State Government

Federal Policies Help Spur Municipal Bond Market, but Headwinds Remain

Analysts are generally optimistic about the stability of government finances, but lingering issues—Covid, inflation and supply chain bottlenecks—pose economic and fiscal risks in the short term.

  • By Liz Farmer

5 Challenges States Must Anticipate Before the Next Emergency

COMMENTARY | After acquiring a vast amount of personal protective equipment, states will need to determine how to manage it so it doesn’t go to waste.

  • By Deborah Haywood

Legislation Seeks to Block Secrecy With Economic Development Deals

Bills put forward in at least three states aim to ensure there's transparency around tax breaks and other incentives.

  • By Bill Lucia

How States and Localities Can Use Data to Spend Federal Funds Wisely

COMMENTARY | Applying an evidence-based approach to funding new infrastructure problems can ensure communities get the biggest bang for each federal buck.

  • By Michael Caudell-Feagan

8 States Ask for Further Interest Reprieve on Unemployment Loans

An interest waiver on the federal loans to states expired in September. Now states that face millions in borrowing costs are looking for more of a break.

  • By Bill Lucia

Infrastructure Update: Governors Try to Unclog the Supply Chain

But are the proposals from the Republican state leaders all about politics? Or can they really help improve the flow of goods?

  • By Daniel C. Vock

A Pandemic Silver Lining: Public Meetings Have Become More Public

Covid-19 forced governments to have all virtual gatherings. There are disadvantages, government leaders say, but a hybrid meeting model may be here to stay.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

Extra, Extra! State Lawmakers Propose Tax Credit to Help Save Local Journalism

A New York bill would offer tax credits to offset the cost of salaries for journalists at local outlets, as well as a subsidy for their subscribers.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Surgeons Sometimes Deny Organ Transplants for Disabled Patients. State Lawmakers Are Changing That.

Twenty-nine states prevent doctors from considering a person's disability when determining eligibility for an organ transplant. Wisconsin could join them.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

'Love Letter' Legislation Leads to Lawsuit

A real estate firm filed a lawsuit to contest a new law in Oregon that prohibits sellers from presenting their clients with letters from prospective homebuyers, a common practice in competitive markets.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

The Country’s Most Cost-Effective Highway Systems

North Dakota’s highways are in the best condition for the least amount of money, according to an annual report released this month.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Should Rap Lyrics Be Used as Evidence in Criminal Trials?

A proposal in the New York State Assembly would require prosecutors to meet stricter standards to use rap lyrics as evidence, a relatively common practice that in most states has gone unregulated.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram
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Snowy Roads Will Be Cleared, But It Will ‘Take Extra Time’

The ongoing labor shortage has exacerbated existing plow driver hiring problems, transportation officials said.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

States Should Permanently Lift Practice Barriers for Nurses

COMMENTARY | Nurses can be a key force in helping to bridge gaps in health care access. But many states deny them the ability to practice to their full capabilities.

  • By Mary Wakefield and John W. Rowe

The 311 Lifeline: How Governments Enhanced Call Centers During the Pandemic

State and municipal governments established special hotlines or expanded the type of services residents could access through 311 call centers during the pandemic.

  • By Andrea Noble

States Decide if Workers Fired Over Vaccine Mandates Can Collect Unemployment

When employers fire people because they fail to follow company policy, employees are generally not eligible for benefits. But three states have or could make non compliant workers eligible.

  • By Andrea Noble

The Cost for States to Expand Free Pre-K Under the Biden Plan

The Build Back Better proposal provides money for free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. States are required to contribute a percentage and will likely incur costs for workforce development, pay increases and adjusting elementary school curriculum.

  • By Andrea Noble

State Lawmaker Accepts $15,000 Fine for Legislating from Operating Room

A Maryland delegate who is also a plastic surgeon participated in two legislative meetings while operating, an oversight board found.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Colorado Allows Tougher Local Gun Laws. Other States May Follow.

Forty-two states bar cities and counties from passing stricter gun regulations.

  • By Matt Vasilogambros

Elections Officials Are Still Receiving Death Threats and Harassment About the 2020 Election. They’re Asking Congress For Help.

Three state and local election officials testified before a Senate committee about their terrifying experiences since last year’s election in support of proposed voting reform legislation.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

The States With New Restrictions on Public Health Emergency Powers

A new research project tracks and maps laws limiting how governors and others can respond to crises like the pandemic.

  • By Bill Lucia