New Student Loan Programs Emerge Despite Federal Rollbacks
by FOCUS, a Leonine Business
Student loans remain a critical issue for millions of Americans seeking higher education. With rising tuition costs, many students rely on loans to finance their degrees, only to face significant repayment challenges after graduation. Understanding available repayment options, forgiveness programs and current legislative developments is essential for borrowers to manage their debt effectively. However, recent federal rollbacks of student loan programs have added further obstacles for borrowers, limiting repayment options and reducing access to forgiveness programs.
Governor Josh Shapiro signs executive order to hire fired federal workers in Pennsylvania
CBS Pittsburg
Legislation aiming to make major changes to Ohio’s recreational marijuana law was passed in the state Senate Wednesday afternoon. If SB 56 ultimately becomes law, it will enact tighter restrictions than what are in place now. Republicans supporting the bill say it provides better oversight of testing, packaging and advertising of marijuana and protects Ohio’s kids from exposure to the drug.
Utah becomes first state to pass legislation requiring app stores to verify ages
The Detroit News
Utah, on Wednesday, became the first state to pass legislation requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and get parental consent for minors to download apps to their devices. The bill headed to the desk of Republican Gov. Spencer Cox.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming are in regular session. The District of Columbia Council and U.S. Congress are also in session.
Louisiana is expected to convene for its 2025 legislative session on April 14.
The following states are scheduled to adjourn their 2025 legislative sessions on the dates provided: Wyoming (March 6) and Utah (March 7).
Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has until March 24 to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has 14 days from presentment to act on legislation or it is pocket vetoed.
Interim Committees/Prefiles
Louisiana is currently holding interim committee hearings.
Louisiana is currently posting prefiles and interim studies.
Special Elections
The following seats are scheduled to be filled by special election on March 11: Iowa House District 100 and Minnesota House District 40B.
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