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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

NV, FL Progressive Leaders Wary After DeSantis' NV Visit

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Tuesday, June 20, 2023   

Florida Governor and Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis visited Nevada and spoke at a fundraising event in Adam LaxaltGardnerville over the weekend. While the Republican National Committee has not yet finalized its primary calendar, Nevada state law calls for its primary to be held on February 6th, likely placing it just behind Iowa - one of the first-to-vote states. Last week, progressive elected and community leaders from Nevada and Florida met virtually to discuss what they are calling "the extreme anti-freedom agenda" being pushed by DeSantis.

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a former Florida Congresswoman, said DeSantis puts the public safety of communities at risk every day and added in April he signed a near-total "near total" abortion ban behind closed doors.

"This outrageous attack on reproductive freedom will hurt the most vulnerable populations here in need of care," she said. "And make no mistake, if he is elected to be president, Ron DeSantis will push for the same near-total ban at the federal level."

While Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has aligned himself with DeSantis when it comes to what some have called loose gun laws, Lombardo also has signed a measure prohibiting the state from helping in the arrest or extradition of someone charged in another state for abortion-related crimes. In Nevada, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks -- and beyond if the life of the mother is at risk. Lombardo was supposed to make an appearance on Saturday, but had other commitments.

Adam Laxalt, former Nevada Attorney General and Trump-backer, was present and contended DeSantis is the only person who can win the primary and be the conservative warrior for all.

Nevada State Education Association President Dawn Etcheverry said DeSantis likely found a receptive audience in Gardnerville, which she calls a very rural county, and added "the state speaks loudly against a lot of the things the governor stands for." She said Florida has the "most sweeping set of restrictions on classroom discussions about race and gender in the nation." She called those policies "horrible, misguided and hateful."

"When DeSantis calls his effort the 'parental rights bill,' let's just call it what it is: the 'don't say gay bill.' This law is about hate and nothing more. All this bill tends to do is target our LGBTQ+ students, who are some of the most vulnerable in our communities and in our schools."

Etcheverry said DeSantis is narrowing the scope of education so that his political policies are replicated in the classroom, and claimed the presidential hopeful is also not supportive of workers and the ability to unionize which she added is cause for concern.


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