News in Numbers
The number of local public pension plans in Pennsylvania -- the most of any other state. Nationwide, there are 3,196 plans run by municipalities.
The amount of exports that U.S. states sold to the Netherlands -- the biggest importer of state goods in 2009.
The share of Americans who are senior citizens, which is an all-time high. With the first baby boomers turning 65 this year, the trend is likely to accelerate.
The rise, over the previous four school years, in the rate of U.S. students receiving subsidized lunches. In Tennessee, there was a 37-percent spike in the number of students receiving free or low-cost meals.
The percent of Colorado state prisoners that are held in long-term solitary confinement, compared to a national average of 1-2 percent.
The number of primary care doctors who have taken advantage of federal incentives to adopt a certified electronic medical record system.
The number of governors that have traveled to China this year -- up from 8 in 2010 -- in search of economic allies. Virginia even opened an office this year in Shanghai.
The last time Washington state saw a sales-tax increase. Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed asking voters for a temporary half-penny boost in the tax to fund education, public safety and social services.
The percent of Chicago public employees who owe the city money -- down from 7 percent five weeks ago when Mayor Rahm Emanuel threatened to fire or suspend workers who didn’t settle their debts. The city has so far collected $1.1 million.
The number of states that have substantially scaled back their support for public media in recent years. Four states have completely cut funding for public TV and radio stations.
The portion of Americans who moved in the last year -- the lowest mobility rate since the U.S. Census Bureau began tracking it in 1948.
The approximate number of signatures that Ohio Democratic groups need to put an election overhaul bill on the November 2012 ballot. They have until Nov. 24.
The backlog of requests from states for federal funding to help rebuild their disaster-damaged roads. This is 20 times the amount of money Congress sets aside every year for the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief program.
The number of Utah highway troopers that were hit by a car while responding to road-side accidents last year. As a result, a new state law requires drivers in minor accidents to get off the next exit and then call 911.
The amount of debt that Jefferson County, Ala., amassed over the last few years as a result of a corruption-plagued sewer project. The county just declared municipal bankruptcy -- the largest in U.S. history.
The number of mayoral candidates on the San Francisco ballot, which used ranked-choice voting for the first time.
The time that the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will occur today.
The unusually high portion of deaths in New York state and privately run homes for the developmentally disabled that are a result of unnatural or unknown causes. The figure is more like one in 25 in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The number of states that enacted voter ID laws, which U.S. House Democrats have asked election officials in all 50 states to oppose. Democrats contend the laws are deliberate efforts to keep their core voting blocs from casting ballots next year.
The date of New Hampshire's first presidential primary. The GOP primary calendar is now complete, with Iowa kicking off the caucuses Jan. 3.
The length of time a dog barking in Los Angeles is considered excessive, subjecting the owner to hefty fines under an amended law that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to sign.
The number of homes a child in Washington state's foster-care system had before turning twelve years old. The state just signed a lawsuit settlement to improve its system by the end of 2013.
The number of school districts -- twice as many from two years ago -- that have only four-day weeks to save money.
The number of months that regional school superintendents in Illinois have worked without pay because the governor wants the money to come from the districts rather than the state. A bill that would shift the funding responsibility failed in the House.
The number of Connecticut lawmakers that voted against the jobs bill that passed the General Assembly with nearly unanimous support.
The number of Internet items that U.S. government agencies asked Google to take down in the first six months of 2011. Google complied with 63 percent of the requests.
The rise in the rate of poor people living in suburbs since 2000. Cities only saw a 26 percent jump in their poverty rate during the same period.
The increase in Camden, N.J.'s violent crime rate from January to June. Nearly half of the police force was laid off in January.
The place that California dropped to on a list of the most energy-efficient states. The Golden State held the top title for the last four years until Massachusetts took the lead this year.
The number of high-traffic bridges in the nation that are "structurally deficient," meaning their “load carrying” elements are damaged or deteriorating.
-
Sponsored
