Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

Fertilizer was responsible for 20% of a farmer's costs in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

FTC chair in Iowa to hear fertilizer antitrust concerns

The chair of the Federal Trade Commission will be in rural Iowa this weekend to hear from farmers and other residents about the proposed sale of Iowa …

The 1922 Colorado River Compact gives priority to Lower Basin states: Arizona, California and Nevada, for rights to Colorado River Water. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Study: 90% of CO River irrigation water goes to cattle

As Colorado and other states grapple with shrinking Colorado River water levels, new research pinpoints how much water is being diverted for cattle …

Census data show more than 100,000 North Dakotans have some college credits, but no degree. Unpaid tuition or other school debt is cited as one reason why it's hard for these individuals to re-enroll. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

ND looks to ease 'upskill' obstacles for former college students

This summer, colleges and universities will have to comply with a new federal rule and not withhold students' transcripts over unpaid tuition and …

Frequent staff turnover has resulted in delays for families to start or even end child welfare-related services because of delays in response time, from either the lead caseworker or supervisors. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

STEM model may offer hope for PA child welfare workforce crisis

The child welfare system in Pennsylvania faces a staffing crisis affecting children and families throughout the system. The Child Welfare Resource …

A typical New Hampshire child care worker earned roughly $32,500 in 2023 while the federal poverty guideline for a family of four last year was $30,000, according to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Burnout, low wages leave NH child care centers short staffed

A persistent child care worker shortage across New Hampshire is leaving families with few options. The state is currently short more than 7,000 …

Since 2009, Market Match has served tens of thousands of low-income Californians to buy produce at markets like this one in San Francisco.(Heart of the City Market)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Groups plead with CA legislators to save Market Match program

California's program helping low-income families buy fresh fruit and vegetables is on the chopping block and health care advocates are asking legislat…

Nearly 60% of Connecticut's almost 113,000 undocumented immigrants do not have access to any form of health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Day of action focuses on CT undocumented residents' health care needs

Today, Connecticut health care advocates are holding a student day of action. They will speak to state lawmakers about raising the age limit for …

According to research from Virginia Commonwealth University, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative created 2,115 local jobs in Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

VA General Assembly considers RGGI budget amendments

Virginia's General Assembly will consider budget amendments to reenter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, known as RGGI. Gov. Glenn Youngkin …

In Mississippi, around 11% of the total population was uninsured in 2021. (Drazen)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Mississippi seniors may benefit from dual-eligible special-needs coverage

Certain health plans offer benefits for eligible low-income seniors in Mississippi who have special medical needs, but not everyone knows they are …

From Alabama to the Everglades, the Florida Wildlife Corridor is a superhighway of interconnected acres of wildlands, working lands and waters. (FAU/FWC aerial view)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

FL Wildlife Corridor study reveals role in climate resilience, population growth

As the Sunshine State grapples with rising temperatures and escalating weather events such as hurricanes, a new study sheds light on the pivotal role …

When the school year ends, millions of children from households with low incomes lose access to the school meals they rely on. Help is available. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

CO families must sign up to get $120 per child for food through Summer EBT

Colorado families must sign up before the end of April to receive $120 per child to buy food through the new Summer EBT program approved by Congress…

Meat-processing facilities have become a flashpoint in the debate over rolling back child labor laws in various states. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Even with WI veto, some fear further weakening of child labor laws

Despite a recent policy victory, Wisconsin labor leaders still express concern about the current environment for shielding young teens from unsafe …

Teleheath services have expanded since the start of the pandemic. (Nattakorn/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Frozen screens? Telehealth access imperiled

By Sarah Jane Tribble for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Illinois News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public Ne…

The United Nations reported security threats in Haiti have forced the closure of some 900 schools, depriving approximately 200,000 children of their right to education. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

MA Haitian-led groups call for end to deportations as terror grips island

Haitian-led groups in Massachusetts are calling for a temporary pause in deportations as political instability and violence engulf the island…

Monday, April 15, 2024

Will California do reparations right?

By Erin Aubry Kaplan for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Yes! Magazine-Public News …

In March, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced House Bill 2063, which would reform the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. (Jasmina/AdobeStock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: PA track record on private-school vouchers finds still no accountability

A new report analyzes Pennsylvania's existing voucher programs, that divert public funds to private schools. This comes on the heels of Gov…

Expanding the Child Tax Credit could lift as many as 16 million kids in the U.S out of poverty, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. But the measure awaiting action in the U.S. Senate does not have broad public support. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Child Tax Credit would benefit 46,000 MT kids

Advocates of the Child Tax Credit are calling on Washington lawmakers to expand it as they return to the Capitol this week. It's estimated an …

Montana has more than 3 million acres of inaccessible public lands, tops in the West, according to the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

SB 442 veto override ballots due back this week

Ballots are due back in the Montana Secretary of State's office later this week, as lawmakers decide whether to override Gov. Greg Gianforte's veto …

A quarter of election officials reported being harassed or threatened in 2020. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: Election officials left positions at increasing rate since 2000

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

Nationally, turnover in election officials reached 38.7% in 2022. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: Election official turnover trend stretches two decades

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the top five most disadvantaged Illinois counties include Alexander, Cook, Kankakee, Macon and Marion. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Do work requirements 'work' to keep people out of poverty?

Members of the U.S. House Work and Welfare Subcommittee came to Illinois this month to drum up support for work requirements for anyone seeking …

Turnover of election officials has been lower in smaller jurisdictions over the past two decades. (MyPhotoBuddy/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Steady increase in election staff changes over past two decades, report finds

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

Kentucky certified lactation consultant and birth doula Bonnie Logsdon has been vocal in her support for House Bill 10. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan KY bill would expand maternal care access

In the final days of the legislative session, Kentucky Senate lawmakers could consider the "Momnibus" bill, which would increase access to critical …

The majority of women veterans are not enrolled in Veteran Health Administration care, yet these women have experienced a more than sixty-percent increase in suicide rates over the past two decades. (Adobe Stock)

ME women veterans request counselors for military sexual trauma

Advocates for women veterans, who've experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military, are asking state lawmakers for much-needed funding…

PFAS are chemicals used since the 1940s. They are found in everyday products such as nonstick cookware. Public officials are sounding the alarm about health risks associated with the chemicals, including their presence in drinking water. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WI, other states prepare for new PFAS drinking water rule

Efforts to limit human exposure to so-called forever chemicals continue to unfold in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, advocates are hopeful residents will be …

AARP data shows the prices for the top 25 Medicare Part D drugs tripled since they were introduced. (Adobe Stock)

VA advocates upset about prescription drug affordability veto

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has vetoed legislation making prescription drugs more affordable. The bill would have created an independent body to evaluate …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alabama has the fourth-highest rate of gun violence in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama groups unite to combat gun violence

Leaders from across Alabama are banding together in a united effort to combat gun violence and seek effective solutions. Alabama has one of the …

More than 400,000 people live in poverty in Arkansas, according to the Center for American Progress. (W.Scott McGill/AdobeStock)<br />

'Day on the Hill' in Arkansas calls for investment in families

Family advocates are at the State Capital for a "Day on the Hill" rally today, to voice their concerns to lawmakers about issues affecting Arkansans' …

EPA finalizes national standard for PFAS in drinking water

Minnesota is the site of a high-profile drinking-water contamination case linked with so-called forever chemicals and advocates are hopeful residents …

In 2019, South Dakota ranked lowest in the nation for average Medicaid base payments made to nursing facilities, covering just 60% of the daily costs of care. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing homes get a boost from SD Legislature

Nursing homes across South Dakota will soon receive a boost in support, as part of the most recent legislative session. Facilities caring for …

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a request for information about updating Essential Health Benefits requirements. It is the first time comments have been requested since 2014. (Adobe Stock)

VA Senator calls for updates to ACA health coverage

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., wants to update the 14-year-old Affordable Care Act. He and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., are asking for updates to the Act's …

According to a Pew Research study, while a significant majority of Black adults support providing reparations to descendants of enslaved people in the U.S., only a small minority of white Americans shares the same view. (f11photo/Adobe Stock)

TN reparations ban bill set for vote today

The Tennessee House of Representatives plans to vote today on House Bill 474, to end the study of reparations in the state. A Memphis nonpartisan …

The Health4All Coalition rallied in Sacramento on Monday, asking state lawmakers to open up the Covered California health insurance exchange to all people, regardless of their immigration status. (Ed Sifuentes/CA Immigrant Policy Center)

Coalition presses to open health exchange to undocumented Californians

This week, groups fighting for health equity known as the Health4All campaign are asking the California Legislature to remove barriers to the …

Some 60% of Arizona voters consider themselves pro-choice rather than anti-abortion, according to the grassroots organization Indivisible. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Supreme Court reinstates 160-year-old, near-total abortion ban

On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an 1864 ban on nearly all abortions, except in situations when it is necessary to save the life of a …

If Minnesota adopts a plan that asks private companies to fund innovations in recycling and the collection of discarded materials, the state also would set a goal of all packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2032. (Adobe Stock)

MN plan would overhaul its recycling approach

Minnesota ranks high for its recycling rate, but it still has a waste problem, putting more pressure on local governments. A plan in the …

New York aims to create 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. By contrast, New Jersey is looking to create 11,000 megawatts by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

Offshore wind does more than aid NY, NJ clean energy futures

Despite different outcomes - New York's first offshore wind farm came online and New Jersey had one canceled - both states are benefiting from offshor…

In the last decade, West Virginia state jails were the deadliest in the country, with 91 people who have died in jails over the past four years. (Adobe Stock)<br />

As WV’s jail crisis mounts, ‘Second Look’ policies gain traction

Amid overcrowding and unsafe conditions in West Virginia jails, state lawmakers introduced bills that would allow judges to take a 'second look' at …

Jewish Vocational Services has helped more than 100,000 people across California access jobs and economic mobility. (Adobe Stock)

CA workforce advocates call job-training budget cuts 'ill-advised'

As California faces a $38 billion budget deficit, state lawmakers have identified $17 billion in potential cuts before the Legislature begins …

Family caregivers provide an estimated $600 billion of unpaid care every year. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

NE family caregivers, advocates hope for passage of Caregiver Tax Credit Act

As Nebraska's 2024 legislative session draws to a close, family caregivers and their supporters are closely watching the progress of Legislative Bill …

Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group Student advocates say the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative has already helped to grow cultural food options at Middlesex Community College, enroll eligible students for SNAP benefits at UMass Boston and provide meals for homeless students during breaks at Salem State University. (MASSPIRG)

MA students urge lawmakers to fund campus anti-hunger efforts

A coalition of college students and administrators is asking state lawmakers to help fight food insecurity on campus. The group is asking for $2 …

Nearly three in 10 (27%) dual-eligible Missourians enrolled in D-SNPs in 2021. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

Missourians unaware of dual eligible special needs plans for healthcare savings

Dual Special Needs Plans such as Medicare Advantage in Missouri offer low costs with minimal co-pays and deductibles. In Missouri and across the …

ESA vouchers will cost the state $825 million in fiscal year 2024, according to Save Our Schools Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed voucher accountability rules nixed by AZ Republicans

Arizona Superintendent of Public Education Tom Horne and the State Board of Education have rejected a move to enact a new ESA Voucher Handbook…

A new report from Connecticut Voices for Children found Connecticut's film industry tax credit mostly benefits the state's high-income and wealthy households and households outside of Connecticut. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT should consider eliminating costly film tax credit

A new report found Connecticut might be better off without its film industry tax credit. The Connecticut Voices for Children report showed the film …

Older Coloradans who may have never been issued a birth certificate because they were born at home qualify for assistance getting vital documents, including identification cards but many cannot access Colorado's Necessary Documents Program. (Adobe Stock)

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

Advocates are urging Colorado lawmakers to make key improvements to a state program seen as critical to helping people fleeing domestic violence or ex…

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the calendar year 2025 rate announcement for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs. CMS's final ruling from 2022 will lead to the new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan in Michigan. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

MI HealthLink pilot program to transform by 2026

Michigan's HealthLink pilot program is planning to transition into a new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. The new program will …

A more diversified economy, including solar energy, is stopping the

putting people in West Virginia to work through paid on-the-job training. (Adobe Stock)">

Reimagining WV coal country by building on state’s legacy as an energy provider

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public New…

InsideClimatenews.org ranked U.S. Steel's Gary Works, in Gary, Indiana in 2022, as the largest greenhouse gas emitting iron and steel plant in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

IN legislators pause on federal environmental plan

States are working to find solutions to make their air and water cleaner and safer for their communities but the path is not always clear-cut…

Starting in 2025, insulin prices cannot surpass $105 for a 90-day supply in Oregon. (Orawan/Adobe Stock)

OR lawmakers limit insulin costs, prohibit increases

Oregon lawmakers during the 2024 session took another step to further limit the price of insulin. Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill into law to cap out-…

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