Management
How New Jersey’s new affordable housing law aims to ease the housing crisis
The new law lets municipalities know exactly how much affordable housing they have to build. It’s an approach that states are increasingly trying in an effort to pressure local governments to increase affordable options.
Finance
Grants and growth: The infrastructure funding surge demands masterful management
COMMENTARY | To leverage federal funds to strengthen their economies and invest in the future, state and local governments need strong, centralized grant management support.
Cybersecurity
States warned of ‘recent and ongoing’ cyber threats to critical infrastructure
The EPA and White House acknowledged water systems and other utilities “often lack the resources” to adopt rigorous cybersecurity measures. They want to partner to bolster the current efforts of state and local governments.
Sponsor Content
State and local agencies evaluate their AI future
The recent surge of interest and investment in artificial intelligence tools has presented some fascinating new opportunities. Discover how AI is being adopted into state and local government.
Management
Legislative inaction and dissatisfaction with one-party control lead to more ballot initiatives, with 60% of them in 6 states
COMMENTARY | Citizen-led ballot measures have been used in various states to expand Medicaid, preserve abortion rights and raise minimum wages, but over the past five years, lawmakers have increasingly made it harder to get these initiatives and referendums on the ballot.
Finance
Inflation has turned Washington state’s property tax cap into a county budget-killer
Frustrated county officials say state leaders have shunted the state’s financial burden onto local governments.
Finance
Spending package cuts grants to cities to help with influx of migrants
The six spending bills also fail to fund internet subsidies and security for places of worship.
Cybersecurity
Schools are vulnerable to breaches—and hackers know it
Schools face unique challenges in shoring up their cyber defenses. Just ask Baltimore County Public Schools. It suffered a successful attack in 2020, and while its cyber protection has improved, it still faces roadblocks.
Workforce
Biden announces $6B in student debt relief for public service workers
An estimated 78,000 teachers, firefighters and public health workers are among the group of borrowers who will see their debts canceled under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Management
GOP attorneys general charge into battle over state election rules
If the 2024 election is contested, Republican AGs look well-placed to push conservative legal arguments that could directly influence court decisions and infiltrate the broader public debate, experts say.
Digital Government
23M low-income households appear set to lose internet subsides
Congressional leaders did not include funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program in its final six spending bills.
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Finance
States look to AI for its potential to help with finances
Artificial intelligence holds promise for creating budget-saving efficiencies, aiding in audits and helping with compliance. But the emerging technology also poses challenges that could affect spending.
Sponsor Content
From Whole-of-State to Localities: Top Cybersecurity Advice from Government IT Leaders
In this guide, industry experts discuss their shared advice, challenges, and best practices for state and local government cybersecurity.
Infrastructure
Automakers get some breathing room in EPA air pollution rules
The Biden administration is still pushing for a major shift to electric vehicles by 2032, but many Republicans remain skeptical.
Cybersecurity
As cyber grant program hits the halfway mark, feds laud states’ progress
Two years into the $1 billion program, state and local governments are better prepared for cyber attacks. But funding remains an obstacle as under-resourced cybersecurity budgets struggle to keep up with mounting threats.
Finance
Georgia’s Medicaid work requirements costing taxpayers millions despite low enrollment
The program touted as an alternative to Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has cost taxpayers millions, with more than 90% going toward administrative and consulting costs rather than medical care.
Workforce
What are microcredentials? And are they worth having?
COMMENTARY | Microcredentials give employees a way to verify their competencies while providing government and industry with another approach for finding skilled workers.
Management
States turn to Medicaid to tackle housing insecurity
Section 1115 Medicaid waivers can help states reduce health inequities by covering housing costs and providing meal support for vulnerable populations.
Management
Longtime state senator announces plans to retire
In an interview from earlier this year, Washington’s Karen Keiser discussed her nearly 30-year career and how to affect change in state legislatures.
Cybersecurity
Is the US privacy policy good enough?
COMMENTARY | A disjointed approach plagued by compromises is making American data privacy policy more complicated and less effective in delivering the protections people desperately want and need to see.
Management