Latest from Barbara Rodriguez
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How ranked-choice voting elevates women and people of color seeking office
The New York City mayoral race is the latest example of how an election system that gives voters the option to choose multiple candidates can change the dynamics of campaigning and shatter electability myths.
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A day of 'profound power': Biden declares Juneteenth a federal holiday
The country's first new federal holiday since 1983 is the fruit of a decades-long push to acknowledge the importance of emancipation.
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How women in Maryland are trying to stop gun violence
They are lawmakers, community organizers and relatives of victims. And they’re a microcosm of the gun violence prevention efforts playing out in statehouses across the nation — amid congressional gridlock and daily shootings.
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Newly elected trans state lawmakers reflect on record year of anti-trans bills
Rep. Stephanie Byers of Kansas, Sen. Sarah McBride of Delaware and Rep. Taylor Small of Vermont entered office during a year of record anti-trans bills. They’re advocating for policies that help LGBTQ+ people.
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Why bills to end spousal rape loopholes hit snags
Some state lawmakers have sought to make changes, but others have perpetuated rape myths in response to bills.
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There are only 8 women governors. Here's how two plan to fix that.
Govs. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico and Kate Brown of Oregon are raising money to elect more Democratic women governors. Research shows it’s one of the most underrepresented areas of government for women.
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Only some parents can use campaign funds for child care when running for office. Here's why.
A new report highlights the financial barriers to parents of young children running for state and local office.
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‘A bigger hit than the cancer itself’: How some states are working to help cancer patients with infertility
A bill in Texas has stalled, but this year Utah joined other states that have tried to make procedures including egg, embryo and sperm freezing more accessible to those getting treatment.
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Women are underrepresented in local government, too, new data shows
Women hold fewer than one-third of seats in municipal governments nationwide, comparable to their presence in state and federal offices.
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Alaska lawmaker, already at odds with colleagues over mask rules, gets airline ban
Republican Sen. Lora Reinbold is now one of several hundred people that Alaska Airlines has banned for not following mask rules.