Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Voters in three states enshrined Medicaid expansions in their state constitutions. Those states could be on the hook if Congress cuts program funding significantly.
More than 1.1 million college students from other countries inject billions of dollars into local economies and support hundreds of thousands of jobs. Losing them over fears of federal immigration policies would be a blow for cities and towns across the country.
Several governors and legislatures are looking to ban SNAP recipients from using their food stamps to pay for candy and soda.
With federal cuts coming, states, cities and counties need to step up their understanding of the programs they run and the priorities they hope to preserve.
Its electoral system, bolstered by strong economic and social institutions, enables lawmakers to vote their consciences in bipartisan coalitions.
Only 22 states meet recommended security standards. But some states have come up with new approaches on their own.
The Texas House has approved a $1 billion school voucher program. It’s the latest victory for a school choice movement that’s been on a roll in state legislatures.
As momentum builds in Washington to refresh the program, attention needs to be paid to key leverage points. Along with public officials, philanthropy, investors and coalitions have important roles to play.
With bipartisan support, the legislature has passed one of the nation's most expansive bills offering protection to abuse survivors convicted or accused of a crime connected to their abuse. Other states may follow.
A working group of mayors believes climate resilience and economic security go hand in hand.
It’s appealing to say that disaster relief should be left to states and localities. The less appealing reality is that they aren’t up to the job.
The construction industry is short by nearly a half-million workers. More states could emulate Wisconsin's growing apprentice program.
Congress and some red states are pushing for work requirements but most recipients already work. Medicaid and other state programs typically don’t offer job assistance or training.
The state Senate passed a bill that falls short of proposals put forward by Gov. Mike Braun, but the Republican signaled he's open to signing it.
After a long economic slump, the post-industrial New England city is encouraging development, filling vacant properties and zoning for more housing.
Shortages are so bad in some counties that defendants have had to be released because they can’t be tried in a timely manner.
Trade wars, federal aid cutbacks and IRS layoffs will all have an impact on revenues, though the shocks may not be as bad as some fear. Still, for most jurisdictions budget and staffing freezes or cuts lie ahead. But for now leaders should resist the temptation to raid rainy day funds.
Experts argue about whether it’s mostly poor road design or dangerous drivers. But there’s no question that it’s gotten a lot riskier to travel on foot.
The Washington state district didn’t just make students put phones away. They increased field trips and extracurricular activities, bringing chronic absenteeism down among participants by 13 percent.
Makers of everything from food to hardware to components for bigger companies need a boost, which better state and local policies could provide.
A new Virginia law will allow judges to require intelligent speed assistance devices for people with repeat reckless driving offenses. Advocates are pushing for similar policies in other states.
The state recently became the first since 1980 to vote to eliminate its income tax. This will boost economic growth while removing barriers to work — and could ignite a wave of similar state-led reforms.
People want more political choices but end up defeating independent candidates. In Mississippi, single-party rule has not ended division.
The president wants to reward companies that make things in this country and punish those that don’t. This may not be enough to counter the forces that have shrunk manufacturing for decades.
The program has grown far beyond its original target populations. Congress needs to pare it back.
Proposals to cut Medicaid will not only end coverage for millions but undermine the health-care system as a whole.
Universities and colleges have historically not done well at enrolling Hispanic students. Now their continued success may depend on it.
Diverting young people who commit low-level offenses to community support programs can help them avoid incarceration down the line. Girls in particular may benefit from these tactics.
The SAVE Act threatens to block millions of Americans from voting while also imposing significant burdens on state and local election officials.
For now, AI is helping plant operators scan through thousands of pages of compliance documents. Its uses could expand.
