The Future of Finance
The state’s four historically Black universities will plan to use the money to increase funding for STEM and certificate programs in an effort to close the wealth gap between Black graduates and other races.
Republican resistance isn’t just about taxes. It’s rooted in the party’s hostility toward urban initiatives that has played out on a broad range of issues.
The president is famous for his love of riding trains. He's ready to put serious money into the Amtrak system, proposing billions more than have been spent throughout its entire 50-year history.
States and local governments should ensure that the new federal funds are invested in lasting economic development. There are lessons to draw upon from around the world.
The state approved $7.7 billion for the 2022 fiscal year, $452 million more than last year’s allocation. Teachers and education employees in public schools and community colleges will also receive a 2 percent raise.
Progressives and anti-taxers oppose blue-state proposals to remove the federal limit on state and local tax deductions. Reforms must address both tax competition and income confiscation.
The Biden administration’s new budget proposes to increase federal spending. While little is specifically geared toward school technology, some funds could help close the digital divide and bolster mental health services.
Advocates for disadvantaged communities want lawmakers to increase spending on transit projects in areas where driving alternatives are scarce. Paying for the proposals would require increases in taxes and fees.
To maintain the revenue from the gas tax even as vehicles transition away from gasoline, a bill would require fuel-efficient vehicles to pay a fee for every mile they drive starting in 2026.
Lawmakers expected to have to make drastic cuts and enact furloughs when the session began in January. But with the $1.35 billion bailout from federal relief funds, the Legislature could approve the $31.2 billion budget.
City officials may use some of the $115 million it will receive from the state to restore or reimagine public transit usage to increase access and efficiency. But the public must buy in for the investment to pay off.
The Georgia county spent $38.3 million during the 2020 election cycle, nearly four times the amount spent in 2016. But officials expect that the election price tag will only continue to grow.
Like brick and mortar charter schools, cyber-charters are funded by contributions from public school districts. Districts pay the online schools an annual rate for each of their students who opt to enroll in one.
The Internal Revenue Service extended the tax filing deadline to May 17 and most other states have made similar extensions. Hawaii, however, has not adjusted its deadline and taxes for state residents are due Tuesday.
For poor residents who can’t afford the fees or don’t trust banks, not having a bank account can actually cost them money. The pandemic has only exacerbated the challenges for unbanked families.
Washington has proposed the new tax and fee increases to help expand, replace and maintain transportation routes across the state. With the proposed revenue boost, the state could raise $15.3 billion.
The state Department of Commerce will allocate funds to support existing manufacturers’ projects that are innovative, bolster a product’s supply chain or target new markets, in an effort to diversify the state’s economy.
Rick Caruso, a Los Angeles developer, is now accepting Bitcoin for retail and apartment rent payments at several of his properties. Caruso is also developing a shoppers reward program that uses blockchain technology.
Maryland is leading the way, but its new levy faces plenty of pushback in the courts and Congress. States that want to follow suit should act quickly to craft viable uniform model legislation.
The federal stimulus package provides $195 billion in aid to states but forbids them from using that money to pay for tax cuts. The law's language is broad enough to look like preemption.
The American Rescue Plan can help local leaders do a lot more than cover budget shortfalls. The funds offer a chance for them to address equity issues, engage residents and create the future they want to see.
The $1.9 trillion stimulus enacted last month includes $260 billion to extend enhanced unemployment benefits into September. Only a fraction will go to upgrading administration.
The Stillwater Police Department and the Payne County Sheriff’s Office would like to equip more of their officers with body cameras, but the costs of storing the devices and updating the software may be prohibitive.
A new report analyzes the states’ tax burdens as officials begin post-pandemic planning. While Democratic states typically tax their residents at greater rates, there are exceptions to the trend.
The White House is formulating a massive infrastructure package. Here are cost-cutting ways for Congress to help states and localities float the bonds to fund their share. Muni "flower bonds," anyone?
The massive federal stimulus package signed last week by President Biden will bring billions of dollars to state and local governments. Here's what that will mean for technology modernization efforts.
Officials across the state eagerly await the guidelines on how the historic amount of federal aid can be spent. Funds will likely be spent on vaccine distribution, supporting the state’s economy and expanding broadband.
Miami may allow Bitcoin payments for some of its operations. Other cities are thinking about it. There are advantages to doing this — and also significant risks.
A new report reveals the great variation of federal dependency across the states. But drawing the line between federal and state responsibility is not easy.
The $3 billion injection from Congress will return the state’s revenue almost back to where it was in Feb. 2020. But lawmakers across the nation are still concerned about their states’ financial health.
