Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

The 2018-2023 Farm Bill is projected to cost around $428 billion, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Indiana Family Farmers Want More Say in Federal Farm Bill

Agriculture advocates in Indiana say the upcoming reauthorization of the federal Farm Bill should emphasize serving community needs, not corporate …

In Colorado, outdoor recreation is considered to be a legally beneficial use of Colorado water. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Revised Colorado Water Plan Prioritizes Conservation

A coalition of conservation groups is giving Colorado's revised state water plan a thumbs-up for its increased focus on protecting Colorado's rivers…

The Glen Canyon Dam currently generates energy for nearly six million households in Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Falling Lake Powell Water Levels Put Wyoming Hydro Power at Risk

Part of the deal Wyoming struck for sending its water down the Colorado River was that state residents would be able to tap electricity generated at G…

Roughly 30,000 individuals across the Commonwealth access the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites, resulting in $60 million in tax credits for taxpayers each year. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Bill to Expand Tax Credits Draws on Children's Health Data

A bill to increase tax credits in the Commonwealth is backed up by research showing the credits lead to better nutrition for working families and bett…

As of late 2022, there were more than 40,083 megawatts of offshore wind projects in various stages of development. (Ian Dyball/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

NY/NJ Offshore Wind Farms Hit by Misinformation

Misinformation about the effects of offshore wind turbines on marine life could derail offshore wind farm projects in New York and New Jersey…

More than half of U.S. adults (51%) now consider a college education to be

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Report: More West Virginians Completing College Degrees

West Virginia is among a handful of states with the highest increases in educational attainment between 2019 and 2021, according to a new report from …

Nearly nine in 10 Americans (88%) between 50 and 80 years of age said it is important to remain in their homes as they grow older, according to the latest University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Older Kentuckians Want Aging-in-Place Support, Affordable Medication

Kentuckians age 50 and older across the state continue to struggle with high prescription drug costs, caregiver stress, and lack of long-term care …

Currently, New Mexico is one of the few Western states without a dedicated land and water conservation funding. (Don/AdobeStock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

NM Legislature Considers Dedicated Funding for Land, Water Conservation

As New Mexico recovers from its worst wildfire in history, lawmakers are considering a proposal to create the "Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund" to …

According to the American Council on Aging, the average

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Monday, February 6, 2023

More NE Long-Term Care Facilities Risk Closure Without Funding

Nebraska's long-term care facilities face staffing shortages and other factors that could lead to more closures if state funding isn't increased…

Voters in Pittsburgh-area districts 32, 34 and 35 will head to the polls Tuesday to fill three vacancies in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. (MoiraM/AdobeStock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Group Continues Calls for Better Legislative Rules in PA

While the Pennsylvania House is still out of session and won't resume until late February, the public and advocacy groups are voicing their concerns…

While the USDA recommends a diet of 50% fruits and vegetables, only 4% of farm subsidies support their production. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Colorado Farmers Headed to Washington in Advance of Farm Bill

Farmers and ranchers from Colorado and across the U.S. are headed to Washington, D.C., this week in hopes of transforming the 2023 Farm Bill…

Farm Action will lobby lawmakers to ensure the 2023 Farm Bill requires recipients of federal subsidized insurance programs, which largely benefit farms growing corn, soybeans, sugar and wheat, to instead commit to conservation and regenerative land practices. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Farmers Prioritize Food, Not Feed, in 2023 Farm Bill

A large farmer-led coalition is organizing to ensure the 2023 Farm Bill prioritizes the needs of smaller, sustainable farms over large agribusiness …

In 2022, Ohio had 1,580,547 students enrolled in a total of 3,136 public schools across the state, according to the Ohio Department of Education. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Governor Calls for Investments in Education, Child Well-Being

Ohio's teachers are applauding the governor's recently announced plan to overhaul the state's reading curriculum for elementary schoolers and boost re…

A 2022 report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission shows the Virginia Employment Commission is facing a backlog of 97,814 unemployment insurance appeals cases. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Hope to Aid VA Employment Commission in Reducing Backlog

Advocates and stakeholders have solutions for the Virginia Employment Commission to get through its backlog of unemployment appeal cases. According …

Nearly 24% of households in Massachusetts reported speaking something other than English at home as their primary shared language, which is higher than the national average of nearly 22%. (Adobe Stock)

MA Legislation Aims to Improve Language Access for All

Lawmakers and immigrants-rights activists in the Commonwealth are hoping to pass the Language Access and Inclusion Act, which would dramatically …

More than 1.2 million Iowans voted in the November 2022 General Election, the second-highest turnout in state history for a midterm, according to the Iowa Secretary of State's office. (Adobe Stock)

Critics: IA Proposal Would 'Politicize' Attorney General's Office

Critics of a proposal in the Iowa Legislature to broaden the Iowa Attorney General's authority say it could inject politics into the historically nonp…

Around 44 million American families are carrying approximately $1.7 trillion in student debt. (Burlingham/Adobestock)

Tips for Student Loan Borrowers Waiting for Answers on Debt Relief

Millions of Americans with student loans are anxious to hear if the Supreme Court will uphold President Joe Biden's plan to offer up to $20,000 in stu…

According to a new report by EcoConsult Solutions, in more than a dozen states across the country, state legislatures have either passed or have pending bills that would pull state funds from investments deemed to be adverse to the fossil fuel industry. (Adobe Stock)

Report: WV Taxpayers Burdened by Anti-Sustainable Investing Laws

West Virginia lawmakers are clamping down on corporations trying boost environmentally and socially responsible investing. A new report by EcoConsult …

A report from the National Association of Social Workers New York Chapter finds there's a racial disparity in social-worker salaries. The report finds 16.3% of people earning $60,000 to $70,000 a year identified as white, 6% are people of color and 3.8% are Hispanic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Low Salary Contributes to NY Social Workers Leaving Field

A new report shows social workers are not being paid equal to similar professions. The report, from the National Association of Social Workers New …

Although the Food and Drug Administration removed the in-person requirement for patients to get abortion pills, they must only be prescribed by health-care providers who are certified to treat such patients, and patients must complete a consent form. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Would Expand NY Medication Abortion Access

New York pharmacists would be able to dispense abortion medication under newly proposed legislation, and a person could get the prescription from a …

According to research from the American Federation of Teachers, there were 55,000 fewer registered nurses employed in the U.S. in 2021 than in 2020. This was the first decrease in five years. (Adobe Stock)

CT Groups, Unions Call for Public-Health Reforms

Health-care professionals and advocates in Connecticut have said it will take sweeping reforms to bolster the state's flailing public health system…

MN Navigates School Funding as Poll Shows Support for More Aid

A Minnesota House committee heard testimony Thursday about the governor's proposed spending plan for education. As these talks unfold, public polling …

About 400 fatal crashes happen each year as a direct result of texting and driving nationally, according to Sensiblemotive. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Lawmakers Push for Drivers' Hands-Free Cellphone Use

Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill which would dramatically reduce the use of cellphones in vehicles. Right now, it is illegal in Iowa to send or …

CDC research shows that proper gun storage could help prevent an estimated 26,000 firearm-related suicides that occur annually in the United States. (vectorass/Adobe Stock)

Gun-Safety Advocates Face Uphill Battle with Indiana Lawmakers

Advocates of gun-law reform face an uphill battle to push their ideas through the Republican-controlled Indiana General Assembly, but say public …

Gov. Greg Gianforte gave his second State of the State address Wednesday. (Montana Public Affairs Network)

Gov. Gianforte Proposes Tax Cuts in State of State Address

Gov. Greg Gianforte delivered his State of the State address to the Montana Legislature Wednesday night, discussing his plans for the state's hefty …

According to data from the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, reading scores for New York fourth graders declined by six points from 2019. Meanwhile, eighth graders' reading scores remained unchanged. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Students Still Struggle with Pandemic Learning Loss

Students are still struggling with learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. A study from the research group NWEA showed 2022 test scores are not …

Gov. Joe Lombardo was the only Republican in the nation to defeat a sitting Democratic governor in the 2022 midterm elections. (Adobe Stock)

NV Democrats: Governor Missed Mark on Key Issues in Speech

Some Nevada Democrats said the state's new Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo missed the mark on addressing key issues and putting forth solutions during …

The Center for State Policy Analysis found the Massachusetts millionaires' tax would raise about $1.3 billion in 2023 alone, and do so in a

MA Advocates of Higher Ed Set Goals for Fair Share Revenue

Advocates for higher education in the Commonwealth will gather today to collaborate on how to use revenue generated by the Fair Share Amendment which …

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is working to identify cost-effective ways to ensure the state reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85% by 2050 and achieves net-zero emissions. (Adobe Stock)

MA Leads Nation in 'Green' Building Development

Massachusetts ranks number one in the nation for "green" building development. The ranking is based on what's known as LEED certification, which is …

The City of Albany received $80 million as part of the American Rescue Plan. $25 million will go to city agencies and organizations to fund local projects to support the city's post-pandemic economic recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Albany Mayor Focuses on Housing, Infrastructure after Mayors' Conference

The mayor of New York's state capital said she is eager to get to work on projects she observed at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' big meeting last …

Stigma continues to be one of the biggest barriers for addressing mental health, and telehealth provides a confidential option. (Adobe Stock)

Post-Pandemic Telehealth Visits Remain High for Mental Health

The use of telehealth has dropped since its peak during the height of the COVID-19 public health emergency, but more Coloradans continue to opt for …

When people are trying to flee a violent conflict in places like Ukraine, they are often aided through information and resources provided by nonviolent peacekeepers. (Adobe Stock)

MN Group Applauds Funding for 'Unarmed Civilian Protection'

Humanitarian groups, including one based in Minnesota, pointed out global conflicts have been pervasive in recent years. And in those trouble spots…

In 2021, the total cost of the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was around $113 billion. The significant increase from the previous year's total of $79 billion was in large part the result of extra pandemic-related benefits. (Adobe Stock)

IA Lawmakers Propose Severe Restrictions for Food Assistance

A Republican-backed bill in the Iowa Legislature seeks to put strict new limits on which foods people could buy at the grocery store using public-assi…

About 6% of all cars sold in the United States in 2022 were battery-electric powered, but officials say the number of EVs is expected to grow to 25% by 2030. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

Report: EVs Could Impact Future Highway-Maintenance Funding

Most experts agree that putting more electric vehicles on the road is a positive step toward fighting climate change, but a new report warns that …

Maine's biennial budget proposal recommends $169 million in state funds to strengthen care for older Mainers and expand services to help them age in their homes, including increased support for home-delivered meals and programs that reduce senior neglect and exploitation. (Adobe Stock)

Supporters of Paid Family, Medical Leave in ME Hopeful This Legislative Session

AARP Maine said it is hopeful lawmakers will find common ground on issues to support older Mainers this legislative session, including establishing a …

A program in Colorado gives undocumented workers who are laid off access to unemployment benefits for up to 13 weeks. (Mr Doomits/Adobe Stock)

Undocumented Workers Could Get Access to Unemployment Under WA Bill

Undocumented workers in Washington state do not have access to unemployment insurance, but some state lawmakers aim to change it this session…

About 6% of all cars sold in the United States in 2021 were battery-electric powered, but officials say the number of EVs is expected to grow to 25% by 2030. (ARHIT/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report Examines EV Impacts on MI Highway Maintenance, Funding

Most experts agree putting more electric vehicles on the road is a major step toward fighting climate change, but a new report says states will also …

According to a poll by the American Federation of Teachers, 85% of those surveyed want the new Congress to focus on providing resources and support to public schools, instead of carrying our political investigations. 15% felt otherwise. (Adobe Stock)

New AFT Poll Shows Parent, Voter Priorities for Public Education

A new poll shows parents and voters want improved public education and stronger building blocks for those students. According to the poll, from the …

Washington state's tax code has been rated one of the nation's most regressive. (frittipix/Adobe Stock)

WA Joins Multi-State Effort to Pass Wealth Tax

Lawmakers in Washington and other states are introducing bills taxing wealth in their legislatures in a coordinated effort today. In Olympia…

Washington state's approximately 67,700 employees have contracts up for ratification this session. (George Cole/Adobe Stock)

Amid Retention Issues, WA State Workers Push for Raises

Washington state workers face a bevy of challenges, but they hope to get a lifeline from lawmakers this legislative session. Along with lagging pay…

There are about 3.2 million public school teachers in the United States. Some 74.3% are female, while 25.7% are male. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Poll: Voters Reject Tuition Vouchers, Voice Public School Support

A new poll commissioned by the American Federation of Teachers finds most voters strongly oppose private school vouchers, which allow families to …

Nearly one in five new mothers participating in Wyoming's Medicaid Pregnant Women Program lose their health insurance 60 days after giving birth. (Adobe Stock)

WY Lawmakers Consider Extended Health Coverage for New Moms

New mothers in Wyoming enrolled in the Medicaid Pregnant Women Program lose their health insurance 60 days after giving birth, but a new bill making …

Nearly 60 percent of Americans say they are bothered

KY Lawmaker Says Graduated Income Tax Offers “Some Relief to Function as a State”

An Oxfam report released this week shows the richest 1% of individuals have gotten richer since the pandemic, capturing almost two-thirds of all new …

Billionaire wealth has increased by $2.7 billion per day, while more than 1.7 billion people live in countries where their wages, adjusted for inflation, have declined. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rich Got Richer, Workers Left Behind During Pandemic

The world's richest 1% took home almost twice as much wealth as the bottom 99% combined during the pandemic, according to a new Oxfam International …

Since 2018, a wave of public school teacher protests and strikes have occurred in West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and other states. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV Teachers Lambast Governor’s Proposed Tax Cuts

West Virginia's teachers' union warns that new proposed tax cuts will further shrink school budgets and drive more educators out of the profession…

In addition to an aging population, 11% of Mainers have serious mobility impairments requiring targeted and inclusive long-term planning to ensure accessibility to public spaces across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Livable, Healthy Communities: Goal of AARP Planning Event

AARP Maine will sponsor an online workshop this week on long-range planning for health equity, with a focus on housing, community services and safe …

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, New York has a shortage of 615,025 rental homes that are affordable and available to extremely low-income renters. (Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Critics: NY State of State Address Misses Needed Solutions

While Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State speech addressed key issues affecting New Yorkers, some feel the solutions fell short. In her speech…

According to Mental Health America's 2023 state rankings, Virginia ranks 34th for access to care and 38th overall. For adult mental health care the state ranked 14th, but youth mental health was ranked 48th. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Plan Better Funds VA Mental-Health Programs

A recently proposed plan has been devised to better fund Virginia's mental-health programs. The new Right Help, Right Now plan calls for $230 …

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