Foundations
Here's a look at documents from U.S. foundations
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VICTORY: FIRE-supported campus speech bill signed into law by Tennessee governor
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, May 1 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release:
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VICTORY: FIRE-supported campus speech bill signed into law by Tennessee governor
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Faculty and students at Tennessee's public universities can speak more freely today after Governor Bill Lee signed the amended version of SB 1741 -the "Charlie Kirk Act" -into law.
The measure expands on Tennessee's existing campus free speech law to further protect students and faculty from censorship, including by:
* Prohibiting public institutions and their agents from retaliating
... Show Full Article
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, May 1 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release:
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VICTORY: FIRE-supported campus speech bill signed into law by Tennessee governor
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Faculty and students at Tennessee's public universities can speak more freely today after Governor Bill Lee signed the amended version of SB 1741 -the "Charlie Kirk Act" -into law.
The measure expands on Tennessee's existing campus free speech law to further protect students and faculty from censorship, including by:
* Prohibiting public institutions and their agents from retaliatingor discriminating against faculty for viewpoints expressed in their scholarly work or for speech protected by the First Amendment;
* Requiring adoption of the "Chicago Statement," which reaffirms the university's "fundamental commitment" to open debate, and the Kalven Report, which says universities must not take positions on political or social issues;
* Clarifying that universities cannot disinvite speakers invited by students, faculty, or student organizations based on threatened protests or opposition; and
* Prohibiting retaliation based on a person's religious views or their positions on abortion, homosexuality, or transgender issues.
FIRE highlighted several strengths with the initial draft of the Charlie Kirk Act, and some ambiguous language that left room for abuse and may have undermined the measure's effectiveness. After the bill was amended to address these issues, FIRE Government Affairs Counsel Michael Hurley testified in support before the House Higher Education Subcommittee.
"Students learn best when they and faculty are free to engage in robust, uninhibited debate and discussion," said Hurley. "By building on the state's existing campus free speech law, the Charlie Kirk Act reaffirms Tennessee's commitment to free thought and free minds in higher education."
For example, the law's prohibition on retaliating against faculty for their protected speech would have helped faculty who were targeted for their critical speech about Charlie Kirk after his tragic assassination. Going forward, faculty members who speak on similarly controversial topics can avail themselves of this law's protections.
FIRE is grateful to Rep. Gino Bulso and Sen. Paul Rose, this bill's sponsors, for their work on this important measure. It will immediately take effect for the purpose of adopting policies, and for all other purposes it will take effect on July 1.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought -the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.
CONTACT:
Katie Stalcup, Communications Campaign Manager, FIRE: 215-717-3473; media@thefire.org
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Original text here: https://www.thefire.org/news/victory-fire-supported-campus-speech-bill-signed-law-tennessee-governor
Despite Five Months of Union Delay Tactics, Ohio Dispensary Employees Win Effort to Kick Teamsters Local 413 Union Bosses Out
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, May 1 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release:
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Despite Five Months of Union Delay Tactics, Ohio Dispensary Employees Win Effort to Kick Teamsters Local 413 Union Bosses Out
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After Teamsters lawyers were forced to drop meritless "blocking charges," Labor Board formally revokes Teamsters monopoly bargaining status
Athens, OH (May 1, 2026) - Employees of Herbal Wellness Center have officially freed themselves from unwanted Teamsters Local 413 union bosses after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Regional Director
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, May 1 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release:
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Despite Five Months of Union Delay Tactics, Ohio Dispensary Employees Win Effort to Kick Teamsters Local 413 Union Bosses Out
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After Teamsters lawyers were forced to drop meritless "blocking charges," Labor Board formally revokes Teamsters monopoly bargaining status
Athens, OH (May 1, 2026) - Employees of Herbal Wellness Center have officially freed themselves from unwanted Teamsters Local 413 union bosses after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Regional Directorof Region 9 revoked the Teamsters' certification as the workers' exclusive monopoly "representative." The workers' effort was spearheaded by dispensary employee Todd Cooper, who filed a petition for his coworkers with the NLRB last November seeking a "decertification" election to end the presence of Local 413 union officials at their workplace.
The NLRB is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the National Labor Relations Act, a task that includes administering elections to install (or "certify") and remove (or "decertify") unions. The petition was filed with free legal aid from National Right to Work Foundation staff attorneys.
Cooper's petition was backed by the majority of his coworkers, who sought an NLRB-administered secret-ballot election for the 18-member work unit, including all full- and part-time Budtenders, Team Leads, and Receptionists employed at Herbal Wellness Center's Athens location.
However, before the NLRB could schedule an election, Teamsters union officials filed a series of "blocking charges" in November and December 2025 to prevent the election from taking place. Blocking charges are often meritless allegations of employer misbehaver made by union bosses in order to delay or prevent workers from removing unwanted unions.
Ultimately though, with the pending NLRB investigation of the Teamsters union bosses' blocking charges likely to find no merit to the Teamsters' claims, the Teamsters moved to drop the charges rather than have them formally dismissed by the NLRB. With nothing left to block the vote, union officials eventually declined to even contest the election, resulting in the NLRB certifying the union's ouster on April 22.
Ohio is one of the 24 states that lack Right to Work protections, meaning that Teamsters union bosses can force employees to pay dues or fees as a condition of getting and keeping a job. By contrast, in neighboring Right to Work states like West Virginia and Indiana, union membership and union financial support are strictly voluntary.
"Herbal Wellness Center employees have the protected right, as do all workers in unionized workplaces, to eject union boss 'representation' they oppose," commented National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. "It is reprehensible that Teamsters officials continue to be allowed to use 'blocking charges' to disenfranchise the very workers they claim to 'represent' for months or sometimes even years."
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The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in about 200 cases nationwide per year.
Posted on May 1, 2026 in News Releases
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Original text here: https://nrtw.org/news/ohio-dispensary-teamsters-05012026/
Peterson Foundation Statement on National Debt Surpassing 100% of GDP
NEW YORK, April 30 -- The Peter G. Peterson Foundation posted the following news release:
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Peterson Foundation Statement on National Debt Surpassing 100% of GDP
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Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today on the national debt held by the public reaching 100% of gross domestic product (GDP). Peterson said:
"Once again, America has hit an alarming fiscal milestone that highlights our dangerous and unsustainable outlook. The national debt is now as large as our entire economy, which should serve as both a disturbing warning and a call to action.
"Soon,
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, April 30 -- The Peter G. Peterson Foundation posted the following news release:
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Peterson Foundation Statement on National Debt Surpassing 100% of GDP
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Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today on the national debt held by the public reaching 100% of gross domestic product (GDP). Peterson said:
"Once again, America has hit an alarming fiscal milestone that highlights our dangerous and unsustainable outlook. The national debt is now as large as our entire economy, which should serve as both a disturbing warning and a call to action.
"Soon,we will eclipse the all-time high of debt to GDP, set just after World War II. The critical difference between 1946 and 2026 is that today's deficits are not caused by a war, but by a structural, growing mismatch between spending and revenue. Instead of the rapid fiscal improvement after the war, today's outlook reflects a steep upward debt path in the decades ahead.
"American families and businesses are feeling the pain of our growing debt because the debt puts upward pressure on inflation and interest costs. Affordability is a key issue this election season, and strong majorities of voters are ready to support candidates across party lines who have a plan to put our nation on a sustainable path.
"Despite this latest unfortunate fiscal milestone, there are many solutions available to improve affordability and build a brighter future."
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Original text here: https://www.pgpf.org/press/peterson-foundation-statement-on-national-debt-surpassing-100-of-gdp/
Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Stormwater Decision Is a Gut-Punch to Clean Water Efforts
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, April 30 -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation posted the following news release:
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Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Stormwater Decision Is a Gut-Punch to Clean Water Efforts
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The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision announced today that a charge to manage stormwater that was applied to a state university is a tax, as opposed to a fee, is a major setback in reducing polluted runoff and flooding while working for cleaner rivers and streams.
The Supreme Court affirmed a decision by the Commonwealth Court in 2023 that the Borough of West Chester's stormwater charge applied to
... Show Full Article
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, April 30 -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation posted the following news release:
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Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Stormwater Decision Is a Gut-Punch to Clean Water Efforts
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The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision announced today that a charge to manage stormwater that was applied to a state university is a tax, as opposed to a fee, is a major setback in reducing polluted runoff and flooding while working for cleaner rivers and streams.
The Supreme Court affirmed a decision by the Commonwealth Court in 2023 that the Borough of West Chester's stormwater charge applied toWest Chester University of Pennsylvania property within the borough is to be considered a tax, not a fee.
The decision could open the door to allowing all Commonwealth properties to be exempt from any stormwater utility fees. These unpaid fees would then eventually fall on private citizen ratepayers, leaving everyday Pennsylvanians on the hook to make up the difference.
As heavy rainfall flows over hard surfaces like roads and parking lots, it picks up oil, grease, dirt, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus and washes it into nearby rivers and streams. Stormwater fees pay for projects that reduce pollution and flooding by better controlling this dangerous runoff.
Threats from outdated, undersized, and dilapidated stormwater infrastructure go beyond stream pollution. It can worsen flooding in roads and basements, sweep away property, and even endanger public safety. That damage will only increase as precipitation continues to intensify due to climate change.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Vice President for Litigation and General Counsel Paul Smail issued the following statement:
"This is a gut punch to everyone working for cleaner rivers and streams in Pennsylvania. Every resident in the Commonwealth deserves clean streams and a clean environment, and thousands of Pennsylvanians pay stormwater utility fees to help manage polluted runoff.
"It's unacceptable that institutions benefiting from work to prevent pollution and flooding do not want to pay their fair share. We look forward to working with the General Assembly and Administration to make sure that they do just that."
In July of 2023, CBF filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to reverse the lower court's decision.
The brief stated that "the State's properties discharge large quantities of polluted stormwater, not just in West Chester Borough. The Commonwealth's opposition to paying any stormwater utility fees while simultaneously administering a stormwater compliance system admonishing the public to pay its fair share is an unjust double standard."
A law signed by then Governor Corbett in 2013 allowed certain local governments to form stormwater authorities. Those entities can collect fees from residents for the management, maintenance, and improvement of stormwater infrastructure.
CBF Pennsylvania Staff Attorney Trisha Salvia added the following statement.
"Simply put, Pennsylvania needs to pay its fair share of stormwater costs for state-owned properties. Public and private landowners, including businesses, churches, and the federal government, are already paying to support stormwater improvements in their local communities."
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Original text here: https://www.cbf.org/news/pennsylvania-supreme-courts-stormwater-decision-is-a-gut-punch-to-clean-water-efforts/
Lowell Residents File Lawsuit Challenging Data Center Expansion
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 30 -- Conservation Law Foundation issued the following news release:
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Lowell Residents File Lawsuit Challenging Data Center Expansion
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As the Markley data center has expanded, generators, cooling towers, and other infrastructure have been installed near neighboring houses, sometimes less than 100 feet from homes. Photo: Stephanie Safdi
April 30, 2026 (Boston, MA) - A coalition of Lowell residents, represented by Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), the Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School, and Fitch Law Partners, has filed a lawsuit
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 30 -- Conservation Law Foundation issued the following news release:
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Lowell Residents File Lawsuit Challenging Data Center Expansion
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As the Markley data center has expanded, generators, cooling towers, and other infrastructure have been installed near neighboring houses, sometimes less than 100 feet from homes. Photo: Stephanie Safdi
April 30, 2026 (Boston, MA) - A coalition of Lowell residents, represented by Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), the Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School, and Fitch Law Partners, has filed a lawsuitin Massachusetts Superior Court challenging the expansion of a 352,000-square-foot data center in a residential neighborhood. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) unlawfully approved the air permit allowing the facility's owner, Markley Group LLC, to operate dozens of diesel generators and cooling towers.
" For the last decade, this community has shown remarkable persistence in the face of consistent pollution, noise, dust, odors, and traffic right outside their homes," said Alex St. Pierre, CLF vice president for environmental justice. "Even as the years passed and the facility grew more disruptive, they continued to raise concerns-only to be dismissed and denied a fair hearing. They deserve to be heard and respected, and CLF is proud to work alongside them."
The air permit allows Markley to expand their data center by operating 27 industrial diesel back-up generators and 16 cooling towers. As the data center has expanded, generators, cooling towers, and other infrastructure have been installed near neighboring houses, sometimes less than 100 feet from homes.
MassDEP unlawfully approved the permit, failed to adequately address resident concerns, and improperly dismissed residents' appeal without granting them an opportunity to present evidence. The agency also allowed Markley to install and operate the new generators before it had a final permit through a side agreement discovered by residents during their appeal.
"The lawsuit challenges every aspect of Markley and MassDEP's efforts to ram the data center expansion through the agency approval process," said Yale Law School student attorney Mehrdad Dariush '26. "It alleges that MassDEP violated the state's Administrative Procedure Act by committing a number of legal and factual errors when it approved Markley's permit, and that the consent order violates the plaintiffs' rights to a fair hearing and exceeds the agency's statutory powers."
Lowell residents have raised issues about the data center for years. In March, the city council imposed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction.
"This is an important step forward in getting the respect our neighborhood has not had for the past 11 years. It didn't have to come to this, but Markley refused to listen to the neighborhood or respect state laws," said Jacob Fortes, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, addressing the Markley Group's arrival in the neighborhood in 2015. Fortes' home sits at the data center fenceline.
The full lawsuit can be read here.
Experts are available for further comment.
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Original text here: https://www.clf.org/newsroom/lowell-residents-file-lawsuit-challenging-data-center-expansion/
Health Foundation: Landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill Becomes Law, Marking Major Win for Public Health
LONDON, England, April 30 -- The Health Foundation issued the following statement on April 29, 2026, by senior fellow in prevention Samantha Field:
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Landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law, marking major win for public health
Responding to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill gaining Royal Assent, Samantha Field, Senior Fellow (Prevention) at the Health Foundation, said:
'Today marks a major step towards protecting future generations from nicotine addiction and the long-term harms of tobacco. It represents a real shift in the UK's public health strategy, but the job is far from done.
'Smoking
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, April 30 -- The Health Foundation issued the following statement on April 29, 2026, by senior fellow in prevention Samantha Field:
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Landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law, marking major win for public health
Responding to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill gaining Royal Assent, Samantha Field, Senior Fellow (Prevention) at the Health Foundation, said:
'Today marks a major step towards protecting future generations from nicotine addiction and the long-term harms of tobacco. It represents a real shift in the UK's public health strategy, but the job is far from done.
'Smokingremains the leading cause of preventable death, disability and ill health. In England's most deprived communities, around 1 in 5 people still smoke, compared with just 1 in 20 in the least deprived areas.
'As our new analysis published this week shows, these inequalities drive a stark gap in healthy life expectancy between rich and poor areas, which has widened to around 20 years. Targeted stop smoking support for those most at risk is therefore essential.
'Children also need stronger protection from second-hand smoke, and more robust smoke free places legislation alongside effective implementation will be key to closing that gap.
'Youth vaping is creating a new route into nicotine addiction. The strength of regulations on flavours, packaging and display and how effectively they are enforced will determine whether the bill truly protects children or continues to leave them at risk of nicotine addiction.
'Royal Assent is an important milestone, but the focus must now shift to ensuring this legislation delivers the healthier future it promises.'
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Original text here: https://www.health.org.uk/press-office/press-releases/landmark-tobacco-and-vapes-bill-becomes-law-marking-major-win-for-public-health
CBCF Statement on Supreme Court Voting Rights Ruling
WASHINGTON, April 30 -- The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation issued the following statement on April 29, 2026, by President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery:
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CBCF Statement on Supreme Court Voting Rights Ruling
In response to the Supreme Court decision in the voting rights case challenging Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, Louisiana v. Callais, CBCF President & CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery issued the following statement:
"The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) acknowledges the Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which carries serious implications for key provisions
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 30 -- The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation issued the following statement on April 29, 2026, by President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery:
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CBCF Statement on Supreme Court Voting Rights Ruling
In response to the Supreme Court decision in the voting rights case challenging Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, Louisiana v. Callais, CBCF President & CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery issued the following statement:
"The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) acknowledges the Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which carries serious implications for key provisionsof the Voting Rights Act. As a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) institution dedicated to the nation's civic health through public education and leadership development, we remain steadfast in our mission: ensuring that the interests of Black Americans, and all underrepresented and historically marginalized groups, are prioritized and protected. The Voting Rights Act is a cornerstone of this mission.
As CBCF marks its 50th Anniversary this year, we are reminded of a founding principle: that we must ensure the perspectives and needs of every citizen are reflected in how we are governed. A healthy democracy requires the active protection of the rights of all voters, and every citizen deserves a fair and representative voice in it. Our work through leadership development, policy analysis, and the convening of voices underscores this principle.
At CBCF, we will continue to do our part to make sure every person has the tools needed to understand the rights of all voters. We will continue to encourage civic engagement through empowering communities with essential information about how redistricting affects their access to the ballot and local representation.
While legal interpretations of the Voting Rights Act continue to evolve through the court system, our resolve to support underrepresented and underserved populations and to serve as a resource remains unchanged.
We will continue to provide the information and education necessary to help communities navigate these changes. By working together, we can ensure that the fundamental promise of equal representation remains a reality for every person, regardless of their zip code or background."
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Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org. As a 501(c)(3), the CBCF takes no position on legislation or regulatory matters before Congress or any other government agency.
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Original text here: https://www.cbcfinc.org/press-releases/cbcf-statement-on-supreme-court-voting-rights-ruling/
[Category: Political]
