Author Archive
Bill Lucia
Infrastructure
Republicans Unveil $568 Billion Infrastructure Proposal
GOP senators said that they’re ready to engage with Democrats and the Biden administration to work out a deal.
Management
House Lawmakers Form New Caucus of Former Local Officials
"If an issue is important to our local governments, it should be important to Congress, too," said one of the group's co-chairs.
Management
California Bill Would Give Fast Food Workers Sway Over Labor Standards
The proposal would create a first-of-its-kind panel where businesses, employees and the state would hash out the guidelines together.
Finance
House Lawmakers Launch Group to Fight for 'SALT' Cap Repeal
But they face firm Republican opposition and there are no clear signs of support coming from the White House.
Finance
New Treasury Office Will Oversee Covid Relief and Recovery Programs
Billions in state and local government aid is part of the office's portfolio.
Finance
Cities Prepare to Spend Historic Sums of Federal Aid
In addition to filling budget gaps, they're looking at longer-term recovery programs focused on areas like housing and job training.
Infrastructure
Biden Meets With Bipartisan Group to Push for Infrastructure Plan
The president gathered with eight congressional lawmakers, as his administration advocates for a roughly $2 trillion proposal focused on public works and other domestic priorities.
Finance
Biden's Budget Would Up Spending on State and Local Programs
The president's initial fiscal 2022 blueprint, released Friday, calls for a 16% federal spending increase on a broad slate of domestic programs. Republicans swiftly criticized the plan.
Finance
HUD Prepares to Distribute $5 Billion to Help With Homelessness
The department released figures Thursday for how much individual states and localities will get from the pot of grant funding, part of the recent federal coronavirus relief package.
Infrastructure
Biden on Infrastructure: ‘We Will Not Be Open to Doing Nothing’
The president also emphasized he is prepared to have talks with Republicans about his proposed spending package.
Health & Human Services
GOP Governors Take Action to Block Covid ‘Vaccine Passports’
The Biden administration is making clear it is not planning to pursue a federal proof-of-vaccination program.
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Finance
‘SALT’ Saga Flares as Governors Push to Repeal $10,000 Limit
The latest efforts to restore a federal break for state and local tax payments come as the White House proposes tax policy changes to help fund President Biden's infrastructure package.
Management
Public Sector Jobs Up in March, But Still Far Below Pre-Covid Levels
Education employment in particular saw strong growth.
Finance
Grading State Budget Practices at a Turbulent Time
The Volcker Alliance’s latest state budget report cards come as the pandemic has tested public finances and as historic sums of federal aid flow toward states and localities.
Finance
The Wide Gaps Between Minority and White Business Ownership in America’s Cities
A new data tool offers ways to gauge the disparities with businesses in the nation’s largest metro areas. It also includes information on women-owned firms.
Health & Human Services
Mayors Want Vaccines Distributed Directly to Cities
The proposal, pitched to the White House on Monday, would mean bypassing states. It’s likely to be a tough sell given the added complications it would involve.
Infrastructure
Buttigieg Emphasizes Commitment to Working Directly with Local Governments
“States don't always see things from that critically important local perspective,” the former mayor told county officials.
Finance
Lawmakers Renew Push to Restore Axed Municipal Refinancing Tool
Advance refunding helped state and local governments save on borrowing costs. The bipartisan effort to bring it back could get rolled into forthcoming infrastructure legislation.
Smart Cities
The Riskiest ‘Smart City’ Technologies, According to Cybersecurity Experts
Technology like sensors built into infrastructure and emergency alerts has possible benefits, but in a new study dozens of experts weigh in on where some of the more significant pitfalls may lie.
Tech & Data