Ohio’s New Local Government Fiscal Warning Tool; Seattle Proposal for Surveillance Approval
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Alaska’s reduced revenue sharing with cities; Wyoming’s wind-energy tax; and new flood maps roil county leaders in N.C.
Fiscally Strained Michigan Municipalities Face a ‘Perfect Storm’
“We cannot succeed as a state if we do not have fiscally strong communities,” according to the Michigan Municipal League’s associate executive director.
Cost Sharing Among State Defined Benefit Pension Plans
In response to the budget strains and funding challenges, some states have looked to alternatives to traditional pensions.
In Tide of Red Ink, Some States Show Surpluses
The budget winners avoided deep tax cuts and maintained robust rainy day funds.
Relative of Kansas Gov. Slams His Budget Proposal; Colo. Lawmakers May Pursue Tax Hike
Also in our Weekend State and Local Daily Digest: Emergency declaration in Georgia; Philly-area bridge closed after structural fracture; a big EPA fine from a Honolulu molasses spill.
In Effort to Protect the Muni Bond Tax Exemption, ‘It’s a Full Court Press’
Columbia, S.C., Mayor Stephen Benjamin is helping lead a push by city halls to defend the tax break. “We’re going to speak to every member of Congress.”
The Great Texas Pension Fix
Houston owes its police, fire, and city workers about $7.8 billion, and it doesn’t exactly have the cash on hand. Their hard-fought solution could serve as a model for the rest of Texas, and the nation.
Unease Over Tapping Louisiana’s Rainy-Day Fund; D.C. Mayor vs. Bill O’Reilly
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Philly’s rat stats; Arkansas mayor resigns amid scandal; and Nevada governor’s education proposal.
Iowa Gov. Details $110 Million in Budget Cuts; Hope vs. Reality in Olympia
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: More state legislative updates; L.A. legal settlements strain city finances; and Denver police horse euthanized after neglect.
The Gaps in New York's Free-College Plan
Critics worry that the students who need the most help might be among the least likely to receive it.
S.C. Struggles With Pension Funding; New Governors Sworn Into Office in Ind., Mo.
Also in our State and Local Digest: A push to raise Mont.’s gas tax; municipal panic buttons expand in Mass.; and a W.Va. city hall is a ‘total loss’ after a fire.
Pennsylvania Seeks to Close Two Prisons to Help Alleviate $1.7 Billion Budget Gap
“We’re not in ideal times,” said Corrections Secretary John Wetzel. “If you look at the financial realities, our choices were to reduce staffing and programming, or do this.”
Taking Center Stage in Minnesota’s Legislature: Infrastructure, Taxes and Health Insurance Costs
Now in control of both the state House and Senate, Republican leaders look to tackle escalating health insurance premiums.
New York’s Other Costly and Long-Delayed Transportation Megaproject
Huzzah! The first phase of the expensive Second Avenue subway is open for business after a tortured 100-year history. But don’t overlook the even-more-expensive and delayed East Side Access project.
Fresno’s Formula to Spur Downtown Revitalization
In California’s Central Valley, financial incentives and the prospect of a future high-speed rail connection to the Bay Area are helping to drive development. But there’s some uncertainty, too.
If Cap-and-Trade Falters, What’s Next for California’s Bullet Train Funding?
A top high-speed rail official in the Golden State shares his thoughts on what could be a big stumbling block.
N.Y. State Pension Bribery Indictments; Will Congress Kill D.C.’s ‘Death With Dignity Act’?
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Snow-removal costs pile up in Billings; Ohio aims to make its data more accessible; and Oklahoma City’s new evening lifeline.
Google's Eric Schmidt Tells Trump to Upgrade Government IT
The discussion occurred at a time when Trump's attitude toward IT modernization is mostly uncertain.
The Budget Mess Continues in Kansas
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback recently told The Kansas City Star: “I want a fairer tax system, but it’s like that was all counter to my policies.” Good luck replenishing that bone-dry rainy day fund.
Muni Bond Tax Exemption Gets Nod of Approval From Trump During Mayors Meeting
“He showed great interest in helping cities,” Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said following a visit to Trump Tower on Thursday.
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