A new phase in the American tussle between state and local powers
once taught that local government reigned supreme. Politicians closest to constituents were best equipped to govern them, the argument went, and far-off centralised authority did nothing but meddle. Today, however, a Goldilocks principle of government has taken its place among Republicans, says Bennett Sandlin, the head of the Texas Municipal League, an advocacy group. “The federal government is big and bad, cities are small and bad, and somehow state government gets it just right.
Florida’s new legislation will also chill city lawmaking. Local Ordinances—as the bill is, ironically, called—authorises businesses to sue municipal governments over any law they deem “arbitrary or unreasonable” . While a speedy “rocket-docket” court deliberates the case, in most circumstances the government will have to suspend the rule in question. And if the challenger wins, the city must repeal the ordinance.
The assault is driven in part by changing demographics that jeopardise conservative dominance in the South. In recent years Democratic cities in Republican states have been flooded by new residents. Texas and Florida stand out. In the year to July 2022 seven of America’s ten fastest-growing big cities were in these two states. That feeds a nasty political tension.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Will drone cops make American policing safer or just more intrusive?With a handful of American police departments now using drones as first responders, some officers see them as a “de-escalation strategy”
Read more »
Lilibet's birthday will be 'all American affair - laid-back but celeb guests'EXCLUSIVE: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's daughter Princess Lilibet is celebrating her 2nd birthday, with royal expert Jennie Bond suggesting how she could be marking the day
Read more »
American basketball is entering a more competitive eraThanks to internationalisation and a tighter salary cap
Read more »
YouTube star and Manchester United fan Speed attacked during FA Cup finalYouTube star Speed was attacked during the FA Cup final and allegedly had his phone hit out of his hand. The American, real name Darren Watkins Jr., was attending the FA Cup final at Wembley on Sat…
Read more »
Biden: 'Economic Collapse' Averted With Debt Ceiling Deal“No one got everything they wanted,' Biden said in his first live address from the Oval Office, 'but the American people got what they needed.'
Read more »
US Defense Secretary Says Washington Won't Stand for ‘Coercion and Bullying' From ChinaAmerican Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says Washington would not stand for any “coercion and bullying” of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and would prefer dialogue over conflict.
Read more »