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Zach Patton

Executive Editor

Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism for his GOVERNING story on economic cutbacks in Colorado Springs. He has served as an editor since 2010, and as Executive Editor since 2012.

Archive
Facing Budget Crisis, Connecticut Lays Off State Workers
Like some other states, Connecticut is facing a budget shortfall. And in part because of its shrinking finance sector and dependence on personal income taxes for revenue, state lawmakers, a majority of whom are Democrats, are finding themselves in a fiscal pickle.
April 18, 2016
 · Zach Patton
Archive
Wisconsin Health Officials Waited Months to Tell Public of Bloodstream-Infection Outbreak
The state health agency warned hospitals about the outbreak in January, but didn't inform the public until March.
April 18, 2016
 · Zach Patton
Archive
Illinois Lawmakers Seeking to Get Paid? Get in Line, Says Comptroller
Ten months into the state's ongoing budget stalemate, Illinois Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger said she plans to delay monthly paychecks for lawmakers and statewide officials. There isn't enough money to pay the state's bills, and other services should come first, she said.
April 18, 2016
 · Zach Patton
Archive
Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Obama's Immigration Plan
The justices will weigh in on whether the president had proper authority to grant temporary work permits to about 4 million immigrants in the country illegally.
April 18, 2016
 · Zach Patton
Archive
Medical Marijuana Now Legal in Pennsylvania
Hundreds of cheering families, legislators and patients watched Gov. Wolf sign a medical marijuana bill into law Sunday afternoon, many hopeful at last for relief from pain, seizures and other medical conditions.
April 18, 2016
 · Zach Patton
Archive
Frustrated by Federal Inaction, Some States Consider Carbon Taxes
Washington is the latest state considering the move, intended to discourage the use of carbon fuel like coal and oil by making them more expensive.
April 18, 2016
 · Zach Patton
Latest News
Arizona Speaker Reshapes House, From the Carpets on Up
David Gowan has angered lawmakers from the right and left since assuming the post in January 2015, putting his own stamp on a legislative body that has garnered its share of attention for its far-right leanings on issues like immigration and abortion.
April 18, 2016
 · Zach Patton
Archive
Los Angeles Joins Debate on Force After Police Killing of Homeless Man
As the city attorney considers whether to bring charges against an officer who shot a homeless man last year, the atmosphere in Los Angeles demonstrates the growing pressure that prosecutors now face to move aggressively against officers who kill civilians.
April 12, 2016
 · Zach Patton
mayors-interview
Archive
Parting Wisdom From 5 Outgoing Mayors
Most of them have been in office for decades. Here's what they've learned about government.
September 21, 2015
 · Zach Patton
colorado-springs
Archive
The Illusion of Cities' Recovery From the Recession
In many ways, Colorado Springs and other cities have rebounded. But things aren’t as good as they seem.
August 24, 2015
 · Zach Patton
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