Author Archive
Elaine S. Povich
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.
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
Pandemic Drives Phone, Computer ‘Right-to-Repair’ Bills
Legislation in half the states would make it easier to fix phones and computers.
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Health & Human Services
These States Found the Secret to Covid-19 Vaccination Success
A few states with smaller populations have fared better than others delivering the vaccine to their residents.
Health & Human Services
Interest Groups Lobby to Get Ahead in Vaccine Line
The lobbying to be in the "1B category" has been intense in many states. Advocates for older adults, teachers, restaurant workers, agricultural workers and others are pleading their cases.
Public Safety
Many State Capitols Have Security Holes
“We're deeply concerned for what's likely to come in the coming months in state capitols."
Management
Deepening Statehouse Divisions Foretell Big Policy Fights
Staunchly partisan lawmakers may heed their most ardent constituents.
Management
Pandemic Raises, Lowers Hurdles for Voters with Disabilities
About a sixth of voters have a disability.
Management
Fearing Delays and Chaos, Swing States Weigh Early Counting of Mail-In Ballots
Some states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, prohibit processing absentee ballots until Election Day. Right now, leaders are considering changing that to avoid long delays about the results of the November election.
Management
Businesses Want a Shield Against COVID-19 Lawsuits. But What About Customer Safety?
As Congress debates liability protections, states step up.
Management