States Raid Fund Meant for Needy Families to Pay for Other Programs
"TANF is a slush fund."
As Long Waits for Results Render Covid Tests ‘Useless,’ States Seek Workarounds
Montana is switching from using one of the nation's largest diagnostic testing companies to processing test results in Montana State University's lab, as well as contracting with a different private laboratory.
The Poor Performance of Performance Contracts
States and local governments have embraced “performance contracts,” requiring contractors to meet certain objectives. Too often, however, they don’t actually check on the success in meeting these goals.
Ohio House Speaker Accused by Feds in $60 Million Bribery Scheme
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | New York transit warns of $16 billion shortfall … After months of debate, Minnesota legislature passes sweeping criminal justice bill … Florida governor gets the Lincoln Project treatment.
State Data Reporting on the Coronavirus is Falling Woefully Short
A new analysis by a nonprofit group finds troubling gaps and inconsistencies with the information states are sharing with the public, and offers recommendations for how it can be improved.
State Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Reimburse Restaurants for Costs of Stalled Reopening
Legislation before the New Jersey legislature would use federal coronavirus relief funds to reimburse restaurants, caterers and bars for preparations to resume in-person dining before it was canceled by the governor.
With 4 in 5 Texans Living in a 'Red Zone,' Coronavirus Hot Spots Are Moving Targets
Early hot spots have been eclipsed by new regions in crisis. Now that so much of Texas is battling major coronavirus outbreaks, some severely ill patients have to travel long distances to receive the care they need.
‘One-Third of Our Income Is Gone’: A Rural State Faces a Big Budget Gap
Fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and downturns with oil, gas and coal have left Wyoming in a tough financial spot, with deep agency cuts and layoffs on the horizon.
New Jersey Lawmakers Consider Allowing Governor to Borrow $10 Billion to Help Fill Virus-Driven Budget Gaps
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Michigan official asks judge to review detention of 15-year-old girl for failing to complete schoolwork … Democrats slam Maryland election plan … Colorado governor defends calling those who won’t wear masks “selfish bastards.”
The Coronavirus Has Resurrected Single-Use Plastics—Are They Back to Stay?
COMMENTARY | The trend to re-embrace plastic bags and other single-use disposable goods reverses previously growing policies in cities and states to restrict their use.
A Guide to Immediate and Long-Term Fixes to the Unemployment Benefits Process
COMMENTARY | State unemployment systems are in need of significant short and long-term solutions to handle the exponential increase in unemployment claims that have occurred as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Millions Could Be Evicted As Moratoriums End, Experts Say
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Portland, Oregon officials decry federal law enforcement response to protest … Connecticut mayor sues airline over bite by purported emotional support dog … Hawaii could delay tourism opening.
Families Of Health Workers Killed By COVID Fight For Denied Workers’ Comp Benefits
Attorneys say some state workers’ compensation laws leave workers and families struggling for benefits after a COVID illness or death.
Ohio County Sets Up Mask Violation Hotline
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Florida coronavirus cases top one-day high for a single state … Seattle City Council majority pledges to support 50% cut to police department … South Carolina county could report 4,000 missing school Chromebooks to police.
Andrew Cuomo’s Report on Controversial Nursing Home Policy for COVID Patients Prompts More Controversy
A state report on Cuomo’s decision to order nursing homes to take in COVID positive patients in the early days of the pandemic fails to deal with the central question: did such admissions lead to more infection and death, and if so how significantly.
‘A Safety Net That’s Ripped’: Problems Plague State Unemployment Systems
In states like Florida and Alabama, people have struggled to get unemployment insurance benefits as the coronavirus continues to drive a flood of claims.
It Can Be Difficult to Revoke a Police Officer's License. Some States Are Trying to Make it Easier.
Nearly all states require police officers to be certified, but not every state has a process for revoking that license, even in the face of egregious misconduct.
A Blueprint for How State Leaders Can Achieve Better Results
COMMENTARY | Data and evidence can help state policymakers make thoughtful decisions on public health, economics, equity and other issues.
Don't Want to Wear a Mask? In Some Places, It Could Cost You.
States and cities are introducing penalties for people who don't comply with mandatory mask policies. But enforcement is tricky, with some public officials and civil rights experts arguing fines are counterproductive.
Know a Teen Who Needs a Summer Job? Covid-19 Response Is Hiring.
Officials in several states are expanding existing seasonal job programs to include new opportunities to help with government-led coronavirus response efforts.
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