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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Ballot Measures Could Mean Big Changes for Nevada

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022   

This midterm election, the battle for control of the U.S. Senate has dominated headlines, but Nevada voters are also weighing in on three ballot measures which could have a huge impact on wages in the state, the way elections are carried out, and more.

Question Two would get rid of the two-tiered minimum wage, because right now, workers who get health insurance can be paid a dollar less an hour than people whose employer does not provide health benefits.

Will Pregman, communications director for Battle Born Progress, said the arrangement has turned out to be a bad deal for many workers.

"A lot of times, this was being abused by companies who would pay their workers this lower salary and give them essentially a bare bones, 'junk' insurance plan," Pregman asserted.

Opponents of the change said the extra cost would be a burden on employers and lead to job cuts. The new minimum wage would be $12 an hour for all workers, and would rise automatically if the national minimum wage surpasses that amount.

Question One would enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment into the Nevada State Constitution, banning discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry or national origin.

Question Three would introduce an open primary, in which the top five candidates advance, regardless of party affiliation, and it would institute ranked choice voting for general elections.

Pregman noted progressive groups oppose the change, arguing the new system would be too confusing for voters, and hard to revisit if adopted.

"We're saying 'no' on that one," Pregman acknowledged. "Because we think it's inadvisable to put such a massive overhaul of Nevada's elections into the Constitution, where it becomes very difficult to change it if we ever need to."

Supporters of Question Three said it would produce more moderate lawmakers, because in order to win, candidates would need to appeal to the largest number of voters, rather than focusing on the most extreme members of their base.

Disclosure: Battle Born Progress and the Institute for a Progressive Nevada contribute to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Environment, Gun Violence Prevention, and Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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