Republican Brett Stephens urged lawmakers to reject a rapid move to a $20 wage mandate, arguing Illinois should pursue a phased approach tied to economic conditions.

Republican Brett Stephens argued against a $20 wage measure, warning of potential pressure on employers while calling for a slower, economically tied alternative.

A South Carolina measure introduced by Brett Stephens would require law enforcement and detention facilities to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, elevating immigration in a tense political climate.

South Carolina lawmakers passed the Immigration Enforcement and Workforce Compliance Act 58-42, sending the measure to the governor as immigration remains a high-salience political issue.