stop at nothing to undo the Dobbs decision, which gave the people back their power over abortion policymaking and to impose a national abortion regime.”

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Salary increases for school employees passes Louisiana House | Louisiana

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square – 2024-11-14 14:05:00

SUMMARY: The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed legislation to mandate salary increases for public school employees starting in the 2025-26 school year, moving to the Senate for approval. The proposal requires a $2,000 boost for certificated personnel and $1,000 for noncertificated personnel, funded by savings from decreased employer contributions to the Teachers’ Retirement System. Rep. Tony Bacala noted most districts can manage these increases, though nine may struggle. Amendments ensure any surplus funds are allocated for additional personnel raises or essential program support. Concerns were raised about the removal of the Quality Education Support Fund, impacting early childhood education.

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News from the South - Kentucky News Feed

New Kentucky initiative uses tourism to promote economic development | Kentucky

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Bittenbender | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-14 12:09:00

SUMMARY: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear launched the “New Kentucky Home” initiative, which aims to promote the state by linking tourism with business and workforce attraction. The campaign emphasizes Kentucky’s supportive communities, thriving businesses, and balanced lifestyle, appealing to families and companies looking for a new home. The initiative follows record tourism spending in 2023 and significant economic growth, with over $33 billion in investments and 56,000 jobs expected. Major employers like Ford and SK On are contributing, including a $5.8 billion electric vehicle battery plant. Beshear’s initiative highlights the synergy between tourism and economic development for Kentucky’s future success.

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Florida sues former FEMA officials over Hurricane Helene, Milton failures | Florida

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-14 11:02:00

SUMMARY: Florida is suing current and former FEMA officials for allegedly discriminating against hurricane victims based on their political affiliation. Attorney General Ashley Moody filed the lawsuit against FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and former official Marn’i Washington, claiming they directed workers to ignore aid requests from households displaying Trump signs. Reports indicate that at least 20 such homes were overlooked for assistance after hurricanes Helene and Milton. Washington, who was fired and claims to be a scapegoat, alleges that similar instructions were given in North Carolina. The lawsuit seeks damages and accountability for violating the civil rights of residents.

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