Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

Rising energy costs and a potential strain on local water resources and infrastructure are two issues linked to data center construction. (Adobe Stock)

IN AI data centers prompt environmental concerns over emissions

The Trump administration's long-term plan for artificial intelligence could have far-reaching environmental impacts across the country. His strategy …

CoveredCA advised DACA recipients losing coverage to consult an insurance broker or their county social services office to see if they qualify for Medi-Cal. (Mark Adams/Adobe Stock)

DACA recipients to lose CoveredCA health coverage Aug. 31

People who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, will be dropped from their CoveredCA health plans at the …

The Alaska Energy Authority has funded three large solar energy projects in the largely rural state, efforts that could be derailed under changes in the new Trump administration budget. (Adobe Stock)

Federal budget hobbles Alaska wind and solar industries

Rural Alaska power customers are likely to pay higher electricity rates as a result of the elimination of incentives to switch away from traditional f…

Colorado is now the 10th least affordable state in the country for housing, slightly better than eighth in last year's

Report: Colorado workers must earn $36.79 per hour to afford housing

Minimum wage workers in Colorado have to work two full-time jobs, or 82 hours per week, to afford a one-bedroom apartment, according to a new report …

A march for immigrant rights in Spokane, led by student leaders and supported by the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane and other community organizations. (PJALS)

WA joins national Families First protests on Saturday

This Saturday is a National Day of Protest in response to the Trump administration's recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts funding …

As of last week, more than 56,000 people have been detained, according to ICE data, and more than 70% have no criminal record. (Adobe Stock)

ICE plans to add six immigrant detention centers in Colorado

New documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit showed how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to expand immigrant …

According to Prosperity Indiana and the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition, the state has just 38 affordable rental homes available for every 100

IN considers housing action as workers struggle to make rent

By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press India…

Accurate climate and hydrologic data are essential to managing the Colorado River Basin and forecasting drought. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado officials urge congressional delegates to support public lands

On Tuesday, 20 Colorado officials sent a letter to the state's congressional delegation protesting six cuts to public lands management in the new tax …

In the 2022-2023 school year, the Indiana Department of Education reported nearly 19% of Indiana students were classified as chronically absent, meaning they missed 10% or more of the school year. (Adobe Stock)

IN overhauls school rules, eyes student success

Indiana is rolling out a series of new education laws aimed at helping students succeed in and beyond the classroom. The changes affect everything …

Research shows nearly 60% of Washington residents have avoided seeking medical treatment or modified their use of prescriptions in the last year because of the cost. (Kanokwan/Adobe Stock)

WA law wipes medical debt from credit reports

While a new ruling by a federal judge allows medical debt to remain on Americans' credit reports, Washington residents will be protected from the …

Nebraska farmers harvested 1.89 billion bushels of corn in 2024, ranking it third highest in the nation, according to the Nebraska Corn Board. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska farmers benefit from tax incentives for corn-based fuel

Despite the elimination of a handful of alternative energy tax incentives in the new federal budget, Nebraska corn farmers will benefit from one that …

Iowa farmers produced 2.63 billion bushels of corn in 2024, making the state the nation's number one corn producer, according to CropProphet. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa corn farmers stand to gain from tax breaks

Despite the elimination of a handful of alternative energy tax incentives in the new federal budget, Iowa corn farmers will benefit from one that was …

Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account provides up to $7,700 in state money for parents to enroll their children in private schools or for home education materials. (Adobe Stock)

Federal measure could affect Arizona's school choice program

Proposed federal legislation would expand school choice options for families to send their students to private schools or home educate them and the mo…

168,000 Colorado residents, including older adults and children, are at risk of losing SNAP food assistance due to expanded work requirements under the GOP's new tax and spending law. (Adobe Stock)

298,000 Coloradans relying on food assistance could see benefit cuts

Nearly 300,000 Coloradans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to meet their basic nutrition needs are expected to lose some or…

Most local public broadcasters cover an average of about 20% of their annual budget through government funding but in smaller states and tribal nations, the figure can be as high as 50%. (Adobe Stock)

Public broadcasting funding cuts could hurt rural Utah communities

State officials are concerned congressional cuts to funding for public broadcasters could hurt dozens of rural communities across Utah. House …

In 2023, nearly two-thirds of adults nationwide covered by Medicaid were working, and nearly three in 10 were not working because of caregiving responsibilities, illness or disability, or due to school attendance. (Adobe Stock)

Eau Claire resident ‘terrified’ of Medicaid cuts, federal changes

An Eau Claire resident is speaking out about how federal cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could affect his life and …

The U.S. Department of Education has frozen grants that support summer learning, teacher professional development, after-school programs, English-language classes, support for children of migrants, school-based mental health and adult education. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

NV education advocates blast freeze on federal funds

Public education advocates are sounding alarms about the upcoming school year because the federal government is holding up about $60 million in funds …

At least one in seven Nebraskans, or 287,240 people, are facing hunger, with one in five children considered food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska creates learning pathways for food insecure

Groups working to end hunger in Nebraska are reaching out to all parts of the state to train food insecure people to advocate for others facing simila…

April's Clean Water Lobby Day was held by Oregon Rural Action and the Stand Up to Factory Farms Coalition in Salem. (Oregon Rural Action)

Environmentalists: OR's new groundwater law too diluted to be effective

Environmental groups say Oregon's new groundwater law, meant to curb pollution, has been diluted to the point they can no longer support it. …

The FutureReady States initiative is part of Lumina Foundation's national goal to have 75% of adults in the U.S. labor force with a college degree or other credential by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

IL hopes to build upon success in new FutureReady States workforce initiative

A new workforce initiative in Illinois is hoping to provide working adults with better access to short-term work credentials to help them get better p…

Just 30% of U.S. solar and 57% of wind projects are expected to survive under the new GOP tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Cuts to clean energy will cost Colorado $7.3 billion in GDP

More than $7 billion in Colorado's GDP and 9,600 jobs are projected to be lost under President Donald Trump's signature tax and spending bill which cu…

In 2022, Iowa exported $1.2 billion worth of corn, ranking the state as the nation's number one corn exporter, according to the U.S. Office of the United States Trade Representative. (Adobe Stock)

Tariff uncertainty rattles Iowa farmers, small businesses

The Trump administration's unstable tariff deadlines and looming trade deals have left Iowa farmers and small businesses feeling uncertain about their…

Workers pose in front of supplies in Wasco County. (Columbia Gorge Food Bank)

OR Food Bank vital to Rowena Fire recovery efforts

It has been about three weeks since the Rowena Fire in Oregon's Columbia Gorge was put out, and the local food bank remains vital to recovery efforts…

Some agenda items for the upcoming legislative session include bills strengthening protections against title theft and deed fraud, and protecting victims of human trafficking from criminal liability for nonviolent acts closely tied to their own victimization. (luzitanija/Adobe Stock)

TX lawmakers head back to Austin later this month

Texas lawmakers will return to Austin on July 21 for a special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott. The 18 items on the agenda include …

The CEO of Arkansas-based Jenkins Enterprises said he is concerned many of his retail customers will cancel orders because of high tariffs. (AkuAku/Adobe Stock)

AR business owner says tariffs could affect your Christmas

Jenkins Enterprises in North Little Rock is one of many small businesses across Arkansas facing extra costs from tariffs issued by President Donald Tr…

The Washington State Health Care Authority estimated rebalancing spending for state workers and school employees through Senate Bill 5083 could save the state over $400 million by 2029. (stokkete/Adobe Stock)

New law will lower health care costs for WA state employees

As federal Medicaid cuts loom, consumer advocates are celebrating Washington's new bill limiting hospital prices for state and public school …

Almost 1 million Nevadans rely on Medicaid for their healthcare. (Espartaco Moreno/Adobe Stock)

NV progressive groups highlight impacts of GOP spending law

Nevada groups concerned about affordability, clean air and health care are speaking out against the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" recently signed by …

Federal private school tax incentive draws mixed reviews

Mixed responses continue to swirl about the new federal law offering tax incentives to people who donate to organizations providing scholarships to pr…

Research shows when federal funding for Medicaid decreases, states tend to cut optional benefits, such as home- and community-based services, first. (Adobe Stock)

WI nonprofit uncertain how Medicaid cuts will affect clients with disabilities

A Wisconsin nonprofit serving people with disabilities is waiting to hear if federal changes to Medicaid will affect their clients and caregivers…

Consumer Reports says muzzling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would leave Americans more vulnerable to fraud and abuse. (Adobe Stock)

New budget could put Arkansas consumer protections in danger

The budget reconciliation bill signed by President Donald Trump not only affects Medicaid and SNAP, and Arkansans could pay the price. Consumer …

The Feeding Texas network said despite federal cuts, the organization stands united in its commitment to fight hunger but food banks cannot fill the gap left by the cuts. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Food banks across Texas prepare to help the needy despite federal cuts

Almost 3.5 million Texans utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to purchase food. The budget reconciliation bill recently signed …

Lancaster secured a record $12.7 million federal grant in 2023 to eliminate serious traffic injuries and deaths by 2030, one of just 37 U.S. cities awarded funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Christian Hinkle/Adobe Stock)<br />

PA budget delay sparks concern over school, health funding

The mayor of Lancaster, Pennsylvania is voicing concerns about the state budget delay, warning it could affect the city's more than 58,000 residents…

According to the Trump administration's 2026 fiscal year budget, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will cut 22% of its workforce, in addition to the workforce reductions that have already taken place. (Adobe Stock)

Federal impacts to ag conservation in WI 'complex'

Wisconsin's agriculture industry could see both wins and losses under the new federal budget. Climate change isn't a priority for the Trump …

Authors of the law may add enforcement language, such as fines for parents or involvement from the prosecutor's office, during the committee process. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana mentors: ‘Curfew alone won’t cut it’

By Garrett Bergquist for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Serv…

In 2024, women earned an average of 85% of what men earned, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of median hourly earnings of both full- and part-time workers. (Nina Lawrenson/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Gender pay gap still a problem for TX women

Women who recently graduated from college are earning significantly less than their male counterparts. A new study reveals that women from Texas and …

Places like rural Dutch Harbor, Alaska, rely heavily on diesel powered generators for a majority of their power production. (Adobe Stock)

Federal cuts threaten already challenged Alaskan power grid

Despite last-minute concessions in the Trump administration's budget, which removes alternative energy tax incentives, rural Alaska power providers …

Montana's 2025 main budget bill funded 10 recommendations from the state's Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission and Montana lawmakers passed 14 bills related to improving mental health care. (Adobe Stock)

Montana to expand mental health treatment for people in justice system

After a legislative session which opened doors to expand mental health care services across Montana, a state commission said it is considering the …

Workers in the nonprofit sector predict veterans, children and older adults will be most adversely impacted by the new federal funding package. (Yingyaipumi/Adobe Stock)

AR nonprofits prepare to fill gaps from federal funding cuts

Among the hundreds of pages making up the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" just signed into law is a requirement some people must work to receive Medicaid…

The Trump administration considers programs focusing on any facet of diversity, equity or inclusion to be a violation of federal anti-discrimination law. (Adobe Stock)

IL school districts serving immigrants work to stay low-key

The Trump administration has made it clear it will cut funding from schools continuing diversity, equity and inclusion programs and with record …

Fort Laramie is one of Wyoming's many national historic sites. (Richard Wright/Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

Concerns grow over future funding for Wyoming historic preservation

The Wyoming Historic Preservation Office is a state office born from the National Historic Preservation Act, a federal law. After a three-month …

Nearly one-third of Illinois' state budget is allocated to Medicaid and more than 60% of the funding is federal dollars. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts: Disproportionate effects predicted for LGBTQ+ in IL

Advocacy groups are speaking out about how they believe congressional cuts to Medicaid will disproportionately affect caregiver LGBTQ+ communities in …

Iowa generates 59% of its electricity from wind, the highest share of any state. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa solar industry threatened by tax incentive cuts

Iowa is among the nation's leaders in wind energy production, and the state is looking to follow suit with solar power. But Congress has eliminated …

Arizona is among the top five states in the nation for solar energy production. (Adobe Stock)

Tax incentive cuts could dim Arizona solar investment

As part of the Trump administration's new budget, Arizona's burgeoning solar industry faces the elimination of tax incentives that have encouraged …

Protesters gathered in Baker City on July 2nd to protest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. (Partners for a Hunger-free Oregon)

Anti-hunger groups warn OR must backfill federal SNAP cuts

Oregon lawmakers would have to find an extra $850 million in the state budget starting in 2028 to cover cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance …

The new tax cut and spending law contains the largest federal cuts to SNAP benefits in the nation's history. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AR hunger rating could worsen under new federal budget

Now that President Donald Trump's big budget bill has been signed into law, Arkansas nonprofits that rely on federal funding to help people in need …

The U.S. Department of Education has not said if or when it will release $6.8 billion in federal grants to school districts. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

NV schools face budget emergency as Congress impounds federal funds

Panic is setting in at school districts across the Silver State as the Trump administration continues to withhold federal funds. State data show the …

The federal government has not released a timeline for disbursing $6.8 billion in grants to school districts nationwide. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)<br />

CA school budgets in disarray after Trump freezes federal funding

Panic has set in at school districts across the Golden State as the Trump administration continues to withhold federal funds. Tony Thurmond…

State governments await guidance on whether or when $6.8 billion dollars in federal grants to school districts will be released. (Insta_photos/Adobe Stock)<br />

Freeze on federal grants squeezes WA school budgets

Panic has set in at school districts across Washington state as the Trump administration continues to withhold federal funds. Chris Reykdal…

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