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Last year, about a quarter of all health insurance claims were denied in California. A new law blocks coverage denials made solely through artificial intelligence.
There's turnover in Washington with each new administration. Departing federal workers can bring valuable skills and experience to state and local governments.
Recent laws to improve pension financing should save states tens of billions of dollars over the long term.
Human services officials say more treatment options are needed to place children, but lawmakers are concerned lighter regulations will create more problems.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom. This week, the Democrat is presenting a budget with a small surplus, which he attributed to fiscal discipline in the face of a massive shortfall last year, along with revenues coming in $16.5 billion above projections. California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office paints a less rosy picture, saying the state’s shortfall will be $2 billion next year, followed by about $20 billion the following year. (Associated Press – Jan. 6, 2025)
The city’s planning office won’t approve conversion of single-family properties into multiple units in six neighborhoods. The desire to protect Latino neighborhoods from gentrification runs counter to the city’s housing goals.
Governors, mayors and finance officers are treading water, awaiting the outcome and impact of a new Washington regime’s vows to slash federal spending and taxes. Meanwhile, state and municipal budgeters and debt managers will need to make intelligent guesses and pay more attention to their rainy-day funds.
With 13 states offering coverage, it’s already a $3.9 billion cost. Some state officials say reducing obesity will save programs money in the long run.
Arrests connected to the home-built weapons are growing rapidly in the U.S. and around the world. It’s likely to prove harder for governments and police to keep them out of the hands of criminals and extremists.
The personnel cost has doubled over the last three years. Employees have been granted more sick leave but they seem to be using more due to in-person work requirements.
After years of cuts, the agency’s budget has doubled since 2020. But its new director will face challenges due to policy differences with the incoming Trump administration.
Georgia state Rep. David Wilkerson. The state has an $11 billion surplus, on top of $5.5 billion in rainy-day reserve funds. Wilkerson would like to see the state spend more on programs such as free meals for schoolchildren. GOP Gov. Brian Kemp has made clear that relief for victims of Hurricane Helene will be a priority this session. The GOP majority is contemplating $1 billion in tax relief. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jan. 6, 2025)
State officials face challenges from shrinking revenue and major changes from Washington in shared programs such as education and Medicaid.
Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of its electricity it generates from wind and solar, showing that the transition doesn’t have to be expensive or scary or even constrained by politics.
With the state facing its worst budget gap in two decades, everything from education and juvenile justice to transportation spending is on the line.
Black drivers, in particular, are stopped at disproportionate rates, a study of 5 million traffic stops found. Police officers say the analysis was flawed.
Bill Ferguson, president of the Maryland Senate. The state is facing a $3 billion budget shortfall, meaning advocates for programs such as education and transportation will struggle this session to keep spending levels intact. Business groups are warning the state’s Democratic majorities that further tax increases would harm competitiveness. (Baltimore Sun – Jan. 3, 2025)
New York City’s Department of Transportation awarded a third of its contracts to minority- and women-owned businesses last year, a priority of Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
Sheldon Day, mayor of Thomasville, Ala. The city’s hospital, which opened at the start of the pandemic, has closed, due to that challenge along with some financial missteps. Unlike most shuttered rural hospitals, the facility in Thomasville is new and in good shape.
Thomasville Regional Medical Center opened its doors at the start of the pandemic. It didn’t survive, but unlike most shuttered rural hospitals, it’s practically brand new.
Both suspects appear to have military backgrounds and both used the same app to rent vehicles.
Farmers must destroy their flocks when bird flu is detected. With payments already exceeding $1 billion, the government will now require biosecurity audits.
They face more challenges than urban schools. But there are strategies they can use to prepare and cope.
Every few decades, we have an opportunity to change what our cities can be. This is one of those moments.
They’ve generated over $100 billion in investments in thousands of struggling communities. We have the opportunity to extend and expand the program — and to make it permanent.
Some communities are investing in new infrastructure and designs not only to protect residents but improve quality of life.
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