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Respect States’ Rights, New Bipartisan Group of Legislative Leaders Tells Feds

On Tuesday at the inaugural meeting in Columbus, the Assembly of State Legislative Leaders unanimously approved a 449-word declaration urging renewed focus on states' rights by more than 40 lawmakers from 30 states.
Leaders said federalism must restore the balance between the federal government and state legislatures to preserve states' authority, responding to recent federal moves including one last week by President Donald Trump.
The National Conference of State Legislatures helped organize the group, electing Ohio Republican state House Speaker Matt Huffman presiding officer and Hawaii Democratic state Senate President Ron Kouchi recording secretary.
The declaration rejects broad federal preemption and calls on federal agencies, Congress and executive orders to respect state laws except in direct constitutional conflicts, underscoring tension between the federal government and states.
State lawmakers pledged ongoing legislative efforts and legal challenges to defend state laws, discussing Medicaid, education and land management as key areas to push back on President Donald Trump's actions.

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