Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every dollar spent on SNAP generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in local economic activity during a financial downturn. (Irina Mikhailichenko/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Advocates rally for 2025 summer EBT funding amid Alabama meal gaps

Alabama is one of 14 states opting out of the 2024 summer electronic benefit program. As summer rolls around, there will be no programs in place to …

The Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice calls Senate File 2340 a

Thursday, April 25, 2024

IA advocates for immigrants push back on Texas-style deportation bill

Advocates for immigrants are pushing back on a bill signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in the last few days of the legislative session, modeled on a …

Hospitals provided 33% of abortions in 2020, according to data from the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Supreme Court to hear oral arguments on abortion access in emergency rooms

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments today in a case about whether patients have access to emergency room abortions in states banning …

It's estimated about 3,400 transgender people, age 18 and older, live in Montana, according to the UCLA School of Law. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Civil rights advocates file suit over MT birth certificate mandate

The Montana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed class-action lawsuit challenging a measure barring people from listing a gender on…

Five of nine full-time maternal-fetal medicine specialists have left Idaho since the state's strict abortion law took effect, according to a report from the Idaho Physician Well-Being Action Collaborative. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Supreme Court hears arguments on Idaho's near-total abortion ban

By Mary Anne Franks for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Northern Rockies News Service reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Trade unions said workers in areas such as construction, meat processing and agriculture need protection from unscrupulous employers who cheat them out of wages and benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Legislation aimed at stopping MN employers from misclassifying workers

Minnesota lawmakers are considering a measure which would force employers to properly classify certain trade union workers and others as employees rat…

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Pushback vs. pushback: MN parents respond to political forces in education

Minnesota's largest school district is at the center of a budget controversy tied to the recent wave of school board candidates fighting diversity pro…

Among his recommendations for the coming legislative session, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is asking lawmakers to make recommendations about school safety and

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

TX educators react to Lt. Gov. priorities for next legislative session

Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th …

Though Connecticut's benefits cliff persists, there are other programs helping people maintain benefits of some kind when their income pushes them over the limit. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

CT Day of Action raises awareness on 'benefits cliff'

Today, groups working with lower-income families in Connecticut are raising awareness about the state's "benefits cliff" with a day of action…

In March 1961, Dr. Jack Fishman and Dr. Mozes Lewenstein applied for one of the first patents for naloxone. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

'Lazarus drug' may have competition in MI

After more than 50 years of use, some Michigan lawmakers say naloxone may not be the best choice in an overdose situation. Naloxone is sometimes …

According to Zillow, the typical value of homes in North Carolina is about $329,225. North Carolina home values have gone up 4.6% over the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Rural North Carolina town gets pathway to homeownership

Residents in a rural North Carolina town grappling with economic challenges are getting a pathway to homeownership. In Enfield, the average annual …

Warren, Mich., currently uses only one incinerator in its wastewater treatment system, which processes about 100 tons of sludge per day. (City of Warren)

Monday, April 22, 2024

Michigan mayor seeks multimillion-dollar wastewater upgrade

A new, high-tech wastewater treatment incinerator, used in only a few states, is on the wish list for one Michigan city. Former state …

New York has benefited from the Inflation Reduction Act's Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program which supports transportation projects, and planning to protect against climate impacts. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

NY, PA towns benefit from Inflation Reduction Act grants

New York towns are reaping many benefits since the Inflation Reduction Act was passed. Along with funds for larger clean energy projects, the state …

Estimates find 3.4 million New York renters are left out of the state's new

Monday, April 22, 2024

Advocates: NY budget erodes tenant, housing protections

New York State housing advocates say they are furious about the so-called "good cause eviction bill" in the new state budget. It grants tenant …

Maine lawmakers expanded the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit in 2023, allowing an estimated 157,000 dependent adults and children in families with the lowest incomes to receive the full credit for the first time. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

ME lawmakers increase aid for families experiencing deep poverty

Gov. Janet Mills has signed legislation to increase temporary assistance payments to families experiencing deep poverty. Payments will increase by 2…

Each year since 2018, there have been more than 1 million online ads for guns which could be sold without a background check. (Adobe Stock)

NE group predicts support for changes to gun dealer rules, background checks

Well over three-fourths of Americans support universal background checks for gun purchases, but federal law allows unlicensed people to sell guns at …

Tax credits for home solar projects have been around for a while and local leaders in Wisconsin noted new federal policies have been more aggressive in helping governments, businesses and homeowners offset costs of installing panels. (Adobe Stock)

A snapshot of federal investments being put to use in WI

City and county governments are feeling the pinch of rising operating costs but in Wisconsin, federal incentives are driving a range of local …

New research from the Episcopal Health Foundation showed the Texas economy could save billions of dollars, simply by breaking the cycle of preventable health disparities. (Colored Lights/Adobe Stock)

New study shows health disparities cost TX billions of dollars

Health disparities in Texas are not only making some people sick, but affecting the state's economy. A new study shows Texas is losing $7 billion a …

128 of the 351 cities and towns in the state have had a change in their local clerk or chief election official since the 2020 presidential election, according to the Massachusetts Secretary of State. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Turnover in MA election officials as presidential election nears

Heightened scrutiny and harassment are helping fuel an increasing turnover rate of election officials in Massachusetts and beyond, according to a new …

A housing package passed in Salem aims to create more housing in Oregon cities of all sizes. (RG/Adobe Stock)

Next steps after OR legislators make 'groundbreaking' housing investments

Oregon lawmakers passed a major housing package in this year's session, but said easing the state's housing crisis will take more work. Bills passed …

Environmental advocates are asking California's next state budget to prioritize climate mitigation and cut tax breaks for fossil fuel companies. (The Climate Center)

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

As state budget negotiations continue, groups fighting climate change are asking California lawmakers to cut subsidies for oil and gas companies …

Shore Line East train service in December 2023 was 50.5% of what it was in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

CT lawmakers consider bills to boost public transit

Two pieces of legislation in Connecticut could bolster public transportation if they make it through the General Assembly. Senate Bill 277 would …

In addition to consolidating the power of Iowa's nine Area Education Agencies at the state level, House Bill 2612 creates a new process for agency accreditation. (Adobe Stock)

IA cuts historical rural school groups

Educators and public school advocates are pushing back on a measure which would consolidate state-funded services that have been an important part of …

The New York HEAT Act could cut utility bills nearly in half for 1 in 4 energy-burdened New Yorkers. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates want NY HEAT Act in the final budget

The New York HEAT Act might not make the final budget. The bill reduces the state's reliance on natural gas and cuts ratepayer costs by eliminating …

Senate Bill 2019, sponsored by Rep. Shane Reeves, R-Bedford, is expected to be signed by the governor. It would take effect July 1, 2024. (18percentgrey/Adobe Stock)

TN poised to expand access to opioid treatment at Community Health Centers

There is light at the end of the tunnel for Tennesseans struggling with opioid addiction, as a bill has been passed to increase access to treatment …

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

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)

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)

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)

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 />

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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…

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

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…

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 …

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

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…

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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

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 …

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

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…

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 …

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