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Much attention has been given to the billions the bill will put toward bridges, cybersecurity and more. But behind the big-ticket items are many small projects. Here are some that will impact state and local government.
A newly enacted California law requires employers with 26 or more workers to pay overtime wages to farmworkers. But many worry that the law will put a financial strain on already struggling farmers, forcing them to cut labor costs.
Delaware County’s outdated emergency radio system is susceptible to hackings, which prevent timely police response and deteriorate public trust. But updating the system could cost as much as $50 million.
To curb the introduction of drugs into the prison system, the state has hired a Florida-based firm to scan inmate mail, check it for contraband and then send digital copies of the mail to each prison.
Former New York City Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, regarding the city’s new law that will allow noncitizens and “Dreamers” voting rights in municipal elections. (Associated Press — Jan. 9, 2022)
The increase in the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 compared to the year prior. The use of coal-fired electricity increased 17 percent last year.
Serving in the Senate or a presidential cabinet is considered a step up for governors. Except among governors themselves.
The nation’s four largest cities are among those requesting more leeway to challenge undercounts.
A recent road trip results in an unplanned stop to mark the 131st anniversary of a tragedy on the Great Plains that remains indelibly stamped on a community’s memory.
As the market for technology companies serving government has exploded, state and local agencies have never had more options for solutions that fit their specific needs.
While some California courts pull back amid the Omicron surge, others forge ahead with business as usual.
With farms, ranches and rural communities facing unprecedented threats, a worrying trend leads to a critical question: Who owns the water?
The average remote workers shifted two of their working hours outside of the traditional 9-to-6 weekday schedule and worked more hours than pre-pandemic.
For populations that rely on social services, getting help has become difficult as the omicron variant spreads rapidly. But Pennsylvania’s York County officials are adjusting their services to distribute aid amid the risk.
The Oregon facility will now include solar power in the design, which could allow the plant to run for 178 days entirely on solar power and earn the city a net revenue of $24,000.
World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, rebutting claims that the omicron variant is “mild.” The nation’s seven-day average for new COVID cases is more than 585,000, a 247 percent increase from two weeks ago. (Ars Technica — Jan. 6, 2022)
The increase in first-year Black medical students in 2021 as compared to the year prior, an unprecedented growth. Nationally, only 5 percent of the nation’s doctors are Black.
The standoff between Chicago’s mayor and teachers’ union is raising issues ranging from the effective use of federal funding to how much we really care about our front-line workers.
Highway construction was at its peak when the nation’s capital conceived and built one of the most comprehensive rapid transit systems in modern America. Zachary Schrag explains how and why it happened.
The pandemic caused many courthouses to pause or limit in-person sessions, forcing staff to get creative. Those struggles proved a breeding ground for innovation and turned new focus on digital equity.
Tisch told colleagues she would keep serving the city under the Adams administration. Her departure comes as the city reportedly plans to reorganize its IT agencies and follows just weeks after CTO John Paul Farmer’s exit.
A lawsuit and complaints have been filed against the Michigan redistricting commission’s new congressional and state legislative maps, alleging they would diminish Black voting power across the state.
The bipartisan Working Families Caucus will bolster the finances of lower-income households through legislation addressing issues such as paid sick and family leave, tax credits and an increased minimum wage.
Pennsylvania cannot suspend a person’s driver’s license for refusing to take DUI tests if there are “insurmountable” language barriers that would inhibit understanding.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has suggested using the extra money on pension debt, budget reserves and, possibly, another round of stimulus checks. The Legislature has until June 15 to pass the final budget.
Tennessee state Rep. Jeremy Faison, commenting on losing his temper and being ejected from his son’s high school basketball game after a confrontation with the referee. The altercation included Faison in what appeared to be an attempt to pull down the official’s pants. (Associated Press — Jan. 6, 2022)
The number of inches of snow that Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass had received since the beginning of the season as of Jan. 3, the most snowfall since 2007.
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The latest news about government abuse can make state and local lawmakers feel powerless to act to protect their constituents.
The nation survived the burning of the Capitol by the British in 1814, the Civil War and the corruption of Richard Nixon. But with most Republicans siding with Trump and the insurrectionists, we face a threat to democracy unlike any other.
When it comes to improving development and transit services, why do some urban communities fare better than others? Sociologist Jeremy Levine examined the traits for success and found some surprises.
