In the past the court has allowed states to create majority-black districts in the hope of increasing African-American influence.
Federal law mandates a minimum wage of $5.15 an hour but allows states to create lower minimums for certain employees, like farm and food-service workers.
The Every Student Succeeds Act ― a federal education law passed in 2015 ― allows states to create a state-defined alternative diploma that's aligned with regular requirements.
If enacted, it would allow states to re-create the conditions that existed before the Affordable Care Act took effect ― a time when insurance premiums were cheaper, chiefly because insurers didn't have to pay the big medical bills of people with serious conditions.
A block grant would allow states to cap eligibility, create waiting lists, and/or sharply reduce or end benefits for millions of children and families still struggling to recover from the recession.
At one point, Eric Smith, then the head of Florida's schools, asked CCSSO and NGA to send around an agreement that would allow states to opt into the process of creating new standards.
Leading members of Congress are exploring funding mechanisms that will allow states to plan, provide signage and build new facilities to create the system.
Some Democrats even want to allow states to opt out of the individual mandate, though that would create enormous complications.
Beyond creating new jobs, the stimulus will allow states to update their formulas for unemployment insurance so more can qualify.
