The Intelligence from The Economist Long division: America’s busy state legislatures
Feb 9, 2023
Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist, dives into the bustling American state legislatures and the crucial laws impacting everyday lives. Jan Piotrowski discusses Meta's surprising financial rebound, driven by AI, amidst tech turmoil. Meanwhile, James Astell reflects on Pervez Musharraf's complex legacy as a reformist military leader in Pakistan, highlighting his influence on U.S.-Pakistan relations post-9/11. Together, they unpack the intersection of state politics, tech recovery, and historical legacies.
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Hyper-Polarized Policies
- State legislatures are becoming increasingly polarized, with blue and red states enacting opposing policies.
- This trend is driven by one-party control in many states, limiting debate and compromise.
Wyoming vs. California
- Wyoming proposed banning electric vehicle sales by 2035, countering California's ban on petrol-powered cars.
- This exemplifies the trend of states enacting opposing policies on key issues.
Targeting Corporations
- State legislatures are increasingly targeting companies whose actions contradict their political agendas.
- This includes actions related to abortion, ESG investing, and oil company profits.