Finance

As 988 Crisis Line Sees More Use, States Debate How to Pay for It

Five states have approved a monthly phone fee to support the crisis hotline.

  • By Noelle Straub, Stateline

As More Republican States Consider Expanding Medicaid, the GOP House Proposes Gutting it

Republicans in Congress want to reduce federal spending on Medicaid, arguing it has grown too much.

  • By Kery Murakami

State & Local Roundup: The ESG Debate Hits a New Frenzy

Plus: Medicaid expansion marches on; Utah restricts social media for minors; More kids eat free; Development without displacement; and more news you can use from around the country.

  • By Daniel C. Vock, Molly Bolan and Elizabeth Daigneau

Could the Feds Save States Money on Prescription Drugs?

A proposal in President Biden’s 2024 budget claims it could save billions, but not everyone is so sure.

  • By Kery Murakami

New HUD Playbook Guides Underserved Communities in Accessing Broadband Funding

It seeks to help public housing authorities, multifamily owners and operators, and tribes determine how to spend federal broadband money to close the digital divide.

  • By Molly Bolan

Is Participatory Budgeting Coming to a Local Government Near You?

Amid an influx of billions of federal dollars, some think the tool may see an uptick in use.

  • By Elizabeth Daigneau

California Governor Announces Plan to ‘Create More Housing, Faster’

In an effort to tackle one of the country’s largest homeless populations, Gov. Gavin Newsom last week announced plans to build 1,200 tiny homes and spend $1 billion on local homelessness initiatives.

  • By Molly Bolan

State & Local Roundup: Bank Collapses Add to Worries for State and Local Officials

Plus: Lawmakers want to tighten SNAP work requirements; Conservatives continue DEI assault; A potential labor strike in L.A.; and more news you can use from around the country.

  • By Daniel C. Vock, Molly Bolan and Elizabeth Daigneau

An Attack on Auditor Independence Jeopardizes One State’s Fiscal Future

The Iowa Senate passed a bill that severely limits its auditor’s access to critical documents. The ramifications could be severe.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

One State’s Grant Management Breakthrough

With the One Stop portal, organizations in Massachusetts can apply for economic development grants across three agencies, and grant administrators can more easily manage programs and ensure regional equity.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz

Biden Administration Unveils Plan to Boost Affordable Housing

Housing advocates have praised the president’s budget proposal, which would give housing programs a $1.1 billion bump.

  • By Molly Bolan

As Supreme Court Considers Student Loan Forgiveness, States May Expand Their Programs

At least two dozen bills are moving through legislatures this spring.

  • By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline
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House GOP Tightens Rules for Earmarks

The move will likely limit future funding for state and local government projects in the areas of education, human services and workforce development, as well as for government operations.

  • By Kery Murakami

State & Local Roundup: The Child Tax Credit Gets a Boost

President Biden this week proposed bringing back the 2021 expanded credit amidst moves by states to enact their own. Plus: A red state pot rebuke; Tennessee restricts Nashville’s city council; Boston transit troubles; and more news you can use from around the country.

  • By Daniel C. Vock, Molly Bolan and Elizabeth Daigneau

Here’s What’s In Biden’s Budget Plan for State and Local Governments

The administration, among other things, wants to dramatically increase funding for housing and restore the child tax credit.

  • By Kery Murakami

5 Ways Local Governments Can Make Spending Smarter

COMMENTARY | There’s a lot wrong with the way governments purchase goods and services. But there are also ways to bring creativity and efficiency to procurement, harnessing it for innovation and economic growth.

  • By Mark Funkhouser

Democrats Plan to Take Another Pass at Cannabis Banking Bill

They are hoping a bill sponsored by Democratic and Republican senators will be more successful and finally address local governments’ concerns about crime.

  • By Kery Murakami

Colorado Expands Unemployment Insurance—And Others Are Watching Closely

Colorado’s low-cost approach to getting benefits out the door quickly could provide a model for adapting or modernizing public assistance programs elsewhere.

  • By Liz Farmer

White House’s Environmental Justice Tool Still Comes Up Short, Advocates Say

Groups worry that the criteria that determines which communities qualify is too broad and may lead to federal grant money bypassing the people who need it most.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Republicans Want to Incentivize States to Recover Stolen Unemployment Benefits

The House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill this week that would let states keep 25% of any money they recover that was fraudulently obtained or improperly given out.

  • By Kery Murakami

In Preview of Debt Limit Fight, House Republicans Target Climate Funds

A House Environment subcommittee voted to claw back $27 billion from President Biden’s climate law, signaling what the GOP may demand in future budget negotiations.

  • By Kery Murakami