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Governments Haven't Had Rules for Revealing Their Private Debt -- Until Now

A new requirement forces states and municipalities to annually report the terms and amount of loans they have taken directly from banks. It's a growing source of financing for many public entities.

How Higher Ed Became a Partisan Wedge Issue

As states debate the purpose of public universities, some say politics is playing an outsized role.

Will Teacher Strikes Influence the Supreme Court's Union Ruling?

Comments about "labor peace" during the February hearing didn't attract a lot of attention at the time. But since then, labor protests have spread across the country.

Big Business Tax Breaks May Worsen Income Inequality

Cities that give away the most money in tax incentives tend to be those with greater levels of income inequality.

Will Seattle's Controversial Tax on Big Businesses Stunt Its Economy?

It's already stirring anger among corporations, and nearby cities are trying to capitalize on that.

For Future Health Policies, Trump Administration Adds a Rural Focus

The federal government's new plan is short on details, but it makes one thing clear: It will ease regulations that burden rural providers -- many of whom are struggling to survive.

Businessman being crushed by paperwork.

Is 'Innovocracy' Hurting the Public Sector?

Massachusetts' comptroller thinks so.

Trump's New Abortion Proposal Politicizes a Historically Bipartisan Program

Federal money already can't be spent on abortions. The Trump administration now wants to keep any funds from going to organizations that support the procedure.

A supermarket displays stickers indicating they accept food stamps.

Despite Farm Bill Fail, Advocates of Food Stamp Work Requirements Succeed Elsewhere

The House voted against the legislation on Friday. But some of the ideas behind it have seen success in the states.

COMMENTARY

Why Environmental Impact Bonds Are Catching On

They give cities a way to share the risk and learn whether new approaches work.

COMMENTARY

Co-Creating the Government Work Experience

The public sector's workforce challenges won't be solved by the management practices of the past. Employee buy-in is essential.

COMMENTARY

Human Services’ Critical Role in Improving Health Care

Integrating community-based nonprofits' population health work with the health care system would strengthen both.

WHO SAID THAT?

“Maybe if they ... see the bodies of dead police officers who've been shot, laying in their own pool of blood, maybe all these people that are supposed to be the 'party of law and order' will start ... enacting pragmatic reforms that are achievable.”

MORE QUOTES

State Lawmakers Face Most Challengers in Decades

Recent election cycles have seen more than 40 percent of state legislative seats left uncontested. Not this year.

• Will Your State's Chambers Flip? Ratings for 2018 Legislative Races

MOST READ

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    America’s Boulevards of Death
  2. 2

    Is 'Innovocracy' Hurting the Public Sector?
  3. 3

    This Illinois Town Is on the Brink of Bankruptcy. How Many Will Follow?
  4. 4

    The Biggest Issues for States to Watch in 2018
  5. 5

    Will Teacher Strikes Influence the Supreme Court's Union Ruling?
  6. 6

    Will Seattle's Controversial Tax on Big Businesses Stunt Its Economy?
  7. 7

    Governments Haven't Had Rules for Revealing Their Private Debt -- Until Now

Long Adversaries, Automakers Now Want to Work With California on Emissions

The Trump administration, though, doesn't appear willing to bring the state to the table when crafting new standards. That puts automakers in a tough spot.

NEWS IN NUMBERS

35 million

The expected number of Americans who won't have health insurance in 2027, which is 5 million higher than the Congressional Budget Office initially predicted. The increase is attributed to rising premiums and the end of Obamacare's individual mandate, which Congress revoked in December.

MORE DIGITS

The Revolutionary Foster Care Law Buried in February's Federal Spending Deal

Congress passed drastic child welfare reforms that aim to reduce the removal of kids from their homes. But some worry they will cost states and harm children.

Can a Business Exec Save One of the Largest School Districts in America?

Austin Beutner, the new leader of Los Angeles schools, is the latest big-city superintendent with no education experience. Some say that -- and his ties to charter schools -- are cause for concern.

This Illinois Town Is on the Brink of Bankruptcy. How Many Will Follow?

Harvey, Ill., is facing insolvency thanks to its pension crisis. Some say it won't be the only one.

Her Accusations Ended His Political Career. Here's What She Wants You to Know Now.

"I have fantastic male colleagues who stood by me and defended me," says Colorado Rep. Faith Winter.

How the Sports Betting Ruling Will Impact State Budgets

The Supreme Court outlawed a federal ban on sports betting on Monday, and some states are poised to capitalize.

• Why the Sports Betting Ruling Could Be Good News for Sanctuary Cities

Mayors' Group Tries Novel Idea: A Bipartisan Agenda

The two new leaders of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a Democrat and a Republican, have crafted a bipartisan strategy that they hope will help them wield more influence in Washington.

Taking on Walmart Is No Easy Fight for Cities

Some towns have tried to force certain big-box retailers to pay higher wages.

As Other States Have Abandoned Efforts, New Jersey Passes Individual Mandate

Several states promised to pass their own mandates. Only one has. What happened?

Cities Now Use Taxes to Fight Blight. Is It Working?

Land use experts question whether vacant property taxes are the right way to spur development.