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Zina Hutton

Staff Writer

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

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
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
TFIC nudges.jpg
Future in Context
Who Should Regulate Kids’ Access to Social Media?
Complete bans, age verification and new online tools are in play as government, the tech industry and parents contend for influence and control in determining how to keep minors safe online.
March 25, 2024
 · Paul W. Taylor, Ashley Silver, Zoe Manzanetti, Zina Hutton
Patricia Rodriguez at a Minneapolis job fair
Finance
Despite Low Unemployment, States Are Still Short of Funding Benefits
States have devoted billions of dollars to replenishing their unemployment trust funds, but many are still short. Fewer states are now prepared for a recession than before the pandemic.
March 20, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
Boise real estate market remains hot in 2024
Finance
Some States Are Looking to Abolish Property Taxes Entirely
As property values surge and tax bills go up, some state lawmakers are hoping to end the property tax. Doing so would not be cheap or easy.
March 12, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
US-NEWS-FLA-CHILDREN-SOCIALMEDIA-DMT
Policy
States Eye Social Media Bans Despite Legal Roadblocks
State efforts to restrict kids' social media use have been held up in court. But lawmakers remain concerned about apps and the Internet contributing to mental health challenges.
March 11, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
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