State and Federal Relations
The Fight to Expand the Low-income Housing Tax Credit
With the nation’s home shortage grinding on, advocates and some lawmakers want to restore, and possibly go beyond, a previous increase in the federal credits, which are key in helping finance the construction of affordable housing. But will Congress act?
Biden’s Pick to Oversee Highways Moves Toward Confirmation
Shailen Bhatt previously led state transportation departments in Colorado and Delaware. He’d take the helm of an agency that has drawn flak from Republicans over infrastructure law guidance.
Federal Watchdog Calls for National Online Sales Tax Standards
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have shown interest in the idea. But any plan along these lines is sure to draw skepticism from states and localities worried about ceding their power over tax policy.
Housing Advocates Worry About Civil Rights Protections in Texas Disaster Standoff
The state is under scrutiny for how it distributed billions in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development dollars to prevent future storm and flood damage. But whether the feds will take action to address discrimination concerns is an open question.
Republican Governors Blast Biden for Infrastructure Labor Plan
They’re at odds over a proposal calling for contractors to agree to project-specific labor standards on federal job sites.
Biden Administration Looks for Ways to Provide More Free School Meals
With a pandemic-era program expired and no help from Congress on the horizon, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says his department is considering options for how it can take action.
Feds Call for State-Local Cooperation on Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
The Biden administration is urging state DOTs to turn to local governments as they plan for projects to make streets safer for people outside of vehicles.
States Divided on Setting Targets for Curbing Highway Emissions
A proposal from the Biden administration is drawing backlash from Republican states who criticize it as federal overreach.
Cities and States Bristle Over Proposal to Change How They Report on Finances
Congress is weighing a plan that calls for overhauling how state and local government financial data is made public, stirring worries about new costs for software and staff. But supporters of the revamp say it’s long overdue.
$1B Cybersecurity Grant Program Still Coming Into Focus
The new federal initiative is in its early stages, with questions about how the money will be spent and how much control localities, versus states, will have over it.
The Infrastructure Law: ‘Hitting Timelines Without Cutting Corners’
Biden administration officials are pushing for projects to move quickly, while also meeting goals like benefiting disadvantaged neighborhoods and strengthening the nation’s workforce.
A Leading Republican Looks to Get Tough on the SALT Deduction
Rep. Adrian Smith, who is vying to be the top Republican on the House Ways & Means Committee, views the state and local tax deduction as a potential federal “subsidy” for liberal policies.
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