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Zina Hutton

Staff Writer

Zina Hutton is a staff writer for Governing. She has been a freelance culture writer, researcher and copywriter since 2015. In 2021, she started writing for Teen Vogue. Now, at Governing, Zina focuses on state and local finance, workforce, education and management and administration news.

women in wedding dresses on stairs in the washington state capitol protest child marriage
Policy
States Rethink Child Marriage in 2024
As several states propose child marriage bans, Missouri state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder hopes that she can use her experiences to encourage a shift in her state’s legislation.
April 24, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
Taking a 988 call in Tampa Bay
Policy
A Simple Way to Make the Suicide Hotline More Effective
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides comprehensive support for Americans who face acute mental health challenges. Congress is considering ways to tailor services more strategically.
April 23, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
The podcast cover image for this The Future in Context (TFIC) episode features an AI-generated image of a futuristic government service center powered by data. (DALL-E 3)
Future in Context
AI as a Stress Test for Government Data
The rise of generative artificial intelligence is a stress test for data governance and management. And an opportunity for data stewards to shine.
April 22, 2024
 · Ashley Silver, Zina Hutton, Zoe Manzanetti, Paul W. Taylor
Preschoolers playing in a yard
Finance
Federal Dollars Seek to Reverse Decline in Head Start Enrollment
Last month, Washington increased funding for the preschool program by $275 million. Additional funding for salaries may help address workforce shortages that have led to a steep decline in enrollment.
April 19, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
cars parked in front of the fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge (distance)
Finance
Economic Fallout from Baltimore's Bridge Collapse Hits Home
Maryland legislators are taking steps to protect workers and businesses affected by the port and highway closure. There are broader, indirect effects, however, that are creating additional uncertainty.
April 18, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
1902_Las Vegas 786.jpg
Housing and Urban Issues
The Nation's Homeless Population Is Aging Dramatically
As with society as a whole, the homeless population is naturally aging. But now more people are falling into homelessness for the first time in their later years due to high housing costs.
April 10, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
1208_Milwaukee 164.jpg
Workforce
Public-Sector Workforce Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels, but Gaps Persist
After shedding nearly 1 million jobs, staffing levels are now higher than at the start of 2020. But severe shortages remain in several fields such as nursing, public safety and education.
April 5, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
California Governor Gavin Newsom attends an event with fellow governors in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 23, 2024
Finance
From Food to Climate: Programs Threatened by California's Shortfall
With California facing a serious budget crunch, lawmakers may have to curb their policy ambitions in a variety of areas. Ahead of April tax collections, it's not yet clear if proposed cuts will be deep enough.
April 4, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
zoomed-bill.jpg
Finance
Where Do States Stash the Cash in Their Rainy-Day Funds?
States are sitting on near-record surpluses. How and where exactly do they store their savings?
Spring 2024
 · Zina Hutton
Teacher instructing kids in North Dakota
Politics
Feeling Pressure from Politicians and Parents, More Superintendents Quit
Teachers aren't the only educators walking off the job. At least 30 percent of districts in every state have seen superintendent turnover in the past five years.
Spring 2024
 · Zina Hutton
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