Finance
Judge strikes down provision of digital ad tax as First Amendment violation
The order strikes down one portion of the state's first-of-its-kind tax on digital advertising that prohibited online companies from alerting consumers to the tax, by passing it on to them as a surcharge, fee or line item on their bills.
‘Contactless’ fares quickly grow popular among T riders
A year into the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's adoption of a contactless payment option, one in four taps are now made using credit card or mobile wallet.
Sponsor Content
Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere
Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
Updated Oklahoma campaign finance system will launch in two weeks
Guardian 2.0 will make filing and public access to campaign finance information easier, have a new login, and a more intuitive filing experience, according to state officials.
Montana moves forward on regulatory framework for blockchain, digital assets
Under the new Innovation Act, companies that issue digital tokens can register with the Commissioner’s office as non-securities assets, making Montana among the first states to do so.
Arizona cracks down on crypto ATM scams that cost residents $177 million
Arizona has seen an increase in the number of people getting scammed via cryptocurrency.
How one local government is making payments easier for residents
Offering residents a way to submit payments through text or email is one way to boost their accessibility and satisfaction with government services, one official says.
Ohio schools turn to e-procurement amid education budget cuts
Digital procurement solutions are helping one Ohio school district purchase supplies with greater accuracy and efficiency amid statewide budget cuts.
Urban Institute releases data to help states prep for natural disasters
The data is intended to enable policymakers to identify how and where climate mitigation efforts can be improved in the future.
States have been ‘at the forefront’ of efforts to regulate cryptocurrency, experts say
As the cryptocurrency industry expands, lawmakers are exploring how to support innovation responsibly at the state and federal levels.
Tech is changing the government procurement landscape, report says
Governments are exploring digital solutions to improve the procurement process, and, ultimately, the tech products they purchase, a new report says.
Local governments are being asked to do more with less. It’s time we gave them better tools.
COMMENTARY | As federal support for local government shrinks, localities can shift how they budget by doing what works first through evidence-based budgeting.
Featured eBooks
50 attorneys general ask DOJ to step up against illegal online gambling
A coalition of attorneys general are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to assist states in fighting illegal online gambling.
How prenegotiated, cooperative procurement helps drive innovation for governments
The Texas Department of Information Resources is leveraging state-level procurement negotiations to help deliver innovative solutions to local public safety organizations.
Could a lawsuit finally spur new York into action on food stamp theft?
The state has left defrauded food stamp recipients to fend for themselves. Internal agency emails point to a long-simmering effort riddled with delays.
Why the Trump administration grounded these middle schoolers’ drones—and other STEM research
Researchers and educators worry the sweeping cuts to education research at the National Science Foundation will limit opportunities for girls and students of color to pursue STEM careers.
With AI at their disposal, financial scammers are on the rise
The rise of artificial intelligence, access to sensitive data on the dark web, and a lack of federal oversight for these crimes means it’s never been easier to be a scammer, security experts say.
Cryptocurrency tax revenue negligible since launch of Colorado program
In the more than two years that Colorado has accepted cryptocurrency as payment for state taxes, the amount it has received is negligible.
Minnesota Senate Democrats propose new tax on social media companies
Some Minnesota lawmakers are proposing a first-in-the-nation tax on large social media companies that collect data on consumers in the state.
Texas school district sees efficiency gains with e-procurement
At a time when shrinking budgets are impacting school closures in the state, the Arlington Independent School District has turned to tech to better manage spending.
Illinois green lights modernized vehicle title and lien processing system
The state is exploring how an electronic approach to vehicle registrations and purchasing can lower costs for residents and financial institutions.
New Jersey turns to Direct File to make tax filing easier for older adults
The Garden State is one of several that are now making retirees eligible for the federal Direct File program.
