The States and Cities With the Strongest and Weakest Levels of Capital Investment
A new data tool offers a detailed look at how real estate and business loans and other investments vary widely across the country and sheds light on the inequities poorer and minority neighborhoods face.
Billions of Federal Funds are Coming to Schools. How Should They Spend Them?
COMMENTARY | For decades, schools have added new staff at the expense of other investments. With the new federal relief dollars, district leaders should invest in targeted approaches to address the Covid-19 slide and maximize student learning opportunities.
Yellen Gets Icy Reception Making Infrastructure Tax Pitch to Chamber
The business group is not onboard with a White House plan to raise taxes on corporations to help pay for public works upgrades.
Report: Black Americans Continue to Face Economic Hardship due to Covid-19
Better educated and older Black adults are faring better than younger, less educated ones who have lost jobs and faced wage cuts at higher rates, making it harder for them to achieve their long-term financial goals, according to the Pew Research Center.
Most States Held Off Draining Savings in Response to Pandemic
Only 15 tapped rainy day funds in fiscal 2020 and reserves remained near record levels. Now, better-than-expected tax revenues and federal aid could limit the need for further withdrawals.
What it Takes to Feel 'Financially Comfortable' in Major US Cities
A survey asked residents in 12 metro regions about the net worth people need to feel financially comfortable or wealthy. It's a lot.
It’s Raining Federal Relief Dollars. Here's How State and Local Governments Can Effectively Use Them.
COMMENTARY | Funds flowing from the American Rescue Plan will create challenges for states and municipalities. Here are considerations for successfully managing the influx.
Paying With Cash? Retailers Must Take Your Dollars in These States
For many, requiring the option to use cash is a race and economic equity issue.
The Cities and Counties Getting the Biggest Sums of Federal Aid
The Treasury Department will begin distributing $350 billion in state and local pandemic recovery money this month. Funding for individual localities ranges widely between places, from thousands of dollars up into the billions.
Treasury to Begin Distribution of $350 Billion for State, Local Governments
The guidance released Monday gives governments wide latitude in spending American Rescue Plan funds.
GOP Governors Move to End Pandemic Unemployment Benefits
The state-level action mirrors a national debate over whether expanded jobless benefits are driving a workforce shortage.
Getting the 'Bosses of Procurement' to Understand its Strategic Value
State procurement departments have been front and center during the pandemic. Once the crisis wanes, focus on procurement may diminish, but officials say it needs ongoing high-level attention.
The Tax Landscape is Changing. Here’s How States and Localities Can Keep Up With a Moving Target
COMMENTARY | As businesses adjust the way they operate in a post-Covid era, state and local governments must re-evaluate how to collect taxes and maximize revenue streams.
A $4.5B Pool of Economic Recovery Funds States, Localities Can Tap Into
The U.S. Economic Development Administration received an influx of Covid relief dollars over the past year that is more than 10 times the size of its usual budget. That money is now flowing as grants.
State 529 Education Account Winning American Families’ Pandemic Savings
COMMENTARY | U.S. households are saving at an historic pace, and new and existing 529 savings accounts are up 14% year over year.
As Influx of Aid Nears, Some Spending Principles For States and Localities to Consider
Billions in federal coronavirus relief payments to states and localities are expected in May. Important choices lie ahead about how to best put the money to use.
Biden Advocates For Sweeping New Federal Investments
The president made the case for his agenda before a joint session of Congress, as he reaches 100 days in office. Many of his proposals have implications for state and local government.
Biden’s American Families Plan Asks States to Pony Up for College, Pre-K
The administration introduced the $1.8 trillion proposal Wednesday that focuses spending on education and child care.
How the Federal Reserve is Increasing Wealth Inequality
The Fed’s low-interest-rate policies have stabilized the economy and turbocharged the stock market. But those who don’t own lots of stocks haven’t benefited anywhere near as much as those who do.
It’s Time to Reject Fines and Fees as a Solution to Budget Problems
COMMENTARY | State and local governments must dramatically reduce their reliance on this hidden regressive system of taxation that worsens racial and economic inequities.
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