After power play fails, Ohio Republicans face more ballot measure challenges
State legislators wanted to stop the public from voting on abortion rights to redistricting. Similar fights are playing out nationwide, as conservative lawmakers try to make it harder for liberals to pass policies at the ballot box.
The strikes rippling across the US seem big, but the number walking off the job remains historically low
COMMENTARY | More workers are advocating for better pay and improved working conditions, but research shows employees are not leaving their jobs as often as the frequency of protests suggests.
New law eliminates insurance pre-approval for crisis mental health, substance use
A new law will make it easier for people to get insurance coverage for emergency care for mental health concerns and substance use disorder.
The proof is in the poo: New data tool offers early detection of community COVID surges
Using wastewater monitoring data, an algorithm detects spikes in COVID-19 before outbreaks happen, giving public health officials a jumpstart in keeping the coronavirus under control.
An emerging ‘greenium’? New research says green bonds cost governments less
Amid an ESG backlash in some states, the finding could lead to more governments seeking an ESG-related label for bonds that will fund socially or environmentally sustainable projects.
Higher minimum broadband speeds reflect internet’s growth
The FCC last raised the standard definition of broadband in 2015. Since then, demand from users has soared, prompting some to call for raising that standard as states prepare to build more infrastructure.
‘Who’s going to work there?’: Lawmakers grapple with labor shortages
Affordable housing, reliable child care and available mental health services could be the key for state and local governments desperate to fill vacant job positions in their communities. Lawmakers are finding ways to meet workers' needs through legislation and funding.
Will Texas’ new fentanyl awareness curriculum for public schools succeed where other anti-drug messaging failed?
Historically, anti-drug messaging in schools has failed to acknowledge the mental health reasons that youth self-medicate. Without that key lesson, advocates worry House Bill 3908 will be another D.A.R.E. campaign.
Using future, not just historical data projections could make state, local infrastructure designs more resilient
One county is baking sea level rise data projections into its building design requirements in an effort to prepare for the future effects of climate change.
Data helps some states boost renewals amidst Medicaid unwinding
Ex parte renewals, or those that use available data sources to redetermine Medicaid eligibility without requiring information from the individual, place the burden on the system—not on the participants or staff.
How one city is looking to future-proof its budgeting process
Nationwide, cities are attempting to improve their budgeting. But none appear to be taking more dramatic steps than fast-growing Fort Worth, Texas.
127,000 New York workers have been victims of wage theft
An analysis of federal and state databases sheds new light on the prevalence and scale of wage theft in New York restaurants and other industries, placing the total wages stolen in one five-year period at more than $203 million.
Feds prioritizing on-site K-12 cybersecurity reviews this school year
The nation’s cyber defense agency is aiming to work with schools “where they’re at instead of where they should be.”
Why agencies should care about no-code workflow automation
COMMENTARY | When government staff can quickly create their own digital applications, they can improve customer experience and meet operational needs.
Prevention pays off: How one city may soon end family homelessness
Milwaukee’s community leaders and social services organizations are setting common goals and directing resources toward keeping families from becoming homeless in the first place.
New ‘kidfluencer’ law allows child social media stars to sue parents
Illinois became the first in the nation to require parents to set aside kids’ gross earnings in a trust. If they don’t, children can sue.
As ranked choice voting gains momentum, parties in power push back
This year, several states banned the increasingly popular voting system.
Under new state law, Texas will bill electric vehicle drivers an extra $200 a year
The new registration fee is meant to make up for the state’s lost revenue from gasoline taxes that are used to pay for road construction and maintenance.
What the police raid of a Kansas newspaper says about government and the press
The raid sparked coast-to-coast outrage, but it also raised concerns about the eroding relationship between government officials and the reporters who cover them. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Much is at stake in Congress’ upcoming budget negotiations for state and local water agencies
Two analyses suggest governments will be getting far less than what they need. They blame politics and earmarks.
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