California approves statewide plastic bag ban
Californians now face a new grocery-store reality: No more plastic bags. Voters approved Proposition 67, the statewide ban on carry-out plastic bags, 52 percent to 48 percent.
2017 C.E.
California voters approve gun control measure Proposition 63
The initiative outlaws the possession of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, requires background checks for people buying bullets, makes it a crime not to report lost or stolen guns, and provides a process for taking guns from people upon their conviction for a felony.
Maine votes to raise minimum hourly wage to $9 next year, $12 in 2020
Maine voters decided Tuesday to raise the state’s minimum wage for the first time since 2009, bumping it to $9 per hour next year, from $7.50, and to $12 by 2020 as part of a national push by progressive groups.
Massachusetts passes Question 3, banning small cages for farm animals
Question 3, the Massachusetts ballot question that would have banned the sale of foods derived from animals raised in cruel conditions, has passed handily, setting new rules on the size of cages in which farmers can raise chickens, cows, and pigs.
Montgomery County Council in Maryland unanimously approves $15 minimum-wage
Montgomery, which is the largest and one of the most affluent jurisdictions in Maryland, is the first in the state to require a $15 minimum wage, and the second jurisdiction in the Washington region, after the District of Columbia.
Nevada passes measure to expand background checks for gun sales
The Yes vote on Question 1, which would require in-person background checks for all guns sold among friends, online and at gun shows, was approved by a 50.45 percent to 49.55 percent margin.
Michigan’s minimum wage to go up in January 2018
On January 1, 2018, the minimum wage goes up to $9.25. Any future increases will be tied to the Michigan Treasurer, the unemployment rate and the Consumer Price Index.
Myanmar to raise minimum wage
The authorities are exerting efforts to increase the minimum pay rate as workers are struggling with the rising cost of living in their daily lives.
U.S. report says humans cause climate change, contradicting top Trump officials
Directly contradicting much of the Trump administration’s position on climate change, 13 federal agencies unveiled an exhaustive scientific report that says humans are the dominant cause of the global temperature rise.
South African cabinet approves $1.43 an hour national minimum wage
Credit ratings agencies have said a minimum wage could help stabilise the labour market and reduce the number of costly strikes in Africa’s most industrialised economy.