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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.
State policymakers face a more challenging budget environment, even as they navigate policy questions in areas such as AI, insurance, environment, housing and much more.
There's a reason states with big-city capitals produce different policies than those headquartered in out of the way places.
New Haven was sliced and diced by highway and urban renewal projects. A series of smaller initiatives are gradually knitting the city back together.
Our first print magazine of 2025 concentrates on this moment of change and challenges for cities.
Local foundations have gone beyond funding charities to changing economic activity and strategies in several major cities.
As governor, Carter completely reorganized the state government and helped bring Black officials into positions of power. All that came after a run for the office rooted in race-baiting.
Chris DeCardy, president of the Heinz Endowments. That foundation, along with others in Pittsburgh, has helped the city change its economic focus to robotics, AI, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Pittsburgh is one of several major cities where foundations are pushing economic development strategies in parallel with city governments themselves. (Governing – Jan. 2, 2025)
All but two states completed a review, but only 22 states reached or surpassed the recommended minimum levels of security in their systems.
This is a nation in need of de-escalation training. Bad behavior has been normalized to the point that some people are celebrating assassins.
Republicans gained a tie in the Minnesota House in November, ending the Democrats' trifecta and halting their heavily progressive agenda.
Being selective about the audiences they reach has some political benefits, but doesn't help inspire trust in government more broadly.
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