Workforce
Lessons from one state’s effort to modernize its criminal justice system
New York’s sweeping 2020 law sought to accelerate pre-trial processes with technology upgrades. But the state’s experience offers lessons for other jurisdictions undertaking similar efforts to modernize the justice system.
In face of threats, election workers vow: ‘You are not disrupting the democratic process’
But the threats, including a recent fentanyl scare, have spurred some officials to leave.
Former coal towns get money for clean energy projects
Coal, oil and gas communities are receiving an amount of investment that is far above their share of the population.
Education linked to better employment prospects upon release from prison
People who get an education while serving time are less likely to return to prison and more likely to enter the job market, an analysis finds.
Apprenticeship programs are growing as the public sector faces workforce shortages
Registered apprenticeships, infrequently used by state and local governments in the past, are gaining the attention of staff-starved agencies.
Democrats face a balancing act in advancing clean energy initiatives
Despite some skepticism, auto unions recently approved new labor agreements that invest big in the nation’s transition to clean energy. Three Democratic governors are calling it a win. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
How paid sick leave helps cure economic instability
Cities and states are enacting paid leave policies that prevent low-wage workers from choosing between rest and recovery or work and a paycheck.
Governor orders end to remote work, directs state workers back to offices
But concerns remain as one official says the move could hurt recruiting and retention of state employees amid staff shortages.
‘Early days’ for state-level response to Biden’s AI executive order
Experts urged state and local governments to be patient as it plays out at the federal level, pointing to an executive order from a decade ago that offers a cautionary tale.
The cyber workforce gap is growing
Despite a significant increase in the number of people entering the cyber field in 2023, demand is still far outpacing that supply.
Counties use high school students as poll workers to shore up staff
Aging poll workers leaves some Indiana communities short-staffed during election time. A statewide program helps fill those workforce gaps by recruiting high school students to help with administrative tasks during elections.
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