Author Archive

Kery Murakami

Kery Murakami
Kery Murakami is a former senior reporter who covered Congress and federal agencies for Route Fifty.
Management

Supreme Court upholds barring guns from domestic violence suspects

The decision keeps intact a nearly 30-year-old federal law as well as state laws in 46 states and Washington, D.C.

Management

In crisis and on hold: How the 988 hotline revamped callers' experience

To avoid people in need hanging up in frustration, the crisis and suicide hotline has changed the voice and the music that callers hear as they wait to be connected to counselors.

Finance

Billions in earmarks headed to states and cities

The funding comes despite conservative opposition to the federal government paying for specific local projects.

Digital Government

Without federal internet subsidies, state efforts to offer low-cost broadband could be impacted

The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program will not only impact the 23 million households participating, but also those who live in areas where broadband is being built out.

Finance

Senate at an ‘impasse’ over restoring child tax credit

Republicans in the chamber oppose the way the credit is calculated, making the passage of the tax package approved by the House in February uncertain.

Finance

Congress finally approves spending budget, nearly six months late

The vote in the House and Senate averts a shutdown and brings funding certainty. But several programs significant to state and local governments will see cuts.

Finance

Spending package cuts grants to cities to help with influx of migrants

The six spending bills also fail to fund internet subsidies and security for places of worship.

Digital Government

23M low-income households appear set to lose internet subsides

Congressional leaders did not include funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program in its final six spending bills.

Digital Government

Supreme Court appears wary of restricting government action to control misinformation

The justices' skepticism in the case has state and local election officials breathing a little easier as they worry about misinformation efforts ahead of November elections.

Management

988 currently doesn't use geolocation services. Counties want to change that.

Counties are pushing for Congress to pass legislation that will require calls be routed based on location. Wireless carriers are already working with the federal government to start doing that.

Finance

Biden proposes 'historic new program' to address child care shortages

In his budget, the president is asking Congress for more money for child care and the restoration of several pandemic-era programs, including the full child care tax expansion.

Infrastructure

Housing gets big boost in Biden budget

The president is proposing funds to increase tax credits, support construction of affordable housing and reduce homelessness.

Finance

Senate approves six spending bills, averts partial government shutdown

Counties praised the package for addressing Medicaid access for the incarcerated. Now, congressional negotiators turn to the remaining six spending bills, which will determine the future of internet subsidies and other significant programs.

Workforce

Can student debt relief attract workers to state and local government jobs?

More than 46% of state and local employees reported being “extremely or very worried” about paying back their student loans. A new report suggests addressing that concern could entice more people into the public sector.

Finance

House passes spending bills in bipartisan vote

The package of bills provides additional funding for WIC and rental assistance, but drastically cuts funds funds for the largest state and local housing grant program and transit.

Digital Government

States, feds at odds over low-cost broadband option

Virginia says it’s unlawful to set a price for how much a company receiving federal broadband grants can charge low-income households. The feds disagree. They are withholding funding until the state sets a limit.

Finance

WIC, rental assistance get funding boost in newly unveiled spending bills

But the bipartisan proposals for six bills would cut funding to housing and transit programs.

Infrastructure

Biden administration announces new efforts to boost the nation’s housing supply

Federal officials will extend a program that has helped develop or rehabilitate nearly 12,000 affordable rental homes.

Digital Government

More than 17M low-income households will experience service disruptions if internet subsidy ends

Without the the Affordable Connectivity program, millions of families could lose internet access that they rely on for work, school and health care, new survey data shows.

Infrastructure

Biden administration waives certain ‘Build America’ requirements for broadband

Even with the waiver, though, the administration estimates that roughly 90% of funding for equipment will still be used to purchase U.S.-made products.