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The programs depend on temporary sources of funding from Washington and the state that may be drying up. Finding sustainable funds has been a challenge.
The 2023-24 school year saw the highest percentage of kindergarteners exempted from vaccinations, with increases in 40 states and Washington, D.C. In some localities, the so-called health freedom message has led to nonmedical exemption rates as high as 50 percent.
Indiana GOP Gov. Mike Braun. The new governor released a budget proposal that would increase school spending by 2 percent a year, but would likely lead to funding cuts for districts due to his desire to trim property taxes. Braun suggested districts save their money now in case of that eventuality. Braun also directed his cabinet heads to find 5 percent savings on average in their departments. (Indiana Capital Chronicle – Jan. 16, 2025)
During a confirmation hearing, Eric Scott Turner said his priority as secretary would be increasing the supply of affordable housing and homes in general.
The plan would reduce the state’s $7 billion general fund by $1.1 billion over 10 years. Losses would be partially offset by increases in sales and gas taxes.
Seven employees were fired after accessing tens of thousands of Medicaid and food stamp accounts and stealing at least $270,000.
As 2024 came to a close, the White House and Congress approved big giveaways to two subsets of state and local government employees and pensioners. There could be political backlash, and for equity’s sake there might be a case for some corrective tax policies.
Insurance companies were fleeing fire-prone parts of California even before the disaster in Los Angeles. Policymakers are under pressure to find solutions as the risks grow.
Catastrophes like the L.A. wildfires are going to happen again. There’s no easy way to make sure victims can be made whole.
Lawmakers will devote considerable time this year to perennial concerns such as crime and education.
A federal grand jury has indicted Sheng Thao as part of a sprawling case involving other top Bay Area officials and contractors.
The state withdrew its pioneering clean air regulations for diesel trucks and trains, acknowledging they wouldn’t win federal approval. The state intended to end sales of trucks powered by fossil fuels by 2036.
Gov. Ron DeSantis says sheriffs will have to help the Trump administration carry out its immigration policies or he’ll remove them from office.
Lots of prosecutors, judicial staff and jurors lost their homes. Many others left court because they felt ill from dangerous air.
Marla Luckert, the chief justice of the Kansas Supreme Court. Luckert delivered a State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday before the Legislature, saying lack of access to legal representation is an “all-out crisis” that threatens to undermine faith in the judicial system as a whole. Rural areas are particularly short of attorneys, with a third of those who practice in rural counties over the age of 60. (Kansas Reflector – Jan. 15, 2025)
Lawmakers continue to try to get ahead of the curve on AI and many are eager to curb social media use among the young. Climate remains the top environmental concern but "forever chemicals" are more likely to see bipartisan action.
New York's mayor, embroiled in legal trouble, has no chance at winning a second term. Meanwhile, the two parties argue about whether the legislative year can even begin in Minnesota.
Mayor Michelle Wu has hired more than 300 new City Hall staffers, helping fuel budget growth of 8 percent over the past year. Many of the new positions are in middle and upper management.
California will ultimately get lots of help from Washington but some GOP lawmakers want to tie wildfire assistance to policy strings. Hawaii had to wait more than a year for aid to be approved after the Maui fires.
Melissa Hortman, Democratic leader of the Minnesota House. After the November election, the chamber was tied. One seat won by the Democrats is vacant, so Republicans currently have a one-seat majority. Democrats boycotted Tuesday’s opening session, depriving the chamber of a quorum. Republicans decided to proceed, installing one of their own as speaker. The contentious situation will likely be sorted out by the state supreme court. (NPR – June 14, 2025)
Grant programs too often send money to areas that already have resources. Federal agencies should work with state and local leaders to identify the place-specific needs of regional economies and develop custom projects.
Between brazen minor offenses like organized shoplifting and a few heavily publicized acts of random violence, it’s little wonder that people are on edge.
A 2022 law gave staff the ability to unionize. Their new contract will provide a raise of 3 percent in July and additional workplace protections.
States face a tricky year, with their own revenues stalling and federal aid running low.
Even the most basic computing tasks require electrical power. The level of computing that drives today’s economy is far from basic.
Karen Bass has come in for criticism over her handling of the fire department’s budget and other issues. Her chances for reelection may depend on the city’s long rebuilding process.
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