🗞️Midterm elections, skilled workers, Cornell case and more

Hello again. Here’s some news you may have missed from my Stateline colleagues.

Democrats could win the majority of governor’s races for the first time since 2010. Federal immigration enforcement and an aging workforce are straining trade jobs. The Cornell University rape case has shone a light on legal definitions of intoxication and consent.

We also have stories on abortion opponents’ push for more restrictions on abortion pills, the rise of substances sold as herbal supplements and state efforts to lower gas prices.

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As always, thanks for reading.

Kratom has long been sold as an herbal supplement, but a growing market for potent 7-OH and synthetic kratom-derived products is prompting lawmakers to reconsider how the substance should be regulated. States are taking different approaches, from outright bans to age restrictions and limits on high-potency compounds.

By Kevin Hardy

As the political prospects for Republicans worsen ahead of November’s midterm elections, the GOP is increasingly playing defense over its yearslong grip on state governments. That’s particularly true for gubernatorial elections, as Democrats could win a majority of governorships for the first time since 2010. Currently, Republicans boast a 26-24 gubernatorial advantage over Democrats.

As they await a federal decision on a potential nationwide ban on telehealth abortions, anti-abortion activists plan to push more states to require women to visit a doctor’s office, get an ultrasound or wait before they can get abortion pills. Under its current guidelines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require in-person visits, ultrasounds or waiting periods for women seeking abortion pills. Nevertheless, 10 states without total abortion bans still require them.

A perfect storm of harsh immigration enforcement, aging journeymen and a building boom for data centers is wreaking havoc on the nation’s supply of skilled trade workers. Automakers and construction contractors say they need more access to workers through accelerated training, steady immigration and a cultural shift to encourage young people to do the hard, dirty work of skilled trades.

By Alex Brown

With Election Day less than a month away, lawmakers in several states are suspending gas taxes or rolling back regulations on diesel fuel as voters grow increasingly frustrated with rising fuel costs amid President Donald Trump’s war with Iran.

Last week, Trump issued an executive order to expand access to tax-free diesel fuel nationwide, following the lead of several governors who have taken the same step.

Trump signed the order at a Nebraska rally, promising U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts and Gov. Jim Pillen, both Republicans, that “this should absolutely ensure your election, I guarantee you that,” the Associated Press reported.

In at least four states — Georgia, Indiana, Ohio and Utah — leaders have moved to temporarily suspend or reduce the state tax on gasoline.