Free Republic

Judge Beth Bloom, appointed by former President Obama, permanently enjoined the law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that banned Florida cities and counties from protecting criminal illegal aliens from federal immigration law carried out by the ICE agency. “Defendants are permanently enjoined from enforcing Fla. Stat. § 908.103 and Fla. Stat. § 908.104 because these statutory provisions are unconstitutional,” Bloom wrote. As part of her ruling, Bloom accuses DeSantis and Florida Republican Party Chairman State Sen. Joe Gruters (R) of having “discriminatory motives” in their efforts to pass the sanctuary city ban: Here, prior to SB 168’s enactment, there was...

Legislators are forever looking for ways to "improve" the initiative process. And why not? Direct democracy infringes on their power. California needs fewer ballot propositions, not more. The system needs an overhaul. But Gov. Jerry Brown should veto Senate Bill 168, on his desk, a veiled attempt to limit initiatives in a loaded manner... Supporters include organized labor, which long has made heavy use of direct democracy. Unions could rely on members and their family and friends to sign petitions, and perhaps could gain an advantage over rivals if the pay-by-signature system were outlawed. The California Chamber of Commerce and...