State Government

State IT Officials Will Push for New Federal Grants to Help With Tech Upgrades

The group that represents chief information officers says the pandemic has highlighted how unemployment systems and other state and local technology need to be modernized.

  • By Andrea Noble

'The Internet Has Made Us Dumber,' and Other Lessons Government Officials Learned in 2020

State and local officials weigh in on what they're taking from—and leaving behind in—the dumpster fire that was last year.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Make Government Boring Again

ANALYSIS | The Texas Capitol had its defenses ready for the start of the legislative session after last week's riots in the U.S. Capitol. But opening day was nice and quiet.

  • By Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune

Farmers Can be Isolated and Unsure How to Seek Support. One State is Trying to Help.

Farmers in Wisconsin can access a 24-hour hotline, free counseling and, soon, virtual support groups. It's all part of a state-funded wellness program focused on the agricultural community.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Many States Resist Adapting Worker Safety Rules to Pandemic

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued no new rules during the pandemic. And states with their own workplace safety agencies lack a strong benchmark to follow.

  • By Alex Brown, Stateline

State Capitols on 'High Alert' Amid Talk of Armed Protests

Governors in multiple states were beefing up security at statehouses in preparation for rumored protests through the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Michigan Commission Bans Firearm Open Carry Inside State Capitol

The decision comes in the wake of the siege of the U.S. Capitol and as statehouses across the country are on heightened alert for security threats.

  • By Andrea Noble

Report: Stop Lines do Little to Encourage Drivers to Stop

Stop lines, the thick white bars painted ahead of intersections, do little to prevent crashes or influence driver behavior, a 14-year study found.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Many State Capitols Have Security Holes

“We're deeply concerned for what's likely to come in the coming months in state capitols."

  • By Elaine S. Povich and Alex Brown, Stateline

In 2021, States Are Poised to Tighten Abortion Restrictions

The more conservative Supreme Court will likely embolden lawmakers to pass restrictions that could run afoul of Roe v. Wade.

  • By Shefali Luthra, The 19th

After Mob Attack on U.S. Capitol, State Governments Take Precautions

Washington's governor announced plans for a heavy law enforcement presence at the state Capitol next week. Other states have taken extra security measures as well.

  • By Andrea Noble

Lawmakers from Multiple States Involved in Capitol Chaos, or Related Activities

Republican state lawmakers from across the country traveled to D.C. on Wednesday. At least one joined the siege of the U.S. Capitol Building.

  • By Emma Coleman

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Lawsuit: State Vaccination Program Should Prioritize Seniors

An 87-year-old Idaho man filed the suit, seeking to force the state to alter its Covid-19 vaccination program.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

With Schools Deemed Low-Risk for Covid, One State Urges a Return to Hybrid Learning

Delaware Gov. John Carney asked schools to resume at least some in-person instruction by Monday, saying that state health data showed that schools have not been significant sources of infection.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Kentucky Lawmakers Who Catch Covid Can Vote From Their Cars

Parking lot participation for those stricken by the virus, or quarantining because of exposure, is just one way that legislatures are adapting to the pandemic era.

  • By Bill Lucia

Texas' Move to Control Coal Ash Pollution Could Shield Industry from Tougher Rules Under Biden-led EPA

Texas is close to finalizing a years-long effort to wrangle control of coal ash pollution from the EPA, a move that could, for a time, keep coal companies insulated from tougher rules expected from the next administration.

  • By Erin Douglas, The Texas Tribune

She Noticed $200 Million Missing, Then She Was Fired

Alice Stebbins was hired to fix the finances of California’s powerful utility regulator. She was fired after finding $200 million for the state’s deaf, blind and poor residents was missing.

  • By Scott Morris, ProPublica

Trump Signs $900 Billion Covid Relief Package

The law funds special unemployment programs and $600 stimulus payments, as well as providing aid to people who need help with rent, struggling transit, schools and businesses.

  • By Laura Maggi

One State is Reforming Its Sex Offender Registry. Criminal Justice Advocates Aren’t Happy.

Michigan legislators passed legislation to revamp the sex offender registry, which courts have concluded is unconstitutional. Advocates say the new policies miss the mark.

  • By Emma Coleman

A Burnout Crisis Hits Government

COMMENTARY | A soon-to-be released survey reveals some surprising findings about local and state public sector employees’ struggles and how helping them feel connected to each other can reduce burnout.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

'A Lost Generation:’ Community Colleges Report Record Enrollment Declines

New data shows total enrollment decreased by more than 10% since last fall, with the most precipitous drop seen with first-year students.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram