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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 leads nationally with the number of women elected to state legislature

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Monday, December 9, 2024   

A record number of women will serve in state legislatures across the nation in 2025.

Nevada will be the first state to hold a female majority in its overall legislature, at about 62%. It will also be the first state where both chambers will have women as the majority.

Jean Sinzdak, associate director of the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University, said it is always positive when governing bodies look more like the communities they represent.

"A big piece of this is just making sure there is diversity and representation in all kinds of ways including by gender but also by life experience, career, socioeconomic status and so on," Sinzdak explained.

Sinzdak argued when a variety of people serve in state legislatures, it's good for democracy. She added while trends are moving in the right direction, more can still be done. Nationally, more than seven in 10 elected offices are still held by men. Sinzdak stressed women bring their diverse and distinct life experiences to the policymaking table and are more apt to reach consensus than their male counterparts.

Sinzdak contended a barrier for any newcomer running for a political office is "the power of incumbency." In this last election, several women candidates put up a tough fight against their male incumbent opponents. In Nevada State Assembly District 12, Republican Nancy Roecker ran against Democratic incumbent Max Carter, who was ultimately victorious. But the Silver State also saw several races where two women ran against each other for the same position.

Sinzdak observed women struggle even before tossing their hats in the race.

"Winning is not the issue, it's really sort of the recruitment and the support to run," Sinzdak explained. "That is a big piece of it, really making sure that there is a support network and a recruitment effort to get more new voices, including women, into campaigns and then elected office."

Sinzdak added there are also many structural and cultural issues making it harder for women to run. This year, women were instrumental in gathering support for Question 6 to pass in Nevada, which will protect abortion rights in the state. The proposal will add language to the state Constitution enshrining abortion rights. The measure will need to pass again in 2026 to be fully enacted.



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