Infrastructure remains a top priority for cities
According to an analysis of State of City addresses, mayors’ top focus for the third straight year are the nation’s road, bridges and water systems. Finances and public safety followed closely behind.
The nation’s biggest public union wants to help fix the workforce shortage
The group has launched a listening tour and has already received feedback from state and local workers on what governments can do to attract and retain employees.
State retirement plans close savings gap and pad bottom lines
Six years ago and millions of dollars since, Oregon launched the first state-sponsored retirement program for private sector workers. Today, 19 states have launched or plan to launch their own savings programs.
Post-pandemic, SNAP benefits aren’t high enough to buy food
A new study finds that people in three-quarters of the nation’s counties don’t receive enough food assistance to pay for their groceries.
Wisconsin’s ‘Star Trek’ veto and other budget stragglers
With the new fiscal year underway, some states are just now wrapping up their budgets—and it hasn’t been without drama. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup
Boosting affordable housing by reclaiming investor-owned properties
As the affordable housing supply gets squeezed, some worry that private equity firms will scoop up more properties.
CDC to reduce funding for states’ child vaccination programs
Citing the recent debt ceiling deal, the CDC is trimming its funding to child vaccination programs that focus on communities vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The cuts come despite data showing the percentage of children getting vaccinated has dropped in recent years.
Building infrastructure using inclusive planning
COMMENTARY | As billions of dollars flow to state and local governments under the infrastructure bill, public officials are responsible for using it to create a fairer economy.
New fiscal year, new taxes
A slate of tax policy changes are set to take effect across 18 states. And just as the first day of July brings tax changes, the last day of June marks the end of another U.S. Supreme Court term. Here are the rulings that impacted states. Plus, more news to use in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Despite the controversy, cities are still turning to rent control to address the housing crisis
Many cities have adopted rent control measures in the past year to help with the high cost of housing. But the approach has had less success in statehouses, where opponents argue it’s ineffective.
More than $42 billion in broadband funding allocations announced
President Joe Biden released how much each state will receive in funding under the bipartisan infrastructure law to expand access to high speed internet in America’s under- and unserved communities.
Amid looming ‘child care cliff,’ states scramble to bolster programs
Billions in federal subsidies for child care providers are set to run out in September, causing as many as 3.2 million children nationwide to lose their daycare spots. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
State coffers to take a hit with the end of extra federal Medicaid funding
During the pandemic, states received more than $117 billion in additional federal Medicaid funding in return for pausing disenrollments. That extra money is set to end this year.
A different kind of green bank—one that targets affordable housing
Massachusetts launched the nation’s first green bank dedicated to affordable housing.
Five years after the Wayfair ruling, states' reliance on the sales tax grows
But while the sales tax has brought in billions of dollars for state and local governments, businesses find the patchwork of rules burdensome.
Opioid Settlement Payouts to Localities Made Public for First Time
Documents have been obtained showing the exact dollar amounts—down to the cent—that local governments have been allocated in 2022 and 2023 to battle the ongoing opioid crisis.
As Kentucky’s Largest Coal Producer Mines Bitcoin, Its Power Discounts Draw Scrutiny
State utility regulator launches investigations into cryptocurrency industry’s impacts.
Minnesota Takes On Corporate Profit Shifting
The state targeted a loophole that companies use to create income tax havens abroad. As overall tax revenue continues to slump, will other states do the same?
Why Blockchain Is a Key Technology for State and Local Governments
COMMENTARY | Blockchains are a promising solution for securing data in health care, finance, voting and other public applications.
Senate Passes Debt Ceiling Bill, Approves New Work Requirements for Benefits
States will have to meet stricter rules for those receiving food stamps and welfare assistance. Some worry it will actually hamper states’ ability to help people get back to work.
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