Fulton County: Elections Costs Will Keep Increasing
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.
Hawaii Is the Only State Not Extending Tax Deadline
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.
How States Can Gird for the Coming Fights Over Taxing Digital Ads
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.
State Proposes 33 Tax and Fee Increases for Transportation
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.
Detroiters Without Bank Accounts Are Paying the Price
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.
Oklahoma to Use $10 Million to Boost Investment, Innovation
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.
How the New Stimulus Can Strengthen Local Governments
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.
Some L.A. Apartments, Stores Can Now Pay Rent in Bitcoin
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.
So, Can States Cut Taxes or Not?
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.
Can States Finally Fix Their Unemployment Systems?
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.
Oklahoma Finds Buying, Storing, Updating Body Cams Is Costly
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.
