The Fighting Over Online Sales Taxes Isn’t Finished
Deals worked out between local governments and companies before the Supreme Court cleared the way for taxing e-commerce are drawing increased scrutiny. If the agreements fall apart, it could blow a hole in some city budgets.
New Analysis Looks at Which Housing Markets Could be Headed for Trouble
These vulnerable areas are concentrated in four states, according to the findings.
States and Localities See Big Infusion of Cash From Earmarks
The once-tainted, but now revived process to fund congressional lawmakers’ favored projects is sending hundreds of millions of dollars to state, local and tribal governments.
New Analysis Looks at Where People Pay the Most in Property Taxes
The report breaks down county level payments and offers a state-to-state comparison that takes into account property values and differences in how the taxes are assessed.
It’s Time for Congress to Step Up Its Support for Public Lands Counties
COMMENTARY | Local governments with huge swaths of federal land make important contributions to the nation’s economy, but also face unique challenges. Lawmakers should act to shore up the programs they depend on.
The Housing Market is Cooling Off
With interest rates rising, a new report shows sales down year over year and more homes selling for below asking prices.
California's Sweeping New Labor Law for the Fast-Food Industry
It creates a path to mandate wages up to $22 an hour, among other provisions. Advocates who backed the first-in-the-nation effort say they plan to push for similar legislation in other states.
Deciding How to Spend Billions in Opioid Settlement Payments
As states and localities begin receiving the money, advocates are pushing for it to go toward public health programs, and to avoid some practices that emerged around the 1990s tobacco settlement.
Housing Affordability Falls to Lowest Level Since Great Recession
Inflation, low inventory and rising mortgage rates are hampering housing availability for families nationwide, according to a report. But there are a few cities in the Midwest and Pennsylvania where housing is still reasonable.
Your Check's in the Mail: States Give Tax Refunds to Cushion Inflation
Taxpayers in at least a dozen states will receive refunds this year.
Biden Signs Major Climate, Health Care, Tax Law
The legislation will mean new federal support for a range of state and local programs, as well as the extension of key health insurance subsidies. Most GOP governors oppose the measure.
Prospect of SALT Deduction Increase Gone—at Least for a Few Years
The blow to local and state governments is the result of top House proponents supporting President Biden’s massive climate bill, even though the deductions were left out.
Senate Approves Democrats' Sweeping Climate and Health Bill
The legislation would unlock billions in new grants for states and local governments. But some lament its lack of help on housing and other issues. It will next go to the House.
Hopes Dim for Lifting SALT Cap in Senate Deal
Sen. Bob Menendez, a key proponent of revamping a limit on the state and local tax deduction, is signaling he will support the measure even if it does not raise the $10,000 cap.
State and Local Pensions Post Worst Losses Since Great Recession
The public sector retirement plans are in better overall shape than they were back in 2008. But some are still badly underfunded and many are gambling on riskier investments.
The Rising Costs of Extreme Heat
Hot weather can be deadly. It’s also putting a dent in the nation's economy and forcing new expenses on states and localities.
The Three Cs of Effective Public Engagement
COMMENTARY | Incorporating citizen feedback into government budget and finance decisions can often lead to disappointing results, but following these principles can help.
The Evolving Debate Over ARPA's State and Local Aid Program
President Biden's top advisor on the American Rescue Plan Act dismisses Republican claims that money from the law is being wasted. But he's also urging local government leaders to look for more ways to highlight their successes with the federal funding.
It’s Time for a New Development Strategy in Coal Country
COMMENTARY | The Ohio River Valley region of Appalachia has long been a political stumbling block in the national climate debate. But with the right resources, it can become a global leader of the new energy economy and a more sustainable future.
Unfair Property Taxes and What to Do About Them
In some places, the taxes fall unequally on lower-income and minority homeowners. But can they be redesigned without jeopardizing a major source of local government revenue?
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