THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
All states have begun phased reopening. An updated version of an earlier Governing resource page provides new maps that offer instant insight into progress toward COVID-19 containment in each state.
Last February, Stockton, Calif., began providing 125 of its residents with a monthly payment of $500 as an economic experiment. Now the idea is gaining national traction as lawmakers see the benefits of stimulus payments.
THE FUTURE OF Community Design
As voters stay home to avoid COVID-19 risks, the amount of absentee ballots has greatly increased. But election clerks must also prepare in-person precautions for the Tuesday primary. “You have to be prepared for the unknown.”
THE FUTURE OF Community Design
Courts across the state made major hardware and software upgrades as the pandemic forced people to stay home and socially distance. After seeing the benefits, many courts will keep the improvements after the pandemic.
The Legislature has approved an IT bond bill that aims to improve cybersecurity and technology use in several sectors. The bill includes $50 million for remote learning technology and $20 million for police body cameras.
The fired former director of the unemployment office told lawmakers officials did nothing about a data breach that allowed some people who logged onto the system to see other people’s sensitive information for at least a day.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Following a whistleblower lawsuit alleging illegal spying on citizens and a data breach that exposed thousands of confidential intelligence reports, state police showcased to the media how the center provides assistance.
Gov. David Ige vetoed a spending plan that would have added $100 in state weekly unemployment benefits, and hopes Congress comes up with a compromise to continue the $600-a-week federal benefit or something close to it.
COVID-19 cases are on the rise, and citizens can't shelter in place if they're evicted. Legislators in some states are proposing moratoriums on evictions for as long as a year after the end of the health emergency.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Reforms that address police violence against communities of color won't be effective unless we reduce governments' over-reliance on revenue from fines and court fees for minor offenses.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
It shouldn't be surprising to see legislative leaders being accused of corruption. The iron-fisted control many of them have over the legislative process makes for a system ripe for ethical abuse.