Federal lawmakers take first steps toward oversight of $50 billion in opioid settlements
The four-page bill lists how states should spend settlement money, but it doesn’t specify consequences for flouting the rules or name who is in charge of monitoring compliance.
A short-term spending deal has been reached that would keep the government open until March
The deal, though, doesn’t include funding for two critical programs for low-income people.
Child tax credit revived under proposal in Congress
Negotiators in the House and Senate reached a deal on a proposal to restore the popular credit, as well as one that helps build housing for low-income families.
How state and local agencies are working together to quell the opioid crisis
Leaders at every level of government underlined the importance of collaboration to effectively leverage funding to address the nationwide opioid epidemic during a recent National Association of Counties event.
WIC program on pace to fall $1B short, says agriculture secretary
Unless Congress budgets more, the program will run out of money in mid-August, forcing states to waitlist those seeking help.
Washington’s cap on carbon is raising billions for climate action. Can it survive the backlash?
A repeal initiative blaming the state's climate law for higher gas prices could wind up on the ballot in November.
How governments are tackling medical debt
Medical debt can stymie communities’ economic mobility as unpaid hospital bills chip away at public dollars. That’s why local governments are looking to forgive residents’ medical debt, which experts say can be especially helpful for rural areas.
As online gambling expands, so do concerns about addictions
Mobile sports betting is live and legal in 37 states and Washington, D.C. Online casino games are legal in 7 states. Those numbers could grow in 2024.
State lawmakers seek to limit property tax increases as home values soar
Property taxes are rising along with real estate prices—particularly in the Mountain West.
A carbon offset project that’s actually working
Visiting Alaska is an emissions-heavy prospect. An innovative program has tourists ease that by helping buy heat pumps for locals.
Treasury struggled to help states and cities with COVID reporting
A GAO report found that questions about the $350 billion in COVID relief grants often went unanswered.
Rural counties dependent on recreation industry show best recovery from pandemic employment loss
Rural recreation counties added to their pre-pandemic employment numbers, but other rural economies struggled to recover.
Another large bank plans to exit the muni market
It’s the second big bank to drop its municipal bond business this year. But its decision, which many believe is the result of anti-ESG politics, could have a significant impact.
‘They see a cash cow’: Corporations could consume $50 billion of opioid settlements
Businesses are swarming state and local governments to pitch products and services that they claim can help address the opioid crisis, but experts warn profit-driven companies could be after a share of opioid settlement cash.
‘Smash-and-grab’ robberies fuel new laws, but critics question the need
A national group retracted its assertion that organized retail crime stole half of missing merchandise.
A huge EV factory is coming to west Tennessee. Here’s how locals are ensuring they benefit.
Communities are using an organizing tool intended for sports stadiums to bargain with energy transition projects for labor standards and affordable housing.
Extreme weather cost $80 billion this year. The true price is far higher.
The U.S. saw 25 billion-dollar weather disasters this year—more than ever before. Next year could be worse.
2 million women, children risk losing WIC food assistance, study says
Unless Congress increases funding for the program by $1 billion, states will have to start turning people away around March.
California’s budget troubles are unique—at least for now
The Golden State could face a $68 billion deficit through mid-2025. But other states appear to remain fiscally strong, with many still spending surpluses. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
WIC applications are up in many states
But a new study reveals that despite increasing demand, states are already struggling to reach all the women, children and infants eligible for the program.
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