State pre-emption is a practice through which dozens of states have been stifling the voices of cities and their voters in recent years as they assert their dominance over them.

Title: State Pre-emption: The Silencing of City Voices and Voters State pre-emption has become a power play by dozens of states to stifle the voices of cities and their voters. The practice has been on the rise in recent years, and it allows the states to override local laws and policies on various issues, such as workers' rights, minimum wage, sanctuary cities, gun control, and LGBTQ+ rights, to name a few. This power grab is alarming, as it denies the diverse and dynamic populations of cities the opportunity to set their own rules and regulations in accordance with their unique needs and values. Instead, it forces them to comply with the state's one-size-fits-all approach, which often favors corporations and special interests rather than the citizens. Take, for instance, Texas Senate Bill 17, which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in May 2023. The bill prohibits cities from enacting any regulations on paid sick leave, which means that workers in Texas cities do not have the right to take paid sick days if they are ill or need to care for their loved ones. This not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of workers but also undermines their dignity and autonomy. Moreover, state pre-emption has a chilling effect on democracy and civic engagement. It sends a message to voters that their voices don't matter, and their efforts to make change at a local level are futile. This can lead to apathy and disillusionment, which are corrosive to the foundations of democracy. It's time to put an end to state pre-emption and restore the power to the people. City leaders and advocates must fight back against this assault on local democracy by speaking out, organizing, and working together to push for legislative reforms that empower cities to make decisions that are in their best interests. By doing so, they can ensure that the voices of cities and their voters are heard and that democracy thrives at all levels. Dozens of states have asserted their dominance over cities in recent years through a practice known as state pre-emption.