Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
National Convening Unites Attorneys and Advocates to Discuss Improved Accountability for Misconduct in Face of Expanding Immigration Enforcement Raids
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release:
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National Convening Unites Attorneys and Advocates to Discuss Improved Accountability for Misconduct in Face of Expanding Immigration Enforcement Raids
Federal Tort Claims Act Highlighted as Civil Rights Accountability Tool
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Chicago - Over 100 attorneys and advocates representing over 60 organizations from around the country united in Chicago this week for a national
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release:
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National Convening Unites Attorneys and Advocates to Discuss Improved Accountability for Misconduct in Face of Expanding Immigration Enforcement Raids
Federal Tort Claims Act Highlighted as Civil Rights Accountability Tool
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Chicago - Over 100 attorneys and advocates representing over 60 organizations from around the country united in Chicago this week for a nationalconvening aimed at training and empowering lawyers to use the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to hold federal law enforcement officers accountable for misconduct and abuse. Attendees examined emerging issues in FTCA litigation, shared lessons from ongoing and past cases, explored strategies for documenting harm and building claims, and discussed opportunities to strengthen networks of practitioners working to advance accountability.
The convening, hosted by Democracy Forward and UnidosUS, alongside partners the Institute for Justice, The Chicago Project, MacArthur Justice Center, and the National Immigrant Justice Center, focused on how ongoing expansions of immigration enforcement have increased the importance of using the FTCA to seek accountability when the misconduct occurs.
Democracy Forward and UnidosUS recently launched a new national initiative to expand the use of the FTCA as a tool to pursue accountability for federal misconduct, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement and protest-related abuses. Democracy Forward has built significant infrastructure to support this effort, including a comprehensive FTCA litigation toolkit, a growing national attorney network and listserv, referral and intake pathways for potential claims, and training materials designed to support advocates and practitioners nationwide.
"We know that accountability is important and are committed to working alongside people across the nation to ensure victims of unlawful federal enforcement activity are compensated and that bad actors are exposed. From teargassing children to pulling citizens from through car windows to brutalizing peaceful protestors, at a time when the Trump-Vance administration has escalated unlawful enforcement actions that are causing serious harm to people and communities across the country, it was incredible to see the robust organizations and people together to pursue accountability against federal misconduct," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "The Federal Tort Claims Act can be an incredibly powerful civil rights accountability tool. This convening is just the beginning of what will be a coordinated network of attorneys representing people harmed by federal officers' actions at the administrative claim stage and in federal litigation, and Democracy Forward is honored to offer training, research, litigation guidance, screening tools, and ongoing technical support to make sure partners have the tools they need to hold government accountable."
The two-day convening included expert panels, strategic discussions, and opportunities for attorneys and advocates to strengthen collaboration across the growing national network of practitioners. Participants also previewed the litigation toolkit, coordinated attorney network, and expanded referral pathways for individuals seeking accountability and justice.
The FTCA was effectively used during the Trump-Pence administration as officials went to drastic measures to separate and harm immigrant families. The law requires an administrative claim be made -- and typically a six-month waiting period -- before someone can file an FTCA lawsuit. Democracy Forward and its partners have already filed a number of claims against some of the Trump-Vance administration's more egregious actions, laying the groundwork for future litigation.
More information about Democracy Forward's new FTCA practice can be found here (https://democracyforward.org/ftca-accountability-project/).
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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
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Original text here: https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/national-convening-unites-attorneys-and-advocates-to-discuss-improved-accountability-for-misconduct-in-face-of-expanding-immigration-enforcement-raids/
[Category: Political]
Hannah Meyer Selected as Rita Allen Foundation Scholar
COLD SPRING HARBOR, New York, June 13 -- The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory issued the following news:
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Hannah Meyer selected as Rita Allen Foundation Scholar
Written by: Samuel Diamond, Senior Communications Strategist
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Assistant Professor Hannah Meyer has been named a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar. The scholarship provides her lab with $100,000 annually for five years for cutting-edge research on the immune system.
Specifically, the Meyer lab focuses on an often-overlooked organ called the thymus. This small gland is known to play a key role in human
... Show Full Article
COLD SPRING HARBOR, New York, June 13 -- The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory issued the following news:
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Hannah Meyer selected as Rita Allen Foundation Scholar
Written by: Samuel Diamond, Senior Communications Strategist
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Assistant Professor Hannah Meyer has been named a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar. The scholarship provides her lab with $100,000 annually for five years for cutting-edge research on the immune system.
Specifically, the Meyer lab focuses on an often-overlooked organ called the thymus. This small gland is known to play a key role in humanhealth, essentially training the body to maintain its natural balance between under- and overactive immune responses, i.e., immunodeficiency and autoimmune disease. Yet many crucial questions remain around how this works for each person and for how long.
"Our research will investigate how factors like genetics, age, and sex influence thymus function," Meyer explains. "I'd like to thank the Rita Allen Foundation for their tremendous vote of confidence. It's an honor to see my name alongside scientists who have made major impacts on immunology and medicine. The foundation's support will help my lab do the kind of bold research it takes to achieve such great results."
Since 1976, the Rita Allen Foundation has invested in more than 200 biomedical scientists at the early stages of their careers. Scholars have gone on to make fundamental contributions to their fields, from gene therapies to new cancer treatments.
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Original text here: https://www.cshl.edu/hannah-meyer-selected-as-rita-allen-foundation-scholar/
[Category: Science]
Democracy Forward: Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Halts Funds While Litigation Proceeds
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Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court today granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump-Vance administration from implementing its $1.776 billion
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Halts Funds While Litigation Proceeds
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Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court today granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump-Vance administration from implementing its $1.776 billionso-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund" while litigation challenging the program moves forward.
The plaintiffs include former career federal prosecutor Andrew Floyd, Professor Jonathan Caravello, the City of New Haven, the National Abortion Federation, and Common Cause. Plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward.
The court's order halts the Trump-Vance administration's slush fund while the case proceeds on the merits.
The ruling also comes after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to provide evidence supporting its unsworn representations that the slush fund was"not going forward," despite plaintiffs' repeated communications seeking confirmation regarding the status of the program, including whether any funds had been transferred, claims processed, or members appointed. The court's decision ensures that the administration cannot proceed with the slush fund, finding that plaintiffs demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims.
The lawsuit challenges the creation of a taxpayer-funded compensation program designed to provide benefits to individuals who claim they were harmed by actions of Democratic administrations. Plaintiffs argue the fund violates the First Amendment, equal protection principles, separation of powers, the Administrative Procedure Act, and constitutional restrictions governing federal spending.
In granting preliminary relief, the court concluded that plaintiffs satisfied the standard for a preliminary injunction and that maintaining the status quo was warranted.
"I'm heartened that the injunction continues to prevent $1.776 billion in taxpayer money from being used to pay off those who attacked our democracy. I will continue this litigation to ensure that this unconstitutional fund does not erase the accountability imposed by judges and impartial jurors--and the hard-earned work of the victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors who delivered it," said Andrew Floyd.
"While this win acts as a defense against a blatant violation of our legal code, the structures that direct the flow of U.S. taxpayer money into violence both domestic and abroad still stand," said Professor Jonathan Caravello. "The courts are sites of political struggle. The question we must ask ourselves now is 'How can we, the people, build power in the aftermath of this legal ruling?'"
"Today's ruling affirms what New Haveners and Americans across the country recognized from the moment the Trump administration announced its so-called 'Anti-Weaponization Fund': that this is an improper, illegal and unconstitutional use of federal taxpayer dollars created to reward President Trump's political allies and advance President Trump's personal political interests and that it should not be allowed to proceed. We have a lot of challenges to address in our cities, states and country, and our taxpayer dollars should be spent on critical priorities that benefit all Americans - not a political slush fund that rewards the select few," said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. "As a city, we will continue to stand up for our residents and that our federal government adheres to the rule of law."
"Today's ruling is a victory for abortion providers, their patients, and everyone who believes the federal government should not be in the business of rewarding extremists. This slush fund was never about justice - it was a taxpayer-funded payday for people who blockaded abortion clinics, assaulted healthcare workers, and terrorized patients seeking abortion care," said Brittany Fonteno, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation. "As targeted attacks against abortion clinics and patients continue, we need to ensure federal laws like the FACE Act are fully enforced and that violators are held accountable for their violence and disruptions."
"The Trump administration cannot be trusted with the public's money," said Omar Noureldin, Common Cause's Senior Vice President for Policy and Litigation. "Today's ruling is a massive win, ensuring hard-earned tax dollars stay out of the hands of the President's cronies and people who violently assaulted law enforcement on January 6 while we're securing justice for American taxpayers in court. We've successfully locked the President's personal slush fund for now, and we'll keep the pressure on until it's shut down for good."
"This ruling is a significant victory for the Constitution, the rule of law, and people in America," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "The court recognized the serious legal concerns raised by the Trump-Vance administration's attempt to create a secretive, taxpayer-funded compensation program operating outside the constitutional safeguards that govern public spending. Despite the administration's shifting explanations about the future of the slush fund, the court's order ensures that taxpayer dollars cannot be distributed through this unlawful scheme while the courts fully consider the serious constitutional issues at stake. We look forward to continuing this challenge on behalf of our clients."
The so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund was created following the private agreement in President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under the program, nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds would be transferred to a newly created entity empowered to receive and adjudicate claims with minimal transparency, limited oversight, and no meaningful judicial review.
The case is Andrew Floyd et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice et al., and the legal team at Democracy Forward includes Pooja Boisture, Jyoti Jasrasaria, Aman George, Ayesha Khan, Robin Thurston, and Skye Perryman.
Find the written order here (https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/189115193387.pdf).
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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
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Original text here: https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/federal-court-blocks-trump-vance-administrations-1-776-billion-slush-fund-while-the-case-continues/
[Category: Political]
Common Cause: Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
NEW YORK, June 13 -- Common Cause - New York issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Halts Funds While Litigation Proceeds
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Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court today granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump-Vance administration from implementing its $1.776 billion so-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund" while litigation challenging the program moves forward.
The plaintiffs include former career federal prosecutor
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, June 13 -- Common Cause - New York issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Halts Funds While Litigation Proceeds
-
Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court today granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump-Vance administration from implementing its $1.776 billion so-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund" while litigation challenging the program moves forward.
The plaintiffs include former career federal prosecutorAndrew Floyd, Professor Jonathan Caravello, the City of New Haven, the National Abortion Federation, and Common Cause. Plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward.
The court's order halts the Trump-Vance administration's slush fund while the case proceeds on the merits.
The ruling also comes after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to provide evidence supporting its unsworn representations that the slush fund was"not going forward," despite plaintiffs' repeated communications seeking confirmation regarding the status of the program, including whether any funds had been transferred, claims processed, or members appointed. The court's decision ensures that the administration cannot proceed with the slush fund, finding that plaintiffs demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims.
The lawsuit challenges the creation of a taxpayer-funded compensation program designed to provide benefits to individuals who claim they were harmed by actions of Democratic administrations. Plaintiffs argue the fund violates the First Amendment, equal protection principles, separation of powers, the Administrative Procedure Act, and constitutional restrictions governing federal spending.
In granting preliminary relief, the court concluded that plaintiffs satisfied the standard for a preliminary injunction and that maintaining the status quo was warranted.
"The Trump administration cannot be trusted with the public's money," said Omar Noureldin, Common Cause's Senior Vice President for Policy and Litigation. "Today's ruling is a massive win, ensuring hard-earned tax dollars stay out of the hands of the President's cronies and people who violently assaulted law enforcement on January 6 while we're securing justice for American taxpayers in court. We've successfully locked the President's personal slush fund for now, and we'll keep the pressure on until it's shut down for good."
"I'm heartened that the injunction continues to prevent $1.776 billion in taxpayer money from being used to pay off those who attacked our democracy. I will continue this litigation to ensure that this unconstitutional fund does not erase the accountability imposed by judges and impartial jurors--and the hard-earned work of the victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors who delivered it," said Andrew Floyd.
"While this win acts as a defense against a blatant violation of our legal code, the structures that direct the flow of U.S. taxpayer money into violence both domestic and abroad still stand," said Professor Jonathan Caravello. "The courts are sites of political struggle. The question we must ask ourselves now is 'How can we, the people, build power in the aftermath of this legal ruling?'"
"Today's ruling affirms what New Haveners and Americans across the country recognized from the moment the Trump administration announced its so-called 'Anti-Weaponization Fund': that this is an improper, illegal and unconstitutional use of federal taxpayer dollars created to reward President Trump's political allies and advance President Trump's personal political interests and that it should not be allowed to proceed. We have a lot of challenges to address in our cities, states and country, and our taxpayer dollars should be spent on critical priorities that benefit all Americans - not a political slush fund that rewards the select few," said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. "As a city, we will continue to stand up for our residents and that our federal government adheres to the rule of law."
"Today's ruling is a victory for abortion providers, their patients, and everyone who believes the federal government should not be in the business of rewarding extremists. This slush fund was never about justice - it was a taxpayer-funded payday for people who blockaded abortion clinics, assaulted healthcare workers, and terrorized patients seeking abortion care," said Brittany Fonteno, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation. "As targeted attacks against abortion clinics and patients continue, we need to ensure federal laws like the FACE Act are fully enforced and that violators are held accountable for their violence and disruptions."
"This ruling is a significant victory for the Constitution, the rule of law, and people in America," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "The court recognized the serious legal concerns raised by the Trump-Vance administration's attempt to create a secretive, taxpayer-funded compensation program operating outside the constitutional safeguards that govern public spending. Despite the administration's shifting explanations about the future of the slush fund, the court's order ensures that taxpayer dollars cannot be distributed through this unlawful scheme while the courts fully consider the serious constitutional issues at stake. We look forward to continuing this challenge on behalf of our clients."
The so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund was created following the private agreement in President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under the program, nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds would be transferred to a newly created entity empowered to receive and adjudicate claims with minimal transparency, limited oversight, and no meaningful judicial review.
The case is Andrew Floyd et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice et al., and the legal team at Democracy Forward includes Pooja Boisture, Jyoti Jasrasaria, Aman George, Ayesha Khan, Robin Thurston, and Skye Perryman.
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Original text here: https://www.commoncause.org/press/federal-court-blocks-trump-vance-administrations-1-776-billion-slush-fund-while-the-case-continues/
[Category: Political]
CAIR-MI Welcomes Court's Second Ruling Rejecting Claims Against CAIR-MI and Lead Staff Attorney
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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CAIR-MI Welcomes Court's Second Ruling Rejecting Claims Against CAIR-MI and Lead Staff Attorney
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today welcomed a Wayne County Circuit Court ruling that, for the second time, rejected claims brought against CAIR-MI and its Lead Staff Attorney, Amy V. Doukoure, Esq., in connection with CAIR-MI's lawful advocacy and representation of a local business owner.
The lawsuit arose after CAIR-MI represented
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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CAIR-MI Welcomes Court's Second Ruling Rejecting Claims Against CAIR-MI and Lead Staff Attorney
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today welcomed a Wayne County Circuit Court ruling that, for the second time, rejected claims brought against CAIR-MI and its Lead Staff Attorney, Amy V. Doukoure, Esq., in connection with CAIR-MI's lawful advocacy and representation of a local business owner.
The lawsuit arose after CAIR-MI representedGarden City Collision and its owner, who had reportedly been subjected to repeated police complaints by a neighbor. In its latest ruling, the Court denied the plaintiff's attempt to revive claims for defamation and abuse of process against CAIR-MI and Doukoure, finding that the proposed amended claims remained legally futile. The Court held that statements made to police are absolutely privileged, that statements made during public commentary before the Garden City Council were protected opinion or rhetorical commentary, and that the abuse-of-process theory remained legally insufficient.
SEE ORDER (https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Certify.pdf).
"We welcome the Court's decision recognizing that civil rights advocates and attorneys cannot be sued simply for doing their jobs," said Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR-MI. "When business owners, families, workers, students, or community members come to CAIR-MI because they believe they are being targeted or treated unfairly, our responsibility is to advocate within the bounds of the law. This ruling affirms that lawful advocacy cannot be turned into retaliation."
Amy V. Doukoure, Esq., Lead Staff Attorney at CAIR-MI said:
"This case should never have been used as a vehicle to punish protected advocacy. From the beginning, it appeared to be brought solely as an attempt to chill CAIR-MI's advocacy and target our organization for diligently fulfilling its duty to represent a community member who sought our help. The Court has now twice rejected attempts to impose liability on CAIR-MI and me for conduct tied to lawful representation, public advocacy, and reporting concerns to appropriate authorities. This dismissal sends a clear message: CAIR-MI's strong and effective advocacy cannot be stopped simply because someone is unhappy with its impact. We are grateful that the Court recognized the legal protections that apply in these circumstances."
CAIR-MI said the ruling is significant because civil rights organizations and attorneys must be able to represent clients, communicate with public officials, and report concerns to law enforcement without fear that those actions will be reframed as defamation or abuse of process. The organization emphasized that such lawsuits risk chilling protected speech, legal advocacy, and access to representation for marginalized communities and small business owners.
CAIR-MI will continue defending the rights of Michigan residents and businesses facing discrimination, harassment, unequal treatment, and government overreach.
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-mi-welcomes-courts-second-ruling-rejecting-claims-against-cair-mi-and-lead-staff-attorney/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR-Arizona Calls on Governor to Veto Anti-Muslim Hate Bill
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-Arizona Calls on Governor to Veto Anti-Muslim Hate Bill
Civil rights group says legislation purporting to ban "sharia law" is based on misinformation, promotes bigotry and will lead to real harm for Arizona Muslims
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The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Arizona), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said an anti-Muslim hate bill approved by the Arizona legislature targeting so-called "Sharia law" is rooted in misinformation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-Arizona Calls on Governor to Veto Anti-Muslim Hate Bill
Civil rights group says legislation purporting to ban "sharia law" is based on misinformation, promotes bigotry and will lead to real harm for Arizona Muslims
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The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Arizona), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said an anti-Muslim hate bill approved by the Arizona legislature targeting so-called "Sharia law" is rooted in misinformationand bigotry, and will contribute to growing hostility toward Arizona's Muslim community.
CAIR-Arizona urges Governor Katie Hobbs to veto the legislation, warning that it stigmatizes Muslim Arizonans, undermines religious freedom, and sends a harmful message that state government is willing to single out a minority faith community for political purposes.
That legislation passed despite the absence of any evidence that American courts are being replaced by religious legal systems or that "Sharia" poses any threat to Arizonans or the U.S. Constitution.
SEE: State lawmakers vote to outlaw Sharia Law in Arizona (https://tucson.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_0bf70265-3acd-4c61-a08c-106361c9b6bb.html)
In a statement, CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif said:
"This legislation is not about protecting the Constitution or safeguarding Arizona families. It is about fearmongering and exploiting long-debunked myths about Islam and Muslims for political gain. By singling out a false caricature of 'Sharia law' and portraying an entire faith tradition as a threat, lawmakers are legitimizing anti-Muslim prejudice and sending a message that Muslim Arizonans are somehow less welcome than their neighbors.
"Measures like this do not exist in a vacuum. They contribute to an environment in which discrimination, harassment, and even violence against Muslims become more likely. Arizona's elected officials should be working to unite communities and defend constitutional religious freedom, not advancing legislation that stigmatizes a minority faith."
"We urge Governor Hobbs to reject this divisive and unnecessary legislation and veto the bill. Arizona should stand for religious freedom, equal protection under the law, and the principle that no community should be singled out for political attack because of its faith."
She noted that the Washington, D.C., based civil rights organization's latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 - the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
Last month, CAIR commended Democratic members of Congress who defended American Muslims and constitutional religious freedom during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on "Sharia law." CAIR also condemned Republican members and witnesses for promoting anti-Muslim fearmongering and dangerous smear tactics amid rising anti-Muslim hate incidents nationwide.
CAIR previously designated the so-called "Sharia-Free America Caucus" organizing the hearing as an anti-Muslim hate group after multiple caucus members publicly called for banning the practice of Islam, expelling Muslims from the United States, or targeting mainstream Muslim organizations and communities.
Community members who experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or bias targeting Muslims or other marginalized groups are encouraged to report incidents to CAIR at: https://www.cair.com/report/
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-arizona-calls-on-governor-to-veto-anti-muslim-hate-bill/
[Category: Sociological]
Americans for Tax Reform: Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signers Advance to GOP Gubernatorial Primary Runoff in South Carolina
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following statement on June 12, 2026:
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Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signers Advance to GOP Gubernatorial Primary Runoff in South Carolina
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette were the top two vote getters in the GOP gubernatorial primary held this past Tuesday. With neither candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the vote, Wilson and Evette advance to a runoff on June 23. Only those who voted in the June 9 primary will be allowed to vote in the runoff.
The great news for South Carolina taxpayers
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following statement on June 12, 2026:
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Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signers Advance to GOP Gubernatorial Primary Runoff in South Carolina
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette were the top two vote getters in the GOP gubernatorial primary held this past Tuesday. With neither candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the vote, Wilson and Evette advance to a runoff on June 23. Only those who voted in the June 9 primary will be allowed to vote in the runoff.
The great news for South Carolina taxpayersis that both candidates advancing to the GOP gubernatorial primary runoff have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. As a result, Palmetto State taxpayers can rest assured knowing that the winner of the June 23 runoff, who will likely be the next governor, has made a written commitment to veto any legislation that would result in a net tax hike.
While Attorney General Wilson was the first one in this race to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, he and Lt. Gov. Evette have both made elimination of the state income tax a featured proposal upon which they are campaigning. Fortunately for Wilson and Evette, Speaker Murrell Smith, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and their colleagues passed income tax reform this year that sets the next governor up for success when it comes to phasing out the state income tax.
H. 4216, the income tax reform bill enacted this spring, will move South Carolina from a progressive income tax code with a top rate of 6.0 percent, the highest in the southeast, to a flat 1.99 percent. The lowest flat rate in the country currently is Arizona's 2.5 percent income tax, which South Carolina will best in five years thanks to the enactment of H. 4216.
After South Carolina's income tax falls to 1.99 percent, H. 4216 will also fully phase out the state income tax over time if revenue triggers continue to be met. However, H. 4216's long time horizon for full phase out is something that the next governor will likely seek to expedite.
Tuesday's primary result wasn't the only good news for South Carolinians this week. On June 10, the day after the primary, the conference committee for the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (H. 3021) advanced a final version of the bill that will make South Carolina the 15th state with a state-level REINS Act subjecting costly regulations to legislative approval.
The Senate-passed version of H. 3021 set $10M over five years as the cost threshold above which new regulations would be subject to legislative review, while the House-passed version set that threshold at $1M over five years. The compromise version of H. 3021 that the conference committee agreed to this week goes with the House version's lower cost threshold, something ATR and other conservative organizations had been urging. H. 3021 will get a final floor vote later this summer when lawmakers return to Columbia to tend to the budget matters and other unfinished business.
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Original text here: https://atr.org/taxpayer-protection-pledge-signers-advance-to-gop-gubernatorial-primary-runoff-in-south-carolina/
[Category: Political]
