States are reducing subsidy slots, slashing provider reimbursement rates and raising co-pays for low-income parents amid shrinking federal aid.
The federal funding reductions and new eligibility rules will have severe consequences for those with substance use disorders and returning from incarceration. States have ways to keep many of them covered.
Federal officials said $4.65 billion from SNAP reserves will be released to meet a court order, but warned states may face weeks of delays processing partial benefits.
The possibility that Congress could reach a deal on ACA subsidies has thrown this year’s open enrollment period into chaos. State leaders are gaming out strategies just in case.
Conservatives backed criminal justice reforms in hopes of driving down corrections costs and state budgets. A lot of violent and repeat offenders would have to be released to achieve real savings.
Tina Kotek joins the governors of at least 12 other mostly Democrat-led states — including Washington and California — in diverting millions in state money to backfill the lost federal funding to SNAP.
It’s not yet clear how much financial support states can expect from a reimagined FEMA. A new analysis of past costs sheds light on the gaps they might have to fill.
Short-term interest rates are likely to continue ratcheting down, making it a challenge for state and local financiers to maximize income on investments. But there are a few opportunities here and there.
While House Republicans filed measures to eliminate non-school property taxes, DeSantis argues that placing multiple measures on the ballot undermines any substantive reform.
Federal funding is a bigger share of state budgets than ever. It comes with too many strings and strictures that choke off efficiency and innovation, and it threatens democratic self-governance.
As demand for GLP-1 medications for weight loss surges and drug costs exceed $990 per month, state policymakers wrestle with coverage decisions and affordability concerns.
After reaching a record high in fiscal 2024, state reserve capacity fell to a median of 46.9 days of spending in FY 2025 as revenue slackens and spending demands rise.
When police or other agencies face major lawsuits, figuring out how to fund settlements can be difficult.
Taxpayers must be protected from unchecked growth in local government spending. Statewide limits on tax increases would do that while forcing local governments to live within their means.
The new law also comes with extra consumer protections.
In Virginia, lottery income funds about 10 percent of the K-12 budget. Economic fears are leading residents to play less.
Not much for now, with next year’s insurance premiums jumping far more than general inflation and tax revenues. Employers’ only hope to begin stemming these costs long term is a stronger, unified front at the state and national levels. There also could be an important role for public pensions.
States and localities rely on the regularity and reliability of federal data. Disrupting it undermines everything from pensions to budgets and threatens public trust in government.
State and local governments are considering how they can help federal workers and how long they can afford to continue social safety net programs and infrastructure projects.
While understandably feeling under the gun, there are many ways states can continue to grow both their economies and revenues.
Federal import duties may squeeze state budgets over time, particularly in manufacturing and trade-heavy jurisdictions, a new Pew analysis found.
The new Dallas-based exchange plans to lure companies frustrated by NYSE and Nasdaq rules when trading begins in 2026.
State and local government leaders know their budgets are being swamped by federal changes. They need to act fast to mitigate the impacts.
This shutdown could last for a while, leaving states short of funds for a variety of programs. There’s no guarantee this time that they’ll be reimbursed in the end.
Congress and the states run on different fiscal calendars. Blame Nixon.
State humanities councils connect Americans with their past and each other. That work is under threat due to federal cuts.
State and local retirement systems should collaborate to develop an AI-powered digital assistant to help government employees make better financial decisions throughout their careers. Hand-me-downs from the private sector won't cut it.
Analysts report $11 billion in spending even as the state serves 31,000 fewer residents and patients struggle with long waits and access hurdles.
Colorado’s revenue dropped by $1.2 billion due to tax code changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Lawmakers altered some tax credits but left spending cuts up to Gov. Jared Polis.
The administration has eliminated funding for many local projects it deems "hostile" to motor vehicles.
