Author Archive
Elaine S. Povich
Finance
Covid Woes Prompt More States to Require Financial Literacy Classes
The pandemic has underscored how few Americans are prepared for financial emergencies.
Management
More States Help Workers Save for Retirement
Employees are much more likely to save if they have automatic payroll deductions at work.
Public Safety
Rideshare Riders Could Get Stuck with Medical Bills in a Crash
In some states, Uber and Lyft don’t have to pay if passengers are hurt in a hit-and-run accident.
Tech & Data
It Turns Out State Lawmakers Hate Auto-Renew Contracts, Too
Automatic renewal plans have prompted class action lawsuits.
Public Safety
Regulators Scrutinize Buy Now, Pay Later Plans
Consumer advocates worry about buyers overextending themselves.
Finance
Cities and States Find New Ways to Tax Streaming Services
Governments are desperate to recoup lost revenue as people cut the cable cord.
Tech & Data
No Puppy for Christmas: Online Pet Scams Proliferate
Pet fraud comprises a third of online shopping scam complaints.
Tech & Data
Robocallers Try New Tactics to Evade Crackdowns
Scofflaws innovate after every government attempt to block scam calls.
Management
Homebuyer ‘Love Letters’ May Stir Bias. (But They Often Work.)
It’s a financial transaction, not a seduction.
Public Safety
States Use Hurricane Ida Damage to Push Infrastructure Bill
Governors of both parties are lobbying Congress to ensure resilience measures are included.
Infrastructure
Out-of-State Toll Scofflaws Vex State Authorities
States such as New Jersey are losing millions when out-of-state drivers fail to pay their tolls, fines and fees. Some states are looking at reciprocal agreements.
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Public Safety
Lawmakers Call Foul on Referee Abuse
Wisconsin is one of a half-dozen states considering umpire and referee protection legislation this year.
Health & Human Services
States Braced for a Wave of Covid Lawsuits. It Never Arrived.
About 30 states have enacted laws to shield businesses from being sued if a patron or worker contracts Covid-19.
Infrastructure
Waste Not? Some States Are Sending Less Food to Landfills
New York is one of eight states that have enacted laws to cut down on food in landfills, where it breaks down into methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and is released into the atmosphere.
Public Safety
Post-Insurrection, States Balance Capitol Security, Openness
Dissatisfaction with democracy could lead to further attacks at state capitols.
Tech & Data
Internet Ads Are a Popular Tax Target for Both Parties
Digital snooping and pandemic profits have fueled anger against tech giants.
Health & Human Services
Adoptees Press States for Access to Original Birth Certificates
New York is one of only nine states that allow adoptees unrestricted access to their original birth certificates. About a dozen states are considering bills to also do so.
Management
Pandemic Provokes City vs. State Conflicts
The Georgia legislature approved legislation that would preempt the commission’s powers, after the panel moved toward restricting police funding. State preemption of local powers is increasing nationwide.
Health & Human Services
Pandemic-Paused Plastic Bag Bans Ripped Anew by Critics
Philadelphia’s bag ban was delayed due to the pandemic, which has derailed similar bans across the country. Eight states have anti-plastic bag laws on the books.
Tech & Data