State and Local Government Pay and Benefit Growth Has Outpaced Private Sector, Report Finds
But government employers still say they’re struggling to fill some jobs.
States Move to Crack Down on Air Conditioners’ Pollutants
A handful of states are beginning to look at the how they can phase out hydrofluorocarbons, focusing initially on large, commercial refrigeration units.
Trump Alters Electoral College Debate in States
Since the 2016 election, Democrats in a number of states have been pushing lawmakers to adopt a compact to give a state's electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote. Will Republicans join the cause?
This State Could Require Public Employees to Live Where They Work
Lawmakers in Illinois are debating a residency requirement for all new state employees.
Abandoning a Dog During a Hurricane Would Become Illegal Under State Proposal
A Florida bill proposes possible jail time or fines for leaving a dog tethered outside in a storm.
State's Denial of Custom License Plate Triggers Free Speech Lawsuit
At issue is the phrase “come on you whites,” an English soccer team motto California's DMV says has possible racial connotations.
Trump Order Puts State Power Over Pipeline Approvals in Crosshairs
The president charges that there’s “state level abuse” with a certain Clean Water Act certification needed for natural gas pipelines and other energy projects.
Unpaid Court Fines, Fees Can Get Your Water Shut Off
Critics say it unfairly punishes the poor when local governments or states withhold utilities or other services for unpaid fines and fees. But officials counter that can be necessary to make sure that people pay their bills.
Indiana Lawmakers Seek to Curb Overzealous Active-Shooter School Trainings
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | California’s measure to change when police can use deadly force passes out of committee …North Carolina mails millions to fishermen still reeling from Hurricane Florence … Florida braces for courting gators.
Colorado Poised to Pass Net-Neutrality Law
The bill, awaiting the governor's signature, would prevent non-neutral service providers from using taxpayer money.
Texas May Owe Feds $223 Million for Shortchanging Special Ed
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Massachusetts city council won’t skimp on laundry units for firefighters… Phoenix police make arrest in fifth road-rage attack in the last three weeks … More hay going to Midwest to help flooded farmers.
Tensions Flare Over a Proposal to Strengthen Public Sector Unions
Amid clashes with an activist group and fallout from a Supreme Court ruling, unions in Oregon are backing legislation that local governments see as “impossible” to fully implement.
States Move to Ban Gay Conversion Therapy
Massachusetts lawmakers approved a bill to outlaw the therapy, which aims to change their sexual orientation, for young people.
Voter ID Laws Don’t Seem to Suppress Minority Votes—Despite What Many Claim
COMMENTARY | States may have passed these laws with the aim of reducing turnout. But new evidence suggests that they have a minimal or nonexistent effect.
Amid Teen Vaping Boom, States Raise Age for E-Cigarette and Tobacco Sales to 21
Soon at least 11 states are slated to have higher age limits in place.
Suicide Risk Grew After Missouri Medicaid Kids Shifted To Managed Care, Hospitals Say
Psychiatric treatment for children in Medicaid managed-care plans in Missouri has declined and suicide risks are up, reveals a study sponsored by the state hospital association.
The Census Kicks Off in Exactly One Year: How to Ensure an Accurate Count
COMMENTARY | Local and state governments should take steps now so that next year's count reflects everybody in a region.
New York Bans Single-Use Plastic Bags
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Investigating earthquakes in Alabama ... A fight about Chik-Fil-A in San Antonio ... Considering a seasonal gas tax hike.
Food Waste Is a Major Problem. Confusing Date Labels Are Making It Worse.
Forty-three states have their own food date label requirements, but they vary widely.
Federal Judge Rejects Medicaid Work Requirements in Two States
About 18,000 people lost coverage in Arkansas after the state began requiring some recipients to work 80 hours a month.
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