A White House fact sheet estimates that 408,700 borrowers across the state are eligible for some form of federal student loan debt forgiveness, 248,900 of whom could get $20,000 wiped. Iowans owe a total of $13.3 billion in student debt.
The Iowa county’s ARPA committee has said the money would be allotted for bike trail repairs, an environmental education center project and Mariposa Park campgrounds. The final decision will fall to the Board of Supervisors.
The Florida county announced plans on Aug. 30 to distribute a new round of rental assistance starting on Oct. 1. Eligible applicants could receive as much as $20,000 or 18 months of assistance.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was supported by several state Congress members, allots $8 billion for the expansion of hydrogen use in at least four regional hubs; some argue West Virginia should host one of them.
The GO Green Energy Fund provides clean energy investments to low- to moderate-income neighborhoods to combat environmental injustice. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, green banks nationwide will receive $20 billion.
The public’s relationship with the Census was strained by the unique circumstances surrounding the 2020 count. Robert Santos, the first Latino to direct the Census Bureau, wants to repair this.
Roads and water infrastructure top the list of local priorities, but broadband expansion and clean energy projects are proving popular as cities face increased demand for these newer technologies.
A report from the HHS showed that 44,000 residents would lose state health insurance coverage entirely while 24,000 would lose subsidies if the tax credits were not extended through the legislative package.
The federal Inflation Reduction Act includes a provision that would update the tax credit regulations for new electric vehicles to decrease or eliminate foreign-made parts in cars, which could possibly make EVs more expensive.
State officials hope to get a large chunk of the more than $65 billion that is available to improve broadband access across the nation through the infrastructure bill that was approved last year.
New incentives included in the Manchin-Schumer “Inflation Reduction Act” could help overcome range anxiety and cost concerns. Meanwhile, states are submitting plans to spend millions of federal dollars on EV charging networks.
The CHIPS and Science Act is awaiting signature from President Biden after it received approval from Congress last week. Many expect the legislation to be a huge boost to Michigan’s auto industry.
The Census count led to the state redrawing congressional and state legislative districts, and the loss of a congressional representative. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan argues that systemic racism led to an undercount.
Small businesses and those owned by women and people of color don’t receive a fair share of government contracting. With infrastructure money flowing, now is the time for public agencies to take a pledge to improve procurement practices.
At least 16 states have opted out of receiving millions in pandemic food aid while more than 18 million Americans didn’t always have enough to eat last month.
Most of the remaining funds have been earmarked by cities, townships and counties for community projects to address broadband access, housing, workforce development and other needs. But some worry about the debt repayment.
