U.S. Government Borrowing at Record Levels

It costs a lot of money to fund all of the federal government’s unconstitutional programs and activities. In the first quarter of 2018, the U.S. government hit borrowing levels not seen since the peak of the financial crisis. The U.S. Treasury’s net borrowing totaled $488 billion from January through March, according to a statement released Monday. That was…

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To the Governor: Oklahoma Passes Constitutional Carry Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (May 2, 2018) – Yesterday, the Oklahoma Senate gave final approval to a so-called  “Constitutional Carry” bill that would make it legal for most Oklahomans to carry a concealed firearm without a license. Passage into law would also foster an environment hostile to federal gun control. Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) authored Senate…

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Colorado House Passes Bill to Further Expand Industrial Hemp Industry Despite Federal Prohibition

DENVER, Colo. (May 3, 2018) – On Tuesday, the Colorado House unanimously passed a bill that would further mainstream the state’s industrial hemp industry. Final passage of this bill would likely pave the way for faster development of the state’s hemp market, and further nullify federal prohibition in practice and effect. A bipartisan coalition of two senators…

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Michigan Committee Passes Bill to Reform Civil Asset Forfeiture; Federal Loophole Remains

LANSING, Mich. (May 3, 2018) – On Tuesday, a Michigan House committee passed a bill that would reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in most cases, but leaves a loophole in place allowing police to circumvent stricter state laws by passing cases off to the feds. Rep.…

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Relevancy of the Constitution in Local and State Elections

With election signs everywhere it is well to note that it is unrealistic to expect national candidates to follow the Constitution when we did not insist that they did so in local and state elections.  After all, many simply move up to higher office.  Some may even view the Constitution as irrelevant at these levels.…

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TAC Joins Coalition in Support of New Jersey Bills to Take on Asset Forfeiture

TRENTON, N.J. (May 1, 2018) – The Tenth Amendment Center has joined a coalition of seven organizations supporting passage of New Jersey bills that would impose strict reporting requirements for all asset forfeitures in the state. This legislation would take a first step that could lead to substantive reforms.  Senate Bill 1963 (S1963) and its companion,…

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End Unchecked Police Surveillance, Establish Local Control

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 3, 2018) – The Tenth Amendment Center has joined a diverse group of organizations supporting a California bill that would increase oversight and transparency of law enforcement surveillance technology. Passage of the bill would take the first step toward limiting the unchecked use of surveillance technologies that violate basic privacy rights and…

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Signed by the Governor: Iowa Law Bans Abortions After a Heartbeat Is Detected, Setting Foundation to Nullify Roe v. Wade

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 4, 2018) – Today, Iowa Gov. Reynolds signed a bill into law that bans most abortions after a fetal heartbeat becomes detectable, setting the foundation to nullify the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. The Senate Human Resources Committee introduced Senate Bill 359 (SF359) in February. The legislation would require a…

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Colorado Committee Passes Bill to Expand Current Asset Forfeiture Reforms

DENVER, Colo. (May 1, 2018) – On Monday, a Colorado Senate committee passed a bill that would expand asset forfeiture reporting requirements instituted last year.  Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver) introduced House Bill 1020 (HB1020) on Jan. 10. The legislation would expand asset forfeiture reporting requirements be redefining the agencies required to submit reports. Last year, Gov.…

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