Why Alcohol Is Still the Most Dangerous Drug
It's cheaper, legal and kills more people than opioids. But public officials are much more united in the fight against drugs than alcohol.
Authors
J.B. Wogan |
Email : jwogan@governing.com Twitter : @jbwoganJ.B. Wogan -- Staff Writer. J.B. covers public programs aimed at addressing poverty and writes the monthly human services newsletter. He has also written for PolitiFact, The Seattle Times and Seattle magazine. He is the co-author of Peak Performance: How Denver's Peak Academy is saving millions of dollars, boosting morale and just maybe changing the world. (And how you can too!)
In 2010, the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association named him "News Writer of the Year" for his work at The Sammamish Review, a community weekly east of Seattle. J.B. is a graduate of Pomona College and has a master's in public policy from Johns Hopkins University.
Why Liberals Are Mad That Conservatives Want to Exempt Some People From Work Requirements
Several states are considering exemptions from Medicaid work requirements that would disproportionately impact black and white people.
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.
Can Homelessness Programs Make Money -- and Should They?
"Pay for success" is changing the way cities confront the problem.
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.
City Officials Highlight Innovative 'Ideas Worth Stealing'
From a community compost exchange to mayors funds, here are a few innovative ideas that city officials just might want to steal for themselves.
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.
Data Is Improving Government Services, But at What Cost to Citizens' Privacy?
Data now informs almost everything the public sector does, and it also informs on us.
Steve Ballmer on Using Data to Tell Government's Story
The former Microsoft CEO wants Americans to have a clear picture of how government collects and spends their money -- and what they get in return.
Can Cities Make Water Affordable? Detroit Offers Hope, and Disappointment
Since the UN got involved, the city has taken steps to make utility bills more affordable. But 17,000 customers still could lose their service next month.
Taking on Walmart Is No Easy Fight for Cities
Some towns have tried to force certain big-box retailers to pay higher wages.
Automatic Voter Registration Goes Beyond the DMV
The most recent states to adopt the practice are expanding it to agencies that serve disenfranchised populations, including the poor and disabled.
In Terms of Food Stamps, the Farm Bill Has Something for Everyone
The legislation released on Thursday includes changes that could satisfy conservatives and liberals. It does not include most of the changes President Trump proposed, such as drug testing and a Blue Apron-style delivery service.
The Bipartisan Food Stamp Reforms Congress Won't Talk About
The farm bill expected to be unveiled this week offers Republicans a rare opportunity to reshape one of the largest federal anti-poverty programs.
Trump Proposal Would Penalize Legal Immigrants for Using Government Aid
Under a new leaked version of the rule reportedly being considered, use of government benefits -- with few exceptions -- could hurt an immigrant's chances of becoming a permanent legal resident.
Is It Time to Stop Saying 'the Safety Net'?
The three largest groups representing human services agencies and nonprofits say the phrase hurts their work -- and society at large.
At South by Southwest, Pragmatist Mayors Learn to Think Like Futurists
The city leaders gathered in Austin engaged in workshops and exercises designed to help them think longer-term.
To Track Opioid Use, More Cities May Soon Screen Wastewater
A new tech startup allows cities to chart drug usage down to the neighborhood level.
White Residents Have Better Access to City Services, Mayors Say in New Survey
Most mayors said people of color experienced worse treatment by police and the courts and had worse access to education, housing and health care.
The Homeless-Campus Concept Catches On
As homelessness rises nationwide, Las Vegas is taking a gamble on a new way of helping the homeless. But some say it's money that could be better spent.
SXSW 2018: Mayors Focus on the Future
As city leaders from around the country meet at South by Southwest in Austin, they'll discuss the forces that will shape urbanism for decades to come.
Trump's Leaked Immigration Rule Already Having Impacts
Regardless of whether a proposal to drastically expand the reasons for denying green cards becomes law, many legal immigrants are afraid to use government assistance -- for themselves and their children.
Can Apprenticeships Train the Workforce of the Future? States Hope So.
America has a skills gap. Governments across the U.S. are turning to European-style apprenticeship programs as a possible solution.
Wisconsin's Unprecedented Welfare Reform Could Inspire Conservative Changes Elsewhere
Gov. Scott Walker is poised to sign a sweeping package of bills that would make it harder to qualify for many safety net programs.
Affordable Housing Shortage Expected to Worsen Under Tax Law
Congress indirectly diluted the tax incentives for building affordable housing -- a change that's predicted to result in a quarter of a million fewer units.
Trump Wants to End States' Power to Make Food Stamps More Accessible During Recessions
The president, who often stresses the need for states to have more flexibility, wants to give them less when it comes to food stamps.
Trump Budget Calls for Work Requirements for Housing Aid
The president's budget released on Monday confirms most of a leaked proposal and would add to the administration's recent changes to the safety net.
Do Americans Support Work Requirements? Depends on How You Ask.
A new poll shows strong opposition to the new Medicaid policy being pushed by the Trump administration. But it contradicts other recent surveys.
What Happens to People Who Fail Work Requirements?
When families on welfare failed work requirements in Kansas, they fell into deep poverty. Could the same thing happen with Medicaid?
Delaware Strengthens Bail Reform Movement
The state joins a small but growing movement to curb the practice of incarcerating low-risk offenders who can't afford bail.
Mayors Boycott Trump Meeting After Sanctuary Cities Threat
Most leaders and some members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, including at least one Republican, backed out of a planned infrastructure meeting with the president on Wednesday.
The Unlikely Comeback of Cap and Trade
With New Jersey's announcement that it will rejoin a multistate compact to limit carbon emissions, 2018 could be a banner year for cap and trade in the states -- even if the idea is dead in Washington.
Nonprofits Have Major Money Problems
A first-of-its-kind report shows that many of the nonprofits delivering social services are underpaid by governments and fail to manage their budgets wisely.
To Speed Up Hiring, Do What Denver Did
Getting a government job, or even an interview, takes a notoriously long time. Denver cut the process practically in half.
Tax Law Could Deliver Billion-Dollar Blow to Social Services
Charitable giving is expected to drop, and nonprofits that operate social services for the government will likely take the biggest hit.
In Voter Purging Case, Supreme Court Appears Divided
The justices heard arguments on Wednesday in an Ohio case about when it's legal to kick inactive voters off registration lists. It's part of a larger debate about voting rights that has been heightened by President Trump.
States Undeterred by Reversal of Obama's Lenient Pot Policy
Jeff Sessions' announcement attracted bipartisan criticism. But some legal experts are skeptical of its impact, and several states have vowed to continue their marijuana markets or plans for one.
Has John Bel Edwards Discovered the Right Balancing Act Between Parties?
Most politicians believe moderation doesn’t help Democrats much in the Deep South. Louisiana’s governor, who's trying to fix the state's finances, isn’t one of them.
Why Can't Researchers and Policymakers Just Get Along?
They rarely collaborate. But Jenni Owen, the policy director for North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, is part of a growing relationship between government and academia.
Once a National Model for Helping Panhandlers, Albuquerque's New Law Could Land Them in Jail
Its new ordinance exemplifies a shift in how cities across the country are trying to target panhandlers.
Foreshadowing Food Stamp Changes, Feds Seek States' Advice
The Trump administration has begun the process of tightening welfare programs. Many conservative states have been waiting for a moment like this for years.
Study: Housing the Homeless Can Drastically Cut the Government's Health Care Costs
It adds to the growing body of evidence that addressing homelessness saves money elsewhere.
Welfare Programs Appear Safe From Trump's Cuts, for Now
Even if Congress passes a spending bill without the president's proposed cuts to programs that help the poor, it's likely to consider more serious changes next year.
The Only U.S. Agency Dedicated to Homelessness Could Be Shut Down
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness helped end veteran homelessness in some places and reduce overall homelessness. The White House and House Republicans want it gone.
Crime Victims Will Get New Constitutional Rights in Ohio
The state joined a growing trend on Tuesday that critics say is unnecessary and could impede the criminal justice process.
Studies Show Voters Need a Graduate-Level Education to Understand Ballot Measures
Ballot language often spurs confusion and lawsuits. Some state election officials are trying to make them easier to understand.
How Virginia's First Lady Is Leading the Fight Against Child Hunger
“We cannot have 13 million hungry children in the United States of America,” says Dorothy McAuliffe.
Cities Have a New Target for Ending Homelessness: Landlords
Rental vouchers are only helpful if landlords are willing to take them. All too often, they're not. But what if the government made it less risky?
Will Ohio Voters Enshrine Crime Victims' Rights in State Constitution?
Voters in three states approved similar ballot measures last year, but critics say it's unnecessary and could gum up the criminal justice system.
New Movie Spotlights the 'Hidden Homeless' and Already Has Oscar Buzz
It's rare to see a film featuring homeless people as main characters. "The Florida Project" focuses on the ones that few people notice.
Nowhere Else to Go: Why Kids Are Sleeping in Child Welfare Offices
The rising number of placements into state care is only partially to blame.
After Hurricanes, Public Housing May Never Get Rebuilt
When destroyed by disaster, public housing has historically taken years to be replaced -- if at all. What happens to low-income residents in the meantime?
At Work, the 'Irregulars' Are Starting to Get Protection
Irregular hours and unpredictable schedules have redefined work for many low-income Americans. States and cities are just beginning to regulate them.
Anti-Hunger Advocates Worry Trump or Congress Will Undo Progress
Both propose cutting the food stamps program by at least $150 billion over 10 years.
Study Supports Bills to Give the Poor and Childless Bigger Tax Breaks
The tax system isn't set up to help low-income people as much if they don't have children. There's a push in Congress and the states to change that.
The Upcoming Supreme Court Cases That Matter Most to States and Localities
In the term that starts Oct. 2, the justices will hear cases that could drastically alter the country's political, financial and social landscape.
After 2016 Election Hacks, Some States Return to Paper Ballots
It's one of the ways states are trying to address growing concerns about the cybersecurity of voting.
'The Aftermath of the Aftermath': Hurricanes Stretch Safety Net and Providers
History suggests that social services will be in high demand for months. Are caseworkers in Texas and Florida prepared?
Is 'Going Local' the Secret to Economic Development?
Newark, N.J., Mayor Ras Baraka hopes so. Right now, the major employers there mostly hire people and buy business supplies and services outside city limits.
Population Growth Means a City Is Thriving, or Does It?
Public officials and reporters alike adopt the myth that bigger is better. That’s not always the case.
Food Stamps Can Cut Seniors' Health Costs, But Most Aren't Using Them
A new study suggests governments are missing out on cost savings by not enrolling enough people in their programs.
Hit by Hurricane Harvey While Still Feeling the Impact of Ike
To this day, Galveston, Texas, gets millions less in federal funding because of a 2008 storm. It's a cautionary tale of how long it takes to financially recover from disasters.
Governors Pay Prisoners Face-to-Face Visits
As part of a new initiative, eight governors agreed to meet with inmates, crime victims and corrections staff to better understand how their criminal justice policies impact people.
Court Backlogs Could Disappear With This Drug Test
The wait for drug test results can bring the criminal justice system to a slow crawl. There's a faster test, but few are using it.
The Simple Way States Can Stop Wasting Federal Job Training Funds
States are failing to use millions of dollars meant to retrain and employ coal miners and other workers in struggling fields.
States Add a Human (Services) Touch to 'Stat'
Colorado is one of the few governments to employ the data-driven approach in human services. It's helping the state tackle major problems.
For This Pot Guy, States Are His Biggest Customers
After leading the creation of the nation's first legal marijuana market in Colorado, Andrew Freedman took the lessons he learned and made a business out of helping states regulate the drug.
The Unexpected Reason Panhandling Bans Are Being Struck Down Across the Country
A Supreme Court ruling about regulating church signs is spurring cities to repeal their anti-begging laws.
Seattle Brings Emoji-Based Food Safety Ratings to America
Some cities post letter grades on restaurants. King County opted for something more visual. The person who pushed for public ratings in the first place, though, isn't satisfied.
For This Government Job, Being a Former Drug Addict Is a Requirement
Hiring ex-addicts is a key part of Kentucky's strategy for combating the opioid epidemic and its impact on families.
Behind the Decision to Post That Infamous Facebook Photo of the Opioid Epidemic at Its Worst
Mayor Ryan Stovall has no regrets.
The Cost of Water Is Rising. Philadelphia Has an Unprecedented Plan to Make It More Affordable.
It's the first city to set water rates based on income.
For Opioids' Youngest Victims, Is Help Too Little, Too Late?
Drug abuse is overwhelming the child welfare system at unprecedented rates. Solutions are slowly emerging, but they aren't always adopted.
A New Strategy for Collecting Child Support: Debt Forgiveness
Westchester County, N.Y., is using debt forgiveness as an incentive for finding employment and paying child support. Will it work?
Texas Tries (Again) to Reboot Its Troubled Child Welfare System
Child advocates say the state is taking encouraging first steps in turning around an underfunded and overburdened agency -- but it has a long way to go.
Judicial Redistricting: Issue Politicians Don't Want to Discuss
Kentucky's failed attempt this year illustrates a problem that many states face: Some judges are severely overworked while others don't have enough to do. But fixing that can be politically impossible.
Kevyn Orr on the New Orleans Mayor: 'I Have Rarely, If Ever, Heard a White Guy Speak With Such Passion' About Race
Detroit's former emergency manager praised Mitch Landrieu's speech on race and gave a memorable one of his own. Listen to it here.
New Study Identifies the Best Cities for Good Government
The first of a now annual report details what cities are doing well and where they could improve.
States Offer Immigrants the Safety Net That Washington Won't
As deportation fears drive some immigrants to give up their government benefits, a new report offers the most comprehensive state-level look at what aid they're legally entitled to.
Why Some States Leave Federal Child Care Grants on the Table
In recent years, a handful of states have missed out on millions in federal subsidies for child care.
HHS Secretary: Health Can't Improve Unless People's Lives Do
Tom Price has a vision for a "reimagined HHS" that adopts a more holistic approach to problem solving and relies more on states and localities.
How Arizona Fixed Its Broken Child Welfare System in 2 Years
The state attracted national attention for its failure to prevent and address child abuse and neglect. Since then, massive changes have led to massive improvements.
Is It Time to Adopt a Less-Is-More Approach to Community Development Block Grants?
Trump wants to eliminate the program. But advocates argue it just needs to be reformed.
Federal Pressure Could Spur More 'Lunch Shaming' Bans
New Mexico is the first state to ban the practice. Now the rest have till the end of the school year to adopt an official policy for what happens when parents miss meal payments.
With New Research ‘Lab,’ D.C. Aims Big for Better Public Policy
Lots of cities use social science data to help make decisions. But the District of Columbia is going a lot further.
What the Unemployment Drug-Testing Bill That Trump Just Signed Means for States
The legislation undoes an Obama-era regulation about who can be drug tested. States will likely get more say over the matter, but not just yet.
How Stat Got Stuck -- in the Place That Made It Famous
Using data to measure government performance has caught on in much of the country. But the tactic is in trouble in Maryland.
An Interview With the Author Who Inspired Steve Bannon's Political Outlook
Neil Howe co-wrote a book in the 1990s. Little did he know how influential it would be.
Even for the Homeless, No ID Means No Government Aid
A small number of states, however, are starting to let homeless people get IDs and birth certificates for free. Advocates hope the idea becomes a national trend.
Evidence-Based Programs Risk Losing Funding Under Trump
The president's budget director wants to eliminate a fund that supports research-backed state and local projects. It's won bipartisan support in the past. Will Congress step in to save it?
The New, More Powerful Wave of Civilian Oversight of Police
Cities are strengthening civilians' authority over law enforcement officers. But just how far should their power extend?
College Savings Accounts Are Popular But Missing Their Marks
Few families use them -- and even fewer put enough money away to matter. Advocates, however, say the programs are too young to judge.
Leaked Trump Order Targets Legal Immigrants Who Use Government Benefits
If signed, the executive action would put green-card holders in danger of deportation and could burden state and local agencies.
Trump Leaves Obama's Last-Minute Child Support Rule Alone
The new regulation requires states to help parents in poverty avoid debt and incarceration.
With Less State Aid, Localities Look for Ways to Cope
In much of the country, states are offering localities less financial help than they were before the recession. That won't change anytime soon.
Study: Savings Program Helps Poor Put Aside 4 Times More
The report comes at a time when some federal policymakers want to end the program and while states and localities are launching similar initiatives of their own.
New Election Cyberprotections Cause Confusion and Concern
Left with unanswered questions, state and local election officials are worried about the Department of Homeland Security's latest attempt to stop hackers. DHS' response? Calm down. We're here to help.
GOP's 'Sanctuary Campus' Threats Put a Price on Immigrants
Republicans at the federal and state levels want to defund universities that protect undocumented students from deportation. It's making some schools think twice about their policies, but should they?
The New Strategy for Raising (and Protecting) Money for Kids
Advocates are hoping to replicate the success they had at the ballot box this year.
Votes Miscounted? Your State May Not Be Able to Find Out.
Not many states have the necessary laws in place to conduct an effective election audit.
How to Persuade the Public to Care About Other People's Problems
A communications expert reveals the most effective ways, and the results may surprise you.
Bucking Trends, Death Penalty Wins Voters' Support in 3 States
Americans' support for capital punishment has been waning, but you wouldn't know that by looking at Tuesday's election results.
Despite Overwhelming Legal Opposition, Voters Gave Crime Victims Their Own Bill of Rights
Voters in three states approved "Marsy's Law," which ensures victims and their families are informed of developments in a criminal case.
Voters Across the Country Get Tough on Guns
As Congress and legislatures stall on the issue, voters are doing what they can to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people.
How Are States Using Welfare Funding? Often, Not to Help People Work.
Without a job, recipients risk losing their benefits. But states aren't spending much to help them get and stay employed. See how your state's welfare funding is being spent.
Voting Technology Needs an Upgrade, But Who Will Pay for It?
Even though most polls are working with decades-old machines that lose or miscount votes, states and the federal government are largely ignoring the problem.
Race, Redistricting, Religion and Death Penalty Top U.S. Supreme Court's New Docket
An evenly divided court could decide the fate of many cases watched closely by state and local officials.
Welfare and the Underappreciated Value of Long-Term Thinking
A new approach asks recipients to look past short-term work and instead focus on making choices that will improve the rest of their lives.
Indiana and Kansas Make Fishing and Hunting a Constitutional Right
More than 80 percent of voters approved amendments on the ballot in both states.
Studies Discredit Policies That Punish Poor for Saving Money
Proponents like Maine Gov. Paul LePage argue so-called asset tests save states money and shrink welfare rolls. New research suggests otherwise.
4 States Vote to Raise the Minimum Wage, 1 Votes to Keep It As Is
South Dakota's ballot measure, which failed, would have actually reduced the minimum wage for some.
Can't Afford Bail? In One State, That Doesn't Matter Anymore.
New Mexico voters may have energized a national movement to reform the criminal justice policies that keep lower-income Americans locked up.
How Cities Are Ending Unintentional Racial Discrimination
Discrimination doesn't always appear in the most obvious places. Many government policies and practices are seemingly unbiased and uncontroversial but actually disproportionately harm minorities.
Pay Up or Park: Texas Links Child Support to Car Registration
The state's rare approach is meant to increase child support payments. But some say it will do the opposite.
Why Companies Are Moving Back Downtown
Tax incentives aren't always the best way to lure businesses. Many are simply going where the talent is.
Should Violence Against Cops Be a Hate Crime?
Blue Lives Matter bills that would increase the penalties for attacking police are popping up in states and Congress.
In Wake of Dallas and Baton Rouge, Police Around U.S. Take Extra Safety Precautions
Many police chiefs are ordering their officers to work in pairs. But whether that actually makes cops -- and citizens -- safer is up for debate.
In Boston, Police Work to Build Trust One Ice Cream Cone at a Time
The city has a unique effort to improving the relationship between cops and citizens.
How Cops and Mayors Are Making the Most of Pokémon Go
City officials across the country are using the gaming craze to educate and engage with the public -- and have some fun.
Food Stamps' Extremely Rare But Expensive Problem
Some people get food stamps from multiple states, costing the government millions of dollars. A new tracking system can cut those costs.
What the New President of Mayors Wants From the Next President of America
The incoming leader of the U.S. Conference of Mayors talks about cities' relationship with the Obama administration and what he expects from the new one -- whether it's run by Clinton or Trump.
The Price of Keeping Kids Fed in the Summer
Many low-income families struggle to survive without school lunch programs. Giving them extra welfare money in the summer can help.
Would Other States' Gun Laws Have Prevented the Orlando Shooting?
Florida's gun control laws are relatively lax, but most states also lack the laws that may have stopped Omar Mateen from getting his hands on deadly weapons.
In One State, Abused Animals May Get Their Day in Court
Convictions in animal cruelty cases are rare but could become more common if Connecticut adopts an unprecedented law.
Who’s an Employee? The Uber-Important Question of Today’s Economy
Sharing economy companies like Uber and Lyft claim that the people who work for them are “independent contractors,” thus ineligible for most employee benefits. That argument may prove difficult to sustain.
The Rise of a Bipartisan Tax Break for the Working Poor
The earned income tax credit is a rare antipoverty program that has enjoyed a long history of bipartisan support among state and federal policymakers.
It Takes a Village: The Idea Behind a Unique Anti-Blight Strategy
To tackle the problem of vacant properties, Memphis is acknowledging that it needs help.
In Indiana, a Phone Call Can Lead to Better Child Care
The Hoosier State is the latest to use behavioral science or "nudge" experiments to improve outcomes in human services programs.
Meet the Nation's First 'Vitality Fellow,' Making Cities Livable for Everyone
St. Paul, Minn., wants its urban areas to welcome everyone -- whether they're 8 or 80 years old.
Murder Mystery: Can New Orleans Control Its Homicide Rate?
The city has made real progress in its battle against homicide, but a recent rise in crime puts it all into question.
When Cops Are Racist and Unaccountable, Then What?
The latest task force report isn't the first to suggest major reforms to the Chicago Police Department, but it might be the first to result in real change.
Knight Foundation Awards $5 Million in Urban Innovation Grants
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is spreading its latest grants across 19 communities to support an outdoor office, a carpentry-based workforce program and more.
Using Data, Providence Cuts Absenteeism and Tackles Other Youth Issues
A foundation is promoting the use of evidence-based prevention programs to help young people in low-income, urban neighborhoods.
Poll: Sheila Dixon Loses Lead in Baltimore Mayor’s Race
The city's former mayor, who was forced to resign a few years ago, is no longer the frontrunner.
Tech-Savvy Teens Make It Easier to Clear Juvenile Records
Most people don't know they can get their juvenile records erased. Thanks to a group of young people, there's now an app for that.
Like Starbucks Rewards, But LGBT Homeless Get Coffee and Help
A group of grad students is implementing an award-winning idea for encouraging young homeless people to use health and social services.
Can Teaching Peace Reduce Violent Crime?
Other countries teach conflict resolution to at-risk youth as a way to break the cycle of violent retaliation. The idea is slowly catching on in America.
In Baltimore Mayor’s Race, Sheila Dixon Seeks Forgiveness and a Second Chance
The former mayor, convicted of corruption, is trying to win back voters’ trust. The odds are she will.
The Black Lives Matter Activist Who Wants to Be Mayor
DeRay Mckesson insists his campaign is about more than race.
Kansas Recruits Volunteers to Mentor Welfare Recipients
Modeled after a successful anti-recidivism program, Kansas has a new volunteer mentoring program to help people on welfare find work.
In Minimum Wage Wars, Public Workers Often Benefit First
Many governors and mayors are struggling to raise the minimum wage for their jurisdictions. In the meantime, some are giving their own employees a raise.
Improving Government Outcomes and Lives, One Text at a Time
Many cities are trying to use behavioral science to better communicate with citizens. New Orleans is testing the effectiveness of different text messages.
Making Juvenile Justice LGBT-Friendly
Spurred by lawsuits and a growing understanding of the population’s challenges, some states are making detention centers safer for and more accepting of LGBT youth.
Cities Risk Criminalizing Homelessness
Despite federal pressure to find a new approach to dealing with the homeless, San Francisco has joined the long list of cities that have forced them out of public spaces.
With Obama's Climate Rules in Limbo, Some States Face Tough Decisions
The U.S. Supreme Court has put the Obama administration's plan to cut carbon emissions on hold.
Oklahoma Applies Behavioral Economics to Child Care
The state's welfare agency tried new strategies to help parents and child care providers avoid an interruption in benefits.
Black Lives Matter Activist Enters Baltimore Mayor’s Race
DeRay Mckesson joins a crowded field at the last minute, but there's no doubt he's a serious contender to replace the outgoing mayor.
How Police Chiefs Plan to Avoid 'Lawful But Awful' Shootings
After years of research, law enforcement leaders recently released recommendations for reforming how and when cops use their weapons.
A Proactive Approach to Keeping Kids Out of Jail
Instead of waiting to help until kids get in trouble, Los Angeles County is using data analytics to help them before. So far, it's proving successful.
While Homeless Veterans Get Housing, Rest Are Left in the Cold
Veteran homelessness has dropped sharply, thanks to cities’ efforts and new funds from the Obama administration. But most people living on the streets aren’t veterans.
Up to 1 Million People Could Lose Food Stamps in 2016
Nearly half the states are reinstating work requirements that had been suspended since the Great Recession. But advocates say it’s still too soon.
A New Era for Governors' Relations With Congress?
The National Governors Association had seen its influence on federal legislation decline in the past decade. But because of new leadership, things may be looking up.
Why Billionaires' Big Donations Often Fail to Change Much
Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates have given millions to overhaul public education. But their cash has proven to be anything but free money or a remedy to systemic problems.
Bloomberg Philanthropies Expands Data Help to 13 More Cities
The organization is spending $42 million to help the selected cities improve their performance and services using data-driven decisionmaking.
Child Care Subsidies Are Getting a Second Look
Thanks to a change in federal law, states are moving away from stringent reporting requirements that can keep low-wage parents from working.
How Many Homeless Kids Are in America? No One Knows.
But a new effort could provide a true count of the number as well as insights into why they became homeless in the first place.
After the Asylum: How America's Trying to Fix Its Broken Mental Health System
Patients with mental illness are being detained in emergency rooms, often for weeks at a time. Now some states are rethinking the entire psychiatric care system.
How One City Used Instagram to Address Blight
Like many cities, Mobile, Ala., didn't even know how many blighted properties it had. Instagram offered a cheap and simple way to start figuring that out.
Why Governments Declare a Homeless State of Emergency
Three cities, one county and a state have suspended laws that hamper their ability to address homelessness. But why now and what does it mean?
Endangered Species Get Extra Protection in One State
Voters in Washington state increased the penalties for trafficking animals or parts of animals that are at risk of becoming extinct.
Texas Makes Hunting and Fishing a Constitutional Right
Voters made Texas the 19th state to add legal protections for hunting and fishing, which are now also the preferred methods for controlling wildlife.
Vote Offers Momentum for Keeping Big Money Out of Politics
In Maine on Tuesday, voters strengthened the public campaign financing system that became a model for other states and helped the legislature become the nation's most blue-collar.
The City That Embraces Day Labor to Help Homeless
While other cities try to regulate or ban panhandlers, Albuquerque, N.M., offers them an income and social services for the day.
In Texas, Politicians Can Now Live Outside the Capital
Texas used to force many elected officials to live in the state's capital city. Voters repealed that rule Tuesday.
The Changing Relationship Between Ex-Criminals and Their Parole Officers
Rather than acting as former offenders' enemies, parole and probation officers are now working to be their mentors. Can it reduce recidivism?
How a Housing Program Can Save Medicaid Money
Helping poor people move from high- to low-poverty neighborhoods can improve their health and cut the government's costs.
Do Mayors Still Care About Income Inequality?
It was a major issue in recent mayoral races. This year, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee is one of the few candidates talking about it.
More Than Just a Bench
A handful of cities have installed solar-powered benches that can charge phones, sense heat and track traffic.
Can Social Impact Bonds Help Reduce Homelessness?
Using the financing mechanism, Santa Clara County, Calif., can finally afford to try an expensive-but-proven method of reducing chronic homelessness.
Urban Planning Inspires an Opera
A new opera seeks to capture the conflict between two of the 20th-century titans who shaped American cities.
Scott Pruitt: America's Sue-Happy State AG
Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general sues the federal government -- and even other states -- every chance he can get. Will his legal battles change the future of American politics?
A 'Glitch' Keeps Health Insurance From Former Foster Kids
But proposed legislation in Congress would fix the wording in the federal health-care law that's leaving some foster youth uninsured.
Obama Unveils Tougher Climate Rules Than Expected
If the rule survives the inevitable legal challenges, it will mark the first time the federal government limits air pollution from carbon dioxide.
Conservatives Get a Stronger Voice on Poverty
There's been no national conservative organization pushing states to adopt their ideas about programs for the poor -- until now.
Where Obama and Christie Agree on Criminal Justice
In their recent proposals for reforming the system, the Democratic president and Republican governor who wants to be president have found common ground in three major areas. But does it even matter?
Food Stamps Have a Procurement Problem
Soon, only two companies will make the cards that people get government benefits with. Here's why that matters.
The Technology That Could Make Roads Safer for Cyclists
Most states have laws to protect bikers from cars, but they're hard to enforce. One city is testing a new device that makes it easier.
Can You Change Negative Perceptions About Government Aid?
Many people think the work of human services agencies creates dependency and exacerbates poverty. But there’s a new effort to recast them in a more favorable light.
Obama Tries to End the Cycle of Broken Poverty Promises
Pouring federal aid into poor communities hasn’t accomplished much in the past. But the Obama administration insists its Promise Zones program will be different.
Philly Converts Empty Lots Into Affordable Housing for All
Unlike similar initiatives that only build housing for low-income people, Philadelphia's will also target people who make too much to qualify for public housing but too little to afford private housing.
States Try to Speed Up Foster Placements
The federal government plans to expand the use of a web-based tool nationwide after a pilot of the system showed good results.
My Brother’s Keeper Is Great, But What About the Girls?
Critics say the president’s new program to help young black men unfairly excludes black girls who, by many measures, experience the same problems.
States Rethink Asset Tests for People on Food Stamps
In the last few years, most states have stopped taking assets like retirement and education savings into account when deciding whether people qualify for aid.
Getting Out of Jail and Back to Work in 'Second Chance City'
In Jersey City, N.J., ex-offenders are getting an opportunity to start their lives over again -- and so is a familiar public figure trying to help them.
How Many Undocumented Immigrants Are Actually Getting In-State Tuition?
State Dream Acts have drawn passionate responses from both advocates and critics. But evidence suggests these measures have had limited impact.
Why Kansas' New Welfare Rules Are Basically Unenforceable
The state's law banning welfare spending on entertainment and luxury goods and services sparked a national debate about how people use public assistance.
Why Photo IDs Won't Stop Food Stamp Fraud
As more states consider photo requirements for food stamps, a new report finds Massachusetts' law to be ineffective in preventing fraud.
Can Reforming Barbershops Improve Black Boys' Literacy?
Grad students want to combat black boys' low reading levels by adding books that cater to them to barbershop waiting areas.
Are Government Efforts to Help Poor People Manage Money Working?
Cities have offered financial counseling to low-income people for years, but only recently have some tracked the impact of these services on clients' debt, credit and savings.
Welfare Agencies Are Failing to Help Poor People Vote
Massachusetts is the latest state to settle a legal battle over the failure of its welfare offices to meet federal voter registration requirements.
The City as Consultant
Most cities already freely share ideas with others, but some are starting to sell their best practices to other local governments.
How Bloomberg’s Still Changing the Way Cities Operate
Bloomberg Philanthropies and other organizations have poured an unprecedented amount of money into making cities more innovative and collaborative. What happens when the money runs out?
Why Food Stamp Usage Is So High in Oregon
Nearly 100 percent of eligible Oregonians take advantage of food stamps, far more than any other state. That might be a good thing.
Obama Wants Cities' Help Filling Tech Jobs
He's the first U.S. president in 20 years to address the National League of Cities conference.
Why Ohio Cares About Connecticut's Attempt to Rewrite History
Lawmakers in both states have reignited a century-old feud over the well-accepted claim that the Wright brothers were the "first in flight."
Removing Blight, One Block at a Time
A nonprofit founded by mayors is helping seven cities finance and organize community service projects to revitalize low-income urban neighborhoods.
Why Homelessness Is Rising in D.C. But Declining Elsewhere
Laura Zeilinger talks about why homelessness is on the rise in the district and what the Bowser administration is doing about it.
Mike Pence Touts and Defends Education Record on Capitol Hill
At a Congressional hearing, the Indiana governor, who could be a presidential contender, touted his state as a national leader and expressed his support for diminishing the federal role in schools.
What Obama's 2016 Budget Means for States and Localities
The president's budget would be a boon in a host of areas but also includes cuts to popular programs.
Low-Income Residents More Likely to Leave D.C.
Wealthy residents remain in the city at a higher rate than poor residents, according to a new D.C. government report.
Why D.C.’s Affordable Housing Protections Are Losing a War with Economics
In the nation's fastest-gentrifying neighborhood, some of the strongest affordable housing protections haven’t been enough to keep lower-income residents from being priced out of their homes.
The Downsides of a Neighborhood 'Turnaround'
A former D.C. housing official gives a hard look at what worked, and what didn't, in an award-winning redevelopment project.
Big-City Mayors Tap Grad Students for Their Teams
New mayoral fellowships give graduate students city governance experience and mayors much-needed extra help.
A Major Flaw in the Welfare Law
A new GAO report says the nation's largest cash assistance program fails to incentivize states to help people find work.
One Maine City's Stand against Cutting Funding at Homeless Shelters
Portland, Maine, is ignoring state instructions that could discourage people from seeking shelter beds.
Birth Records and College Savings, All in One Form
Rhode Island is streamlining its existing and underused program to allow parents to sign their children up for college savings accounts the day they’re born.
A Better Way for Cities to Measure Greenhouse Gases
Until now, there was no universal, comprehensive methodology for cities around the world to measure their emissions. One of the tool's creators explains its power in the fight against climate change.
Lessons from 10 Years of Sustainability in Grand Rapids, Mich.
It was one of the first cities to join a nationwide movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2005. The city's director of energy and sustainability looks back at what's changed in the past decade.
A Two-Generation Approach to Poverty
A new report advocates more programs that address the needs of parents and children simultaneously.
What Can Cities Really Do About Climate Change?
Grand Rapids, Mich., stands as tangible evidence of what cities can do to reduce human impact on the environment. But the city’s efforts also underscore its limitations.
Training Future Leaders to Master Policy and IT
As demand for data analysts in government grows, what may be the nation's first master’s program that teaches not just public policy knowledge but technology skills too has launched.
Voters in Washington State Approve Universal Background Checks
Voters in Washington state approved universal background checks, the only gun control measure on a state ballot this year.
Voters Pass Up Voting Changes
Three states rejected ballot measures that either would have made voting easier or harder.
Republican States Reject Anti-Abortion Amendments
Ballot measures that would have defined a fetus as a person lost in North Dakota and Colorado. But voters paved the way for new abortion restrictions in Tennessee Tuesday.
Alabama Voters Approve Gun Rights Amendment
Alabama voters approved a constitutional amendment that affirms the right to bear arms is a "fundamental right" and any regulation of that right is subject to the highest level of judicial review.
Oregon Voters Reject Drivers Cards for Undocumented Immigrants
Oregon voters rejected a ballot measure that would have issued government ID cards to those without citizenship or legal presence.
Massachusetts Boosts State Paid-Sick-Leave Movement
It's now the third state to require businesses to pay workers when they have to take sick days.
Minimum Wage Hikes Pass in 4 Red States
The ballot measures follow a wave of mostly Democratic states lifting wages for low-income workers after federal inaction.
Arkansas Voters Approve Extended Term Limits
Arkansas voters approved a ballot measure that combined popular ethics reforms with an extension of term limits for state lawmakers.
Alabama Measure Would Label 2nd Amendment a 'Fundamental Right'
Voters will decide whether to add language in the state constitution intended to give higher legal protections to gun rights.
Red States Could See Minimum Wage Hikes After Election Day
Even though most Americans support raising the minimum wage, most Republican-run states so far haven't done so.
4 Takeaways from the Census Report on Poverty
If not for government assistance, millions more would be impoverished, according to the latest data.
Why Are States Passing Up Millions in Federal Funding?
Only a few states take advantage of the federal matching funds intended to help employ food stamp users.
Hispanic Voters Increase in Numbers but Not Political Clout
Even though an increasing share of eligible voters are Hispanic, a new study suggests that for several reasons, they won't impact most governors races in November.
Abortion Restrictions on 3 State Ballots
Three states are putting the issue to voters in November, including one measure that would criminalize abortion.
When Can Prisons Limit Religious Freedom?
In Holt v. Hobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court has a chance to decide when courts should defer to prison officials on security policies that burden religious rights.
10 SCOTUS Cases That Matter for State and Local Governments
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases this term related to religious freedom in state prisons, taxes on railway carriers, traffic stops and more.
When Public Housing Assistance Ends
A new study looks at what happens to people when they leave housing programs.
San Jose Election Tests Political Risk of Cutting Pensions
The California city’s November election will shed light on whether Democrats can risk the political fallout of cutting a prized union benefit to protect basic city services.
Government Gives Gas Stations Some Competition
In an effort to offer residents cheaper fuel, Somerset, Ky., opened what’s likely the nation’s first city-run retail gas station this summer.
5 States Put Voting Reform to the Voters
Ballot measures in five states propose changes to early voting, voter registration and citizen-led initiatives.
Why Some Say Arkansas' Ethics Reform Is a Trojan Horse
A November ballot measure would limit the influence of lobbyists and corporations but also add time and flexibility to term limits.
Massachusetts Could Require Paid Sick Leave Next
Voters in Massachusetts will decide in November whether to make paid sick time a required benefit for most workers after California became only the second state to do so Wednesday.
3 Cities to Collaborate in Anti-Poverty Fight
Louisville, Philadelphia and Nashville are the first cities in a new program that will dedicate $3 million in technical assistance to help cities reduce poverty.
In D.C., Most Gunshots Happen Near Schools
A new study uses gunshot-detection technology instead of police reports to track gun violence.
Oregon Could Be the Next State to Let Immigrants Get Licenses
Oregonians will decide in November whether they want to join the 10 states that already issue a driver's card or license to undocumented immigrants.
Cities to Compete for $45 Million Innovation Grants
Some cities will get grant funding to test a method of problem solving designed by the charitable foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies.
EPA Rules Could Breathe New Life into Cap and Trade
Cap and trade may be dead on Capitol Hill, but states could use it to meet new EPA targets for reducing power plants’ carbon emissions.
Cities Find New Ways to Go After Gun Violence
Widespread and comprehensive gun control legislation has failed at the federal and state levels. While cities don’t have the authority to ban guns, they’ve gotten creative trying to control them.
Feds to Try Tying Work Requirements to Food Stamps
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking to fund state pilot projects that combine food assistance and job training in an effort to find the best way to get people out of poverty.
Rick Perry: Border Security Before Immigration Reform
In what resembled a presidential campaign speech, the recently indicted Texas governor called for increased federal controls against illegal immigration before Congress considers immigration reform.
Report: Cutting Jobless Benefits Doesn't Increase Employment
More than a handful of states cut unemployment benefits in recent years.
Missouri Voters Expand Constitutional Gun Rights
More than six in 10 voters approved a constitutional amendment pertaining to the right to bear arms and own ammunition and gun-related accessories.
Should States Expand Gun Restrictions or Gun Rights?
Ballot measures in Missouri and Washington state ask voters to weigh in on government's role in regulating firearms.
City Pilot Uses Late Water Bills to Help the Poor
While Detroit used unpaid bills to cut off water service to thousands of people, five other cities are using those same outstanding payments to identify and help people in need.
The Wyoming GOP's Civil War over Education
The state's Tea Party-backed superintendent created an intraparty rift over schools. Now, she's taking the fight to the next level and trying to unseat the incumbent governor from her own party.
Want to Govern? Survey Says, Attend Policy School
Senior public officials in state and local government say graduate school prepared them for their current careers, according to a new survey.
Former New Orleans Mayor Sentenced to 10 Years
Ray Nagin received a 10-year prison sentence after being convicted on corruption charges.
Mayors Group Scraps Cap-and-Trade Support
The U.S. Conference of Mayors has launched a new campaign to save energy and cut down on air pollution. But, due to GOP opposition, they're no longer urging Congress to pass cap and trade.
L.A. County Designs a Whole New Voting System
The nation's largest election jurisdiction is designing a voting system unlike any around the country. The administrator in charge of county elections explains why.
Supreme Court: Quasi Public Employees Exempt from Union Dues
The ruling creates a new class of "partial public employees" who can choose not to pay membership dues to unions representing them, laying the groundwork for overruling other precedents.
Michigan May Nix the Nation's Only Local Gun Boards
A bill in the legislature would end the policy requiring special county boards to review concealed gun applications. Critics worry the approval process will become too easy.
America's Looming Crisis in Voting Technology
The nation’s voting equipment is quickly becoming obsolete. But even if local governments could afford upgrades, no new machines exist to buy.
Why Every Foster Kid Should Have an 'Electronic Backpack'
Having a digital warehouse to hold foster kids' health and education records eases their many transitions from one home to another and makes it easier to apply for jobs and college. But few places have them.
Who Wants to Intern with the Government?
Women, minorities and community college students have more interest in government internships than the general student population, a survey finds.
How Government's Using Behavioral Economics to Get People to Make Better Decisions
Federally funded projects in several states and localities are testing ways to use convenience and peer pressure to get prison inmates and people who owe child support to make better decisions.
Don't Forget About Affordable Housing, Survey Says
A recent survey shows most people think state and local governments aren't doing enough to ensure a sufficient supply of affordable housing. Several cities are trying to help.
After Isla Vista, Lawmakers Want to Take Guns from Dangerous People
California legislators proposed a bill to confiscate guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others. Other states are already considering following suit.
States Push to Make Voting More Convenient
State legislatures have seen dozens of bills related to election reform so far in 2014. And unlike recent years, most of them are trying to make it easier to vote.
Report: Women Missing from Utah Politics
Women in Utah aren’t as politically engaged as their peers in other states. Current and former elected officials want to change that.
States Relax Medicaid Eligibility for Former Foster Kids
Eleven states are extending a provision of the federal health law to avoid punishing former foster kids for pursuing jobs or schools in other states.
States and Localities Are Losing Their Influence in Washington
Increased partisanship in state and local government has caused the organizations representing them to lose some of their influence on federal policy. Can they get it back?
Why's Vermont's Minimum-Wage Law Kind of a Big Deal?
It's the latest state to raise the minimum wage and the first this year that already linked automatic increases to inflation.
Why Government Should Help Poor People Get Bank Accounts
The former head of consumer affairs in New York City explains why helping the poor manage money wisely would also help governments manage their money better.
Some States Streamline Food Stamp, Medicaid Applications
Five states have used data from the federal food stamps program to quickly enroll more than 500,000 people in Medicaid.
Welfare Spending's Up, But Not for the Poorest
New research finds that federal spending on safety net programs has gone up since the 1970s, but it's not reaching the nation's poorest people and families.
Should Cities Limit the Number of Rideshare Cars?
Seattle recently became the first city to limit the number of rideshare cars. City Councilwoman Sally Clark talks about the controversial regulations that have since been suspended.
State Experiments Result in Increased Food Stamp Usage Among the Elderly
A lot of elderly people are eligible for food stamps but either don't know they are or face barriers to signing up.
Almost Half of Cities Have Cut Air Pollution
At least four in 10 American cities have cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to a survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. An April report details the extent to which a 2005 environmental campaign has spread to cities across the country.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Ad Attacks Republican Scott Smith for Ties to Mayors Group
A dark money group released a misleading TV ad that attacks Arizona gubernatorial candidate Scott Smith for liberal policy positions adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Why Can't Oregon Get People Off of Welfare?
A recent audit says Oregon, which mirrors national trends in some ways, hasn't done enough to get citizens off public assistance and into the workforce.
What the U.S. Can Learn from Brazil's Less-Than-Universal Preschool
In 2009, Brazil became one of only three countries to mandate early education. But it quickly found that universal preschool is a simple idea that’s difficult to implement.
Switzerland Takes the Minimum Wage a Step Further
Should everyone have a guaranteed minimum income even if they don’t have a job? It’s a radical idea on the Swiss ballot that also has some support in the United States.
Lessons in Gun Control From Australia and Brazil
A recent book outlines other countries’ approaches to gun control that have significantly reduced violence. Should states look to these places as a model for gun laws?
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to Lead Mayors Group
After Mesa, Ariz., Mayor Scott Smith stepped down from the presidency to run for governor, Johnson assumed the top position this week for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The Business Case for Asking Applicants About Criminal History
Some states and cities want to to use "ban the box" legislation to stop employers from screening job applicants with criminal records. Here's why some businesses oppose such measures and how some lawmakers eased their concerns.
Why Connecticut's Paid Sick Leave Law Didn't Kill Jobs
Businesses reported little increase in costs since the state became the first to require companies to compensate workers for sick days.
4 Red States That May Raise the Minimum Wage
Four states with Republican-controlled legislatures may raise the minimum wage through ballot measures this year.
Baltimore May Ban Criminal History Question on Job Applications
Baltimore may become only the sixth city to "ban the box" to prevent companies from asking prospective employees about their criminal background early on in the application process.
The Case for Ethics Reform in Missouri
Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander explains why he wants to see tighter controls of campaign contributions and lobbyist gifts.
Is There a Better Model for Housing Vouchers?
A Baltimore program that requires participants to use their government rental aid in low-poverty, mostly white suburbs sheds light on how government can implement housing vouchers more effectively.
A Plan to Take the Stigma Out of Breastfeeding
With the help of a first-place award from a national public policy contest, a team of graduate students plans to increase breastfeeding rates in New York City.
Can Cities and Rural Counties Come Together?
Recent political battles have highlighted the decades-old divide between urban and rural areas, making groups that occupy a middle ground more necessary than ever.
Jason Kander: Young, In Charge and Taking on Ethics Reform
The 32-year-old secretary of state wants to make Missouri’s ethics laws, which are currently among the nation’s weakest, some of the strongest.
Americans Still Love Their Libraries
Most Americans enjoy their public libraries and use them frequently, according to a new report by the Pew Research Center.
Can Cities Change the Face of Biking?
There's a growing trend of teaching young people (especially those from demographic groups that historically haven’t embraced biking) how to repair and ride bikes.
Report: States Neglect Road Repairs
A new report by Smart Growth America charges that states are spending too much on new roads while existing infrastructure deteriorates.
Gay Rights Movement Sees Historic Gains in Many States
A new report details state legislation that impacted the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. While much of the report strikes a hopeful note, it also anticipates more political battles ahead.
Obama Pitches Major New Investments in Budget Plan
Here’s a rundown of the proposals that would most affect states and localities and how stakeholders reacted to the president's budget.
How Mayors Used the Stimulus for Energy Efficiency Projects
A new survey shows how cities used money from the 2009 stimulus package to invest in energy efficient infrastructure.
Why Is the City of New Haven Selling Gift Cards?
Some cities are using government-issued prepaid cards to fight poverty and increase public safety. New Haven, Conn., is using them to stimulate the local economy. Should other cities do the same?
Fighting Traffic One Paint Brush at a Time
Frustrated by government inaction, citizens in cities across the country are taking traffic problems into their own hands. But the cities aren't always thankful.
Is Increasing the Minimum Wage a Good Way to Alleviate Poverty?
Wage hikes have become the highest-profile antipoverty proposals in states and localities. But some advocates say boosting the Earned Income Tax Credit would be better for the working poor.
Why the District of Columbia Wants to Count LGBT Homeless Youth
The LGBT population makes up a disproportionate share of homeless youth, so the District wants to make its shelters safer and more accommodating for them.
Common Themes in the 2014 State of the State Addresses
Governors used their annual speeches to introduce proposals on education, pension reform, raising the minimum wage and more.
What Government Can Learn from Colleges about Transportation Policy
A new report details transportation policies on college campuses that could help municipalities promote public transit, biking and car-sharing services.
States See Mixed Results in Attempts to Improve Financial Security
A new report details which states are enacting policies aimed at helping low-income Americans become more financially secure and whether those policies translate into change.
Jersey City Joins Paid Sick-Time Movement
Two New Jersey cities decided to join the handful of cities across the country that require employers to offer paid-sick time. We spoke with the mayor of Jersey City about the issue.
Obama to Mayors, Governors and State Legislators: Raise the Minimum Wage
After bills to raise the federal minimum wage stalled in Congress last year, Obama asked state and local officials to raise the minimum wage in their jurisdictions.
Arizona Makes Child Safety a Priority
Gov. Jan Brewer abolished the child protective services division in her state in the hopes of creating an independent agency that reports directly to her -- something only 10 other states have done.
Meet the First Woman Appointed to the Idaho Potato Commission
Peggy Grover made history in January when Idaho Gov. Butch Otter appointed her as the first woman to serve on the state's potato commission.
Minnesota Mayor Announces Competition to End Veteran Homelessness
After Phoenix used competition to effectively eliminate veteran homelessness, Chris Coleman, mayor of St. Paul, Minn., will challenge towns in Iowa and Ohio to eliminate veteran homelessness by 2015.
New Jersey Program Marks Cars for Emergency Responders
The state's Yellow Dot program allows counties, cities and towns to offer car decals that tell emergency responders that critical health information is stored in the motorist's glove compartment.
Forget Technology; Denver Turns to Its Employees to Fix Problems
Instead of looking for better results through data analytics, new technology or paid consultants, Denver looks to its own employees for simple, straightforward reforms.
California Proposal Would Extend Health Insurance to Undocumented Immigrants
Under Obamacare now, undocumented immigrants and children who are legally present under Obama’s Deferred Action program are ineligible for Medicare, non-emergency Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Maine Struggles with Welfare Misuse at ATMs
As states work to comply with new federal welfare rules that restrict recipients from withdrawing cash benefits from liquor stores, reports released by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services show some doing just that.
Rubio Unveils Poverty, Income Inequality Plan
A key part of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's proposal is handing over funds and discretion to states.
Amid Slow Recovery, Some States Turn to Tax Credits for Working Poor
Last year, at least 15 states sought to help the working poor by building upon the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
Cities That Raise the Minimum Wage May Have to Pay Their Workers More
State and local governments that look to raise the minimum wage may have to boost their own workers' pay first.
Despite Broken Website, Maryland Enrolls Homeless in Medicaid
Medicaid enrollment assisters in Maryland are finding ways to sign up homeless people for public health insurance despite huge technical problems.
2014's Top 10 Legislative Issues to Watch
Plus six trending issues that could be big this year.
Are Governors’ State of the State Speeches All Talk?
Governors only succeed about half the time in passing legislative proposals they push for in their annual address.
District of Columbia Council Finalizes Vote on Minimum Wage Hike
For a second and final time, the District of Columbia City Council voted unanimously to increase the minimum wage.
How D.C. and 2 Maryland Counties Coordinated a Minimum Wage Hike
Legislators in Montgomery and Prince George's counties teamed up with the District of Columbia to raise the region's minimum wage. To do so required some compromise and trust in one another. This is how it happened.
District of Columbia to Consider Voting Rights Bill for Non-Citizens
A new bill would make D.C. join the handful of municipalities that give legal permanent residents who are not U.S. citizens the right to vote in local elections. So far, more than a quarter of the Council supports the measure.
How Salt Lake City Solved Chronic Veteran Homelessness
Officials in Salt Lake City say that by the end of this month, they will have zero chronically homeless veterans.
What Newtown Report Says About Gun Laws and the Mentally Ill
A report on the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., digs into the shooter's history of mental illness. Nothing suggests the state's new guards against arming the mentally ill would have stopped the incident.
Census Report: Poverty Could Be Worse Without Food Stamps
The new data comes at a time when Congress is considering deep cuts to the program in the farm bill.
But What Did Cory Booker Actually Accomplish in Newark?
He promised to rescue his troubled city as mayor. Did he deliver?
New York City to Test New Tax Credit for Working Poor
It's unusual for a city to create its own tax credit, but New York has launched a pilot project that supplements the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to help lift low-income, single adult workers with no children out of poverty.
Strictest State Anti-Immigration Law Gutted
Alabama state officials have agreed to a settlement that guts most of the controversial provisions in the toughest anti-immigration law in the country.
Takoma Park Sees High Turnout Among Teens After Election Reform
In the nation's first local election with 16-year-olds voting, many teens took advantage of their new right to cast a ballot this week.
Seattle Voters Reject Public Financing of Council Campaigns
Seattle voters rejected a ballot measure that would have made the city one of a handful that match private contributions with public funds in council races.
As States Lose Food Stamp Money, Substitutes Are Scarce
A temporary boost in food stamp benefits expired on Nov. 1. Now hungry families must turn to food banks and other public programs for help.
One Office, Two (Sometimes Competing) Interests
Oklahoma is one of only a few states in which one executive oversees both cornfields and oil fields.
Should Taxpayers Fund City Council Campaigns?
A ballot measure in Seattle is asking voters to make it one of a handful of cities that uses public funds to pay for city council races.
New Poverty Measure in California Finds 2 Million Additional Poor
Researchers updated the federal tool for measuring poverty and found more Californians can't afford a basic standard of living.
Why Connecticut Bought a Tennis Tournament
Connecticut may be the first state in the nation to purchase a pro tennis tournament. The deal has its skeptics, but Gov. Dan Malloy and other state officials say it will generate millions.
How the Shutdown is Hurting Public Housing
Planned affordable housing projects are experiencing shutdown-related delays, and deals may fall through if the federal government doesn't re-open soon.
How Michigan Got Better at Counting Homeless Veterans
Homeless veterans are notoriously difficult to count. Michigan found a way to test the accuracy of its numbers and deepen the state’s understanding of veteran homelessness today.
Furloughed Flood State Unemployment Offices
On the first day of the shutdown, state unemployment offices in the mid-Atlantic received an unusual number of applications from federal employees -- some getting more in one day than an entire year.
Federal Shutdown Could Disrupt Ceremony for Fallen Firefighters
A national memorial service for fallen firefighters would lose access to a venue, and other needed facilities, if the federal government shutdown persists.
How Will the Sharing Economy Change the Way Cities Function?
Ride-sharing services and the uncertainty about how or whether to regulate them like taxi cabs illustrate a world where “ownership” is a rapidly changing concept.
Poverty Rates Remain Stubbornly High in Big Cities
In 54 big cities and towns, at least a quarter of the population lived below the federal poverty line last year, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Breaking Down the Traditional Caseworker Model
Facing smaller staffs and budgets, nearly every state or local agency serving the poor has struggled to do so in a timely manner. A new approach in Connecticut is getting social services to people cheaper and faster.
HUD Emergency Funds to Soften Sequester's Impact
Local housing authorities are in dire straits. Without funds, some may have to eliminate rental assistance.
Oakland's Debit-ID Cards Catching On
In the hopes of helping immigrants and the unbanked, the city was the nation's first to offer cards that act as an ID and a prepaid debit card. For a product targeted at low-income people, though, critics charge the cards are too expensive.
Cities Launch Anti-Poverty Centers
With federal support for social service programs dwindling, cities are looking for new ways to combat poverty.
After Newtown, Conn. Codifies Pet Therapy for Kids
State officials found dogs to be helpful therapeutic aids for counseling the surviving children of the mass school shooting. A new law may make Connecticut the first state with a formal animal-assisted therapy program for trauma victims.
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Feds Launch New Challenge to State Voting Laws
A month after a Supreme Court ruling freed jurisdictions from having to get federal approval to change their election laws, Attorney General Eric Holder announced a lawsuit to require Texas to do just that -- and "it will not be our last," he said.
Should Reckless People Pay to Get Rescued?
At least three states already allow and more are considering allowing localities to charge citizens for what can be dangerous and expensive rescues that occur when recklessness (like kayaking during a flood) is involved.
Technology Helps Los Angeles Track Energy Use
Even big cities like L.A. don't have the capacity to collect energy data in a timely fashion. But a federal program helps the city’s building owners measure consumption.
When Mayors Talk Crime, Does it Mean Anything?
Mayors talk a lot about lowering crime, according to a new study, but their words often carry no weight for creating change.
Localities Praise Passage of Immigration Bill
Local government associations support the basic principles for immigration reform that are in the Senate bill.
Mississippi AG Jim Hood: The Last Democrat in Dixie
Somebody forgot to tell Mississippi’s attorney general that his party doesn’t win in the Deep South anymore.
Who Should Regulate Guns?
After gun control measures failed in Washington, states are taking matters into their own hands.
New Child Well-Being Rankings Released
The 2013 Kids Count data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation had some unexpected surprises.
High Court Rejects Part of Voting Rights Act
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the key provision that provided a formula for deciding which states must ask for permission before making changes to its elections procedures.
Report: 96% of Missing Guns Are Stolen
A first-of-its-kind audit shows that about 190,000 firearms were reported to police as lost or missing in 2012. The data may inform current debates about whether people should have to report missing guns.
Supreme Court Rejects Arizona's Citizenship Requirement for Voters
A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court blocks proof-of-citizenship requirements on federal voter registration forms, but leaves open the possibility of amending the form to include Arizona's stricter standard for verifying citizenship.
2 Former Governors Say Immigration Reform Would Save States Money
Immigration reform could save states money and boost the economy, said former governors Haley Barbour and Jeb Bush at a recent forum.
Pennsylvania Reconsiders Requiring People to Report Missing Guns
After 30 municipalities passed laws requiring residents to tell police when their guns disappear, the legislature is reconsidering a statewide proposal that failed in 2008 to do just that.
Can a City Require Citizens to Own a Gun?
The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence is suing the city of Nelson, Ga., over its new ordinance requiring residents to own firearms. The lawsuit's outcome could impact other places with gun mandates.
Shelley Metzenbaum Wants You to Trust Government Again
A former leader at the Office of Management and Budget hopes to use her new position to restore public confidence in government. Here's how she plans to do it.
Technology Threatens Public Officials’ Safety
Several high-profile government officials were killed this year. Standing in the public light has always had its risks, but they’re higher than ever as tracking an official’s whereabouts can be as simple as following their Twitter feed.
Florida, LexisNexis Partner to Combat Identity Fraud
A pilot program, which could soon spread to other states, uses software to automatically verify a person's identity when they apply for Medicaid, welfare or food stamps.
How Do State and Local Government Officials View Gun Control?
Most state and local public officials favor universal background checks, however, support varies when it comes to other proposals to prevent gun violence.
Will Kindergartener Bank Accounts Catch On?
San Francisco was the first city to create college savings accounts for every kindergartener in public school. Now other jurisdictions are contemplating a similar program.
Anti-Terrorism Grants for Cities at Risk
Federal grants that aided police in the Boston Marathon bombing have shrunk in recent years and are at risk of further cuts under the president's reform proposal.
10 New State Laws That Loosen Gun Restrictions
While some states have tightened gun restrictions since last year's mass shootings, many in the South and Midwest have passed new laws being celebrated by the National Rifle Association.
Why States Are Using Welfare to Pay for Housing
A program to lift people out of homelessness under President Obama's stimulus package yielded some encouraging early results, but lacks a long-term funding source. Some states are turning to welfare.
States Look to Reduce Part-Time Lawmakers’ Bias
Most state lawmakers supplement their legislative job with one in the private sector. To reduce the conflicts of interest that inevitably arise from this, states are considering revising their ethics laws.
Tying Welfare to Grades Meets Resistance
Should welfare benefits be tethered to a students' performance in school? One Tennessee legislator thinks so, but he's gotten national backlash for his proposal.
Chronic and Veteran Homelessness on the Decline
Despite some troubling economic conditions, chronic and veteran homelessness both dropped by more than 6 percent last year, according to a new report.
Study: Citizen Budgeting Related to Better Outcomes
Inviting public comment early in the budget process, and doing so in multiple ways, is closely associated with better performance outcomes, according to a new study.
5 Gun Safety Measures in Obama's 2014 Budget
The administration has asked Congress to fund better record keeping for background checks and scientific research related to gun violence. For full coverage of the president's proposed budget, click here.
When Colleges Create Their Own DREAM Acts
As granting in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants becomes more popular, some universities aren't waiting for the green light from state lawmakers to do it.
Tea Party Running the Show in Georgia County
Most of Fayette County’s elected leaders are Tea Partiers, shedding light on how Tea Party reformers -- if given full control -- might shape public policy and overhaul Republican politics at the local level.
Liquor Prohibition Ending in Parts of the South
Eighty years after Congress repealed prohibition, some cities in Mississippi have decided to permit the sale of hard alcohol.
NYC Social Service Nonprofits Compete for Prize Money
To win, they'll need to prove they have the most novel and effective way to help low-income New Yorkers.
Advancing the Debate: Should Teachers Carry Guns?
South Dakota is the first state to explicitly allow school employees to carry guns. Critics fear accidents, while supporters view the law as a way to give districts more autonomy.
Report: High-Skill Worker Funds Target Wrong Parts of Country
Money raised through visa applications to pay for high-skill worker training doesn't actually match geographic demand, according to a new report.
Study: DREAM Acts Would be Economic Boon for States
When state lawmakers consider granting in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants, they tend to focus on strict university-related spending and tuition revenues. A new study finds that government and society would see a net economic benefit.
Advancing the Debate: Why Legalize Sports Betting?
New Jersey passed a law to legalize sports betting at casinos and race tracks, which is already allowed in four states. But the feds and major sports leagues have been working to block it.
How Many Undocumented Immigrants Would Take In-State Tuition? No One Knows.
The price tag of tuition equity bills can save them or kill them. But figuring out those actual costs is anybody's guess.
Cities Rethink Gun Buyback Programs
The programs were found to be ineffective in reducing violent crime, but cities are revisiting -- and in some cases, revamping -- them in the wake of last year's mass shootings.
Some State Legislators Want to Work More, Not Less
Four state legislatures meet every other year instead of annually. Lawmakers in North Dakota and Texas want to leave biennial budgeting in the past.
Advancing the Debate: Why Give Illegal Immigrants In-State Tuition?
Oregon may become the next state to grant in-state tuition to young illegal immigrants. We review the arguments for and against state tuition equity laws, which 13 states currently have and at least a dozen are considering.
New Group Studies International Social Services Programs
The U.S.-based firm Mathematica Policy Research will evaluate the success of programs aimed at helping the world's most vulnerable children.
Advancing the Debate: Should Pennsylvania’s Lottery Go Private?
Pennsylvania's attorney rejected a contract to privatize the state lottery. The governor is scrambling to find a solution. Local newspapers give their take on the controversy.
North Carolina Will Grant Driver's Licenses to Young Illegal Immigrants
North Carolina will become the ninth state to grant driver's licenses to young illegal immigrants, the state's transportation secretary announced Feb. 14.
Obama Calls for More for Infrastructure, Jobs, Energy
In his State of the Union address, the president laid out a second-term agenda that could result in more federal aid to state and local governments.
Advancing the Debate: Political, Fiscal Costs of the Medicaid Expansion
11 GOP governors have rejected the Medicaid expansion, but some are endorsing it -- even though they lambasted so-called "Obamacare."
Pew Study: Not All Immigrants Want Citizenship
A new study examines why some eligible immigrants choose not to seek naturalization. For some, it's because they don't want to be U.S. citizens.
At Immigration Hearing, Mayor Julian Castro Spars with House Committee
In its first hearing of 2013 on immigration reform, Republicans on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee sparred with San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro over the merits of comprehensive immigration reform.
Advancing the Debate: Why 2013 Is (or Isn’t) Right for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Pundits think the stars are aligned for comprehensive immigration reform.
Survey Finds Broad Support for Universal Background Checks, Not Weapons Bans
A new survey to be published in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that most gun owners and non-gun owners support criminal-history background checks for all gun sales. Proposed bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines were less popular among gun owners.
Op-Eds Offer Fresh Perspectives on Gun Control
Some news commentary has escaped the binary of second amendment rights vs. a full-scale firearms ban.
Gun-Control Advocates Drop 'Gun Show Loophole' Talking Point
Gun-control advocates are instead focusing on universal background checks and closing the private-sales loophole. Here's why.
Mayors Group Backs New Assault Weapons Ban Bill in Congress
Michael Nutter, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, voiced the group's support for Sen. Dianne Feinstein's bill to ban assault weapons.
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State Immigration Compacts Signal Bipartisan Principles for Reform
Colorado is the latest state to publish guiding principles for federal immigration reform.
Police Verify Dangers First to Reduce False Alarms
An Urban Institute report describes how three police departments saved time and money by reducing the incidence of false alarms.
Governors Weigh In on Gun Violence in State of State Speeches
Some state leaders aren’t waiting for Congress to address last year’s mass shootings in Newtown, Conn. and Aurora, Colo. So far five governors have alluded to gun violence in their annual state-of-the-state addresses.
Maryland Gov. O'Malley to Push for State Assault Weapons Ban
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has announced his legislative agenda for gun control includes a ban the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
States Consider Closing the Gun-Show Loophole
Only a handful of states require background checks on all firearm sales at gun shows, but some legislators are trying to change that this year.
Maryland Task Force Recommendations Could Take Guns from Mentally Ill
As part of a re-examination of Maryland state laws on firearms and the mentally ill, a task force has recommended that the state should require mental health professionals to contact police if an individual seems dangerous. The policy, if it becomes law, could lead to new gun seizures.
Wind Energy Tax Credit Extended in Fiscal Cliff Deal
Under last week’s fiscal cliff deal, states that depend on wind as part of their energy portfolio got the production tax credit renewed for another year.