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The state’s antiquated jobless aid system couldn’t handle the large influx of unemployment benefit claims brought on by the pandemic. While the system’s problems are not entirely resolved, it is better prepared for future spikes in claims.
Minnesota state Rep. Esther Agbaje, regarding the “Crown Act,” which was passed by the Minnesota House earlier this week and would make it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their hairstyle. Fourteen states total have enacted similar laws against hair discrimination. (Associated Press — Feb. 28, 2022)
The number of states in which it is legal to marry before the age of 18. Many parents will use child marriage as a way to benefit financially; one common legal loophole in child marriage laws is that it only takes one parent to consent to the marriage of a 16- or 17-year-old and once that minor is married, any unresolved custody agreements are moot. Unchained At Last, an organization that advocates for the end of forced and child marriages, estimates that nearly 300,000 minors were married between 2000 and 2018.
Navigating war in Europe, COVID and inflation amid a deep partisan divide, President Biden emphasized solidarity with Ukraine and other points of unity in his first State of the Union address.
The San Francisco recall is just one example of voters’ growing frustration with local institutions, and this angry form of local engagement isn’t limited to education. It’s all about responsiveness.
Local election officials have defended the Kansas county’s election, but the sheriff said his ongoing investigation has raised security concerns about the voting process. No subpoenas or warrants have been issued yet.
The city’s police department has been using ShotSpotter to detect gunshots and respond more quickly for the past two years, but activists question whether the tool is really as beneficial as the city claims.
The West Virginia House will vote this week on a bill that would allow non-utility electric generating facilities in any zoning district. While some say it would aid in economic development, others claim it takes away local control.
The state’s investment in companies in Russia and government debt issued by Russia amounts to $218 million, less than half of 1 percent of the state’s total retirement funds, and has been in decline since 2014.
The cost-of-living increase that California public employees who retired between 2006 and 2014 will receive in their pensions, the largest inflation adjustment in 32 years. Most other California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) retirees will receive either a 2 percent or an increase between 2 and 4.7 percent, depending on their retirement year. About 750,000 retirees and beneficiaries receive pensions from CalPERS.
A tweet from Rep. Vicky Hartzler, a Missouri U.S. Senate candidate, that caused Twitter to temporarily suspend Hartzler’s account for violating the company’s hateful conduct policy. The tweet also included a link to an ad targeting University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas that used Thomas’ deadname. (The Hill — March 1, 2022)
Legalized online wagering is already hauling in substantial state revenue, but additional taxation will need a uniform, multistate approach that might also take in “gamified” financial trading. And it’s time to do a better accounting of the growing social costs.
The actions taken by the U.S. after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine might also impact some of Michigan’s automotive sector and other major industries with further delays to the already backlogged supply chain.
Thousands of low-income families are only eligible for part of their child support because they also receive public assistance. A new plan would improve the system, but still wouldn’t allow families to have full access to their funds.
A system that uses radio waves to allow vehicles to communicate with each other and roadway amenities could help to reduce traffic deaths. But the FCC will eliminate funding to the industry in two years.
One of the state’s three nuclear plants will shut down this spring but climate activists worry that removing a major supplier from the power grid will impede the state’s ability to reach its 2050 carbon neutrality goals.
David Yarkin, former Pennsylvania chief procurement officer who has since created his own consulting firm in Washington, regarding how difficult it can be for state and local governments to know about the private contractors they may work with. Yarkin’s online government-vendor review platform, Procurated, allows government agency staff to rate the services they buy from private contractors, making it like Yelp for government. (The Philadelphia Inquirer — Dec. 7, 2021)
When New York state will end its mask mandate for schools and child-care facilities.
Both the public and policymakers have trouble understanding why building more roads and highways does not reduce congestion.
States that oversee liquor sales directly are getting rid of vodka, while a number of governors and local officials are looking to end investment or break off ties with Russia.
Flush with cash, states are able to offer colleges and universities more support than they have in decades. But campuses still face challenges from declining enrollments.
U.S. organizations should up their defenses for the possibility of a Russian cyber attack or misinformation campaign, CISA says. Russian cyber strategies against Ukraine and its allies could evolve.
Companies and job seekers have expanded options if workers don’t have to live where they work. But for city governments, this can mean lost tax revenue.
Concrete, steel and turbines play an outsize role in the past and future of water in western states.
As government call centers grapple with the nationwide staffing shortage and an influx in demand, some are implementing artificial intelligence tools to improve wait times and accessibility for callers.
A study of 3,000 companies found a correlation between local ‘social capital’ – which measures such variables as voter turnout and census response rates – and more women on corporate boards.
To qualify, seniors must apply to their town annually to prove they have incomes low enough to qualify – a maximum salary of $37,400. But, for many, the requirements and processes are convoluted and difficult to meet.
As of mid-February, none of the state’s $2.5 million allotted for detection and mitigation in prisons, jails and other confinement facilities has yet been spent. More than 1,000 inmates across seven state facilities have gotten COVID-19.
Two proposed bills would open the process for local governments to tax residents in ways that aren’t currently allowed. For now, Kentucky’s cities and counties can only impose property taxes, occupational taxes and fees.
Randy Watson, Kansas’ former education commissioner, in an extended metaphor comparing the coronavirus pandemic response to dealing with both a tornado and a hurricane. Watson made the offensive remark in a two-day virtual education conference last week and resigned on Feb. 25, after several state officials called for his resignation. (Associated Press — Feb. 25, 2022)
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