Kansas’ Overly Optimistic Revenue Forecasts; Univ. of Calif. Workers Struggle With Hunger
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback John Hanna / AP Photo
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Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Flood recovery continues in N.C.; Okla. considers big alcohol changes; New Orleans mayor plans to double traffic cameras.
TOPEKA, KANSAS
STATE BUDGETING | There’s disagreement over how to change Kansas revenue forecasts to be more accurate. Current forecasting methods have proven consistently to be too optimistic in the last two years, a problem that can lead to mid-year budget cuts. Discussions about revenue forecasting are happening against the backdrop of tax cuts enacted in 2012, championed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. “In our opinion, when there’s a significant tax policy change, the system breaks down, and that’s exactly what we’ve been through in the state of Kansas the last four years,” said Sam Williams, chairman of a task force assigned to examine how the revenue estimates might be improved. [The Topeka Capital-Journal]
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
HIGHER EDUCATION | According to a new study carried out by Occidental College, seven in 10 University of California workers in clerical, administrative and support services struggle to feed themselves and their families. A similar study of students found that, although less severe, the same problem exists for the system’s students—42% of 9,000 UC students surveyed reported that they did not have consistent access to high quality, nutritious food. UC President Janet Napolitano announced a $3.3 million expansion of the fight against campus malnutrition alongside the release of the student study. The effort will include more food pantries, budget cooking lessons, and donations to student meal plans. [Los Angeles Times]
Other state and local government stories that caught our eye ...
Oklahoma is considering its biggest changes to alcohol regulations since the state went wet 60 years ago [The Oklahoman]
In Princeville, North Carolina, which was flooded by Hurricane Matthew, 13-member crews continue to work 12-hour shifts and have been pumping out 20 million gallons of water daily from the nation’s oldest town incorporated by African-Americans. Pumping efforts will continue for weeks. [WRAL-TV]
The Bridgegate trial continues in New Jersey: Bill Baroni, an ex-ally of Gov. Chris Christie, testified in federal court he was duped by his second-in-command at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. [The Record]
Sheriff’s deputies in Jasper County, Iowa, are investigating their fourth case of suspected arson targeting Bakken pipeline construction equipment. [The Gazette]
Advocates of solar power in Maine are criticizing proposed new rules from the state’s Public Utilities Commission that would phase out financial incentives for homeowners with solar panels. [Portland Press Herald]
Wisconsin state legislators are looking at ways to ease a projected health care worker shortage, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants and specialists in OB-GYN and mental health. [Wisconsin Public Radio]
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s new city budget includes a plan to double the number of traffic enforcement cameras. [New Orleans Advocate]
Alaska’s gain is Oregon’s pain: Improving high school graduation rates in the Last Frontier has pushed the Beaver State’s ranking to third-worst in the nation. [The Oregonian / OregonLive.com]
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