For public officials who support equal opportunity, recent court rulings and other developments provide reasons for a little optimism.
With pandemic-era aid gone and long-term structural challenges looming, 2026 budget debates will test lawmakers’ ability to balance short-term gaps and future risk.
Billions of dollars are at stake. With new federal rules, it’s up to state lawmakers to ensure that programs like food stamps serve those in need without wasting taxpayer dollars.
It could signal major changes in compliance, grants and oversight for state and local governments. That’s happened in the past.
Unlike federal DOGE, the Montgomery County office doesn’t envision layoffs becoming part of its mission.
The federal Rural Health Transformation Program will grant $50 billion to states to expand access to health care. Here’s where state applications stand.
Federal Medicaid cuts could shift millions in health-care expenses back to local governments.
The president cites fraud concerns, while state officials call the plan politically motivated and warn of impacts on social services.
Federal policy changes stand to make it harder for local governments to cope with housing instability and homelessness. There are some things they can do to brace for what’s coming.
With more residents required to work to qualify for SNAP and funding shifting to states, Missouri’s system shows what may await programs across the country.
Under the plan, Texas newborns would get $1,000 placed into stock-market investments, potentially doubling the benefit from the federal program passed this year.
Program and tax changes in the massive budget reconciliation bill are reshaping states’ short- and long-term fiscal pictures. How will policymakers respond?
HUD’s shift from permanent housing to short-term programs could force formerly homeless residents back onto the streets and strain local budgets.
State and local financial managers face the impact of federal aid cutbacks, plus new rules and even some opportunities. It’s time to focus on what’s practical and necessary, both near and longer term.
How one organization in Pasadena, Calif., is mobilizing amid a shortage of federal food aid during the government shutdown.
States are reducing subsidy slots, slashing provider reimbursement rates and raising co-pays for low-income parents amid shrinking federal aid.
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