JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) 鈥� A new year of lawmaking and politicking is underway in U.S. statehouses. Governors are acting quickly to outline their agendas. And in many cases, the influence of already is rippling through states in both symbolic and substantive ways.
Some state officials are trying to tackle concerns that propelled Trump to office such as the economy, affordable living and immigration. Some are mimicking , though they lack a headlining billionaire like to lead it. And many have waded into the debate about whether U.S. flags should fly high on Inauguration Day to honor the new president or remain low to honor a deceased predecessor.
Those themes were prominent over the past two weeks as state legislatures convened, new governors took the oath of office and incumbent governors laid out their agendas in formal 鈥渟tate of the state鈥� addresses.
Some Trump-like policy, quickly!
Just as Trump plans an array of actions on Day 1, some governors were quick to sign various proclamations and declarations.
Within minutes of taking office, Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe , including Trump-themed moves requiring training for state troopers to aid federal immigration authorities and requiring law enforcement agencies to document the immigration status of people they arrest.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced to begin Jan. 27, the week after Trump is sworn in, to ensure the state can 鈥渉elp the Trump administration enforce our nation鈥檚 immigration laws.鈥� Republican announced a special session to start that same day with an agenda including 鈥減ublic safety measures related to illegal immigration.鈥�
In West Virginia, new Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey on his first day, including one ending diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at state agencies and institutions. Trump also wants to abolish diversity and inclusion offices.
Another of Morrisey's orders allows families to receive religious exemptions from required school vaccinations. Trump's nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services, , a lawyer with no medical or public health degrees, has long questioned some vaccines.
Democrats recalibrate for Trump's term
Some Democratic governors to in the hopes of having a working relationship with his administration and in recognition of his party's success in November. Others are preparing a defense against his potential policies.
, a Democrat facing a split legislature and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said she wants to work with Trump but also has concerns about his proposed tariffs, asserting: 鈥淲e certainly shouldn鈥檛 use them to punish our closest trading partners.鈥�
In her State of the State address, Democratic echoed Trump's focus on inflation and tax cuts by outlining an 鈥渁ffordability鈥� plan that would cut income taxes for most people, expand the child tax credit and send New Yorkers up to $500 as an She also pledged more police in New York City's subways, among other crime-fighting initiatives.
Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey hardened her stance on immigration this week, proposing that at least one member of a family staying in emergency shelters be . The state鈥檚 shelter system for homeless families has been overwhelmed by a surge in migrants.
In New Jersey, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy announced he will join California, Massachusetts and Washington in stockpiling the . Though Trump hasn't announced plans to restrict abortion drugs, some Democrats are concerned about the possibility.
A power struggle in Minnesota
The U.S. House is closely divided, with Republicans holding a 219-215 majority over Democrats, with one vacancy.
The Minnesota House is even more closely divided. Republicans hold a temporary 67-66 majority until a special election can be held to fill a vacant seat in a heavily Democratic district. That is expected to yield a tied chamber.
So far, things are off to a rocky start. Democrats have to prevent a quorum while Republicans have plowed ahead by as speaker and appointing committee chairs. The state Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments Thursday on whether the GOP鈥檚 moves are legal.
The parties will eventually need to cooperate if they are to reach the 68-vote threshold needed to pass bills under their rules.
Trump鈥檚 鈥楧epartment of Government Efficiency鈥� goes stateside
Trump turned heads when he named Musk and fellow entrepreneur to lead a new 鈥淒epartment of Government Efficiency,鈥� a task force that is not actually a government agency but is meant to shrink the federal government.
Some governors and state legislative leaders have imitated the effort, minus the famous co-chairs. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds this week announced 鈥渙ur own State DOGE鈥� led by an attorney for Sukup Manufacturing, which makes grain storage bins.
In Missouri, new House Speaker Jon Patterson announced a Republican lawmaker to chair the Committee on Government Efficiency. The first thing cut was the panel鈥檚 name, which was previously called the Committee on Government Efficiency and Downsizing.
Republican Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos last month announced the GOAT: not the greatest of all time, but rather the Government Operations, Accountability and Transparency committee.
Officials also are forming government efficiency panels in Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana and New Hampshire.
Flags for Trump
Across the U.S., many in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29. Outgoing President Joe Biden directed flags to remain lowered for 30 days.
But Trump was upset that flags wouldn鈥檛 be high when he is inaugurated Monday. 鈥淣o American can be happy about it,鈥� he posted on his social media platform.
Some governors apparently agreed. Republican governors in more than 20 states have ordered Old Glory to fly high on Trump鈥檚 inauguration day. So, too, has Washington's new Democratic governor and , a frequent Trump critic and common target of Trump鈥檚 derision.
Flags also will fly at full staff at the U.S. Capitol under an order from .
David A. Lieb, The Associated Press
