The End Is Near for Outdated Government Financial Reporting
COMMENTARY | Changes to federal law will require state and local governments to do what they should have done years ago for the benefit of investors and other stakeholders.
Congress and Watchdogs Scrutinize Covid Aid Lost to Fraud
Federal officials are still going after fraudsters who siphoned billions from emergency Covid-era programs, while also trying to prevent similar malfeasance in the future. State-managed unemployment programs are one area getting heavy attention.
Nine ‘Mega’ Projects Score Grants Totaling Over $1 Billion
Nearly $300 million of the federal funding will go to a high-profile rail tunnel project linking New York City and New Jersey.
How the Debt Ceiling Debate Puts State and Local Dollars at Risk
With a battle over federal spending brewing between Republicans and Democrats in Washington, counties and low-income housing advocates are warning of potentially damaging cuts.
Biden Administration Plans for Stronger Fair Housing Enforcement
A pending Department of Housing and Urban Development rule would set new requirements for state and local agencies and mark the reversal of a Trump-era policy.
State Governments’ Railroad Expertise Gap
With billions in new money for projects in play, a top federal railroad official is urging states to get on track ramping up rail-focused staff.
House GOP Would Make It Easier for Feds to Give Public Lands Away to States
The rule would apply to any land owned by the federal government, almost all of which is in 11 Western states and Alaska.
State AGs Urge US Supreme Court to Address Blocked Railroad Crossings
The problem of trains blocking roadways is getting worse and, according to 18 states, it can have life-threatening consequences.
With Federal Boost, Massive Bridge Project Finally Set to Move Forward
Plans to upgrade the interstate crossing between Ohio and Kentucky have been in the works for nearly two decades. Grants from last year’s infrastructure law will help to provide the funding needed to make construction possible.
Federal Memo on State Highway Spending Faces Sharper Criticism
The agency that issued the document outlining Biden administration road priorities maintains it is non-binding. But a federal watchdog says the memo should undergo congressional review and GOP lawmakers are pushing to rescind it.
What the $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill Includes for States and Localities
Congressional lawmakers fought back attempts by conservatives to delay the legislation until next year, approving billions for infrastructure, new regional technology hubs, homelessness programs and other state and local government priorities.
Marijuana Banking Reform Left Out of Year-End Spending Deal
The proposed changes would have cleared a path for state-regulated marijuana companies to access banking services, instead of doing business primarily in cash.
Fears Grow Over Plan to Distribute Billions in Broadband Dollars
State and local officials are raising alarm about what they say are major flaws with a federal map that will guide where the infrastructure money is sent. They want the Biden administration to extend a timeline for flagging the problems.
Permitting Revamp and Pot Banking Left Out of Must-pass Defense Bill
In brokering the National Defense Authorization Act, congressional negotiators didn’t include a controversial overhaul of environmental permitting for energy projects, or provisions to open banking to state-regulated marijuana businesses.
Passenger Rail Set to Expand with $2.3B Up for Grabs
The Federal Railroad Administration is accepting applications for projects that expand service and improve safety and reliability.
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.
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