State and Federal Relations

New White House office will work with communities to curb gun violence

The office will look to build off of last year’s landmark gun legislation and has been applauded by national local government associations who have called gun violence an “incredibly serious issue in America.”

  • By Molly Bolan

As cities struggle to shelter migrants, calls for federal action grow

State and local leaders have resorted to desperate measures—sometimes circumventing the federal government—to find housing and support for the influx of asylum seekers. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

An Illinois plan for ending book bans? Republican senators aren’t on board

A tense hearing on Capitol Hill showed partisan divisions over who should decide what books libraries and schools offer.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

A GOP bill would ban California’s pig measure and others like it

The proposal, which is part of the farm bill, would block states from passing laws that could change how agriculture is practiced in other states. Critics say it could upend hundreds of state and local laws.

  • By Kery Murakami

Emergency rental assistance programs do more than provide cash assistance

Beyond covering rent, the federal funding laid the groundwork for improved partnerships with courts and data integration that will help communities continue providing support.

  • By Molly Bolan

States could use federal money to add Tesla chargers

Kentucky, Texas and Washington might add extra plugs for the popular EVs, as several automakers indicated they would make cars with the same connections in coming years.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

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.

  • By Andy Miller, KFF Health News

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.

  • By Kery Murakami

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.

  • By Molly Bolan

Congress Set to Weigh Whether State AGs Can Tackle Airline Complaints

State officials have not been allowed to pursue air carriers for violating consumer protection laws since 1978, but recent airline meltdowns have emboldened state AGs and advocates to ask for a change.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Feds Give States More Flexibility in Medicaid Redeterminations

But, according to federal data, states already aren’t using all the latitude given to them to keep eligible people on the low-income health care program.

  • By Kery Murakami

To Rebuild Damaged Section of Interstate 95, Officials Will Draw on Past Incidents

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said during his visit Tuesday that a 2017 bridge collapse in Georgia may provide a roadmap for how to rebuild quickly. A timetable for building a replacement set to be released Wednesday will depend on many factors, including finding the necessary materials.

  • By Daniel C. Vock
Featured eBooks
Road and Transit Infrastructure Trends
Federal Recovery Funds at the State and Local Level
Infrastructure at a Turning Point

A New Map Could Mean Less Money to Expand Broadband for Some States

The revised map that shows where there is little to no internet service in the U.S. comes as the feds are about to distribute nearly $42.5 billion in broadband funding.

  • By Kery Murakami

Alabama Loses High Court Bid to Rewrite Redistricting Rules

The Supreme Court ordered state lawmakers to draw another majority Black congressional district, in a case that could have a far-reaching impact.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

New Florida Law Invalidates Out-of-State Licenses for 'Undocumented Immigrants’

It is not clear how the state will roll out the requirement, or which out-of-state licenses it will declare invalid.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Supreme Court Scales Back Scope of Clean Water Act

Conservatives on the court say the decision preserves state authority to regulate land and water use. But liberal justices worry the ruling will gut efforts to curb water pollution.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Shovel Ready vs. Shovel Worthy

COMMENTARY | As state and local governments receive an influx of federal infrastructure funding, it is imperative that they think critically about future needs.

  • By Andrew Garbutt

White House Vowed to Play Key Role in Opioid Settlements But Has Gone Quiet

Billions of dollars are headed to state and local governments to address the opioid crisis. But if the federal government fails to oversee the use of the money, it could lead to wasted opportunities. And the feds could have a claim to portions of states’ opioid settlements.

  • By Aneri Pattani, KFF Health News

Tennessee’s Rightward Shift

Long-brewing tensions at the Tennessee Capitol burst into public view Monday, as Republican House members began the process of ousting three of their Democratic colleagues for participating in an anti-gun protest in the chamber last week.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

How to Build a Passenger Rail Network from Scratch

Tennessee wants to expand rail in the state. Routes could be a critical link in a national network built with federal money, but right now service is minimal.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

We’re Back! Our Grand Return to Live Events

Route Fifty and GCN will hit the road with a new free event series to explore how cities across the country are building their future today.