Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

According to the Tax Policy Center, for higher-income earners, sales taxes consume a lower share of their income than for other households. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 26, 2024

NE ag group leader: Governor's tax plan unfair to lower-wage earners

As Nebraska state lawmakers convene for a special session on property tax reform called by Gov. Jim Pillen, groups are weighing in on the details …

The Leandro Plan calls for at least $5.6 billion in new, annual education spending for North Carolina by 2028. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 26, 2024

As court decision looms, a push for better NC school funding

As summer winds down and North Carolina students prepare to return to school, the focus shifts to the urgent need for better public education funding…

New EPA rules on tailpipe pollution are expected to lead to $62 billion in reduced annual fuel costs, and maintenance and repair costs for drivers. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

EPA clean-car standards projected to bring $100B annual benefits

Clean-air advocates in Colorado are celebrating new EPA standards, which they believe can play a major role in reducing air pollution impacting …

Gov. Mike Parson chose not to sign or veto Senate Bill 751, allowing it to become law automatically. (M. Suhail/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

New Missouri law ensures medication access

Gov. Mike Parson recently announced Senate Bill 751 would become law, allowing Missourians to access essential medications within their communities …

Brian Burton with the Arkansas Food Bank said children experiencing malnourishment have a tougher time learning in the classroom. (fotokitas/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 27 states and remained unchanged in 23 states and the District of Columbia during the past year. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Report: PA unemployment still at 3.4%, record high jobs in June

The Keystone State continues offering a favorable landscape for Pennsylvanians seeking employment opportunities. Claire Kovach, senior research …

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called on members to defend democracy, voting rights and public education in the run-up to the presidential election this November. (AFT)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Politics take center stage at national convention for educators

After a historic weekend, politics turned out to be the major topic Monday at the national convention of more than 3,500 teachers union members…

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $1.25 billion in the state budget for teacher pay. The average teacher salary in Florida, according to the National Education Association, is $53,098, more than $16,000 below the national average of $69,544. (Yan Krukau/Pexels)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Florida educators rally at convention to address 'critical challenges'

Florida took center stage at the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston this week, as educators rallied to support and …

A JLARC study finds childcare is unaffordable for 85% of Virginia households. (Adobe Stock)

State investments help bolster VA's flailing childcare industry

Virginia is making a financial investment to help tackle the state's childcare shortage. This year's budget allocates more than $1 billion to …

Currently, 33 states have laws banning or preempting local rent control laws. (Adobe Stock)

National rent-cap proposal could benefit NY renters

Backers of President Joe Biden's rent cap proposal said it could benefit many New Yorkers. The plan calls for capping rent increases at 5% in …

The Farm Bill, which is updated every five years, covers programs ranging from crop insurance for farmers to healthy food access for low-income families, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. (Adobe Stock)

Plan to keep SNAP benefits in check doesn't sit well with WI advocates

Congress is back in session two more weeks before the August recess. Wisconsin voices worried about the future of a key hunger relief program hope …

The Affordable Care Act became law in 2010 and served as comprehensive health care reform aiming to make health insurance more affordable.(Adobe Stock)

North Carolina health advocate raises awareness of life-saving acts

A North Carolina woman is speaking out about the importance of the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. DonnaMarie Woodson, who …

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for assistance programs like SNAP, or Social Security benefits, even though they contribute to those programs by paying payroll and other taxes. (Adobe Stock)

Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants

During last week's Republican National Convention, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Americans are not safe due to immigrants committing violent crimes…

The Johnston Ridge Observatory at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is among the latest projects to receive improvement funds. (Francisco/Adobe Stock)

Feds send $27 million to improve recreation at NW forests

More than $27 million is coming to upgrade forests in the Northwest for recreation. The investment is the latest round of funding from the Great …

The lodge at Multnomah Falls is among the latest projects to receive improvement funds. (Steve/Adobe Stock)

Recreation upgrades coming to NW Forests

More than $27 million is coming to upgrade forests in the Northwest for recreation. The investment is the latest round of funding from the Great …

A study from Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research showed the need for better pay to attract and keep child care workers. (Adobe stock)

High childcare costs hinder women's workforce participation in Indiana

A new study from Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research revealed how child care availability and costs affect women's workf…

Researchers said children who live in poverty lose an additional two months of reading skills over the summer, with a lack of proper nutrition serving as a key factor. (Adobe Stock)

ND encourages more signups for kids' summer meal program

Some North Dakota leaders believe healthy food is part of what is needed to help all kids achieve better outcomes and they hope low-income families si…

At least 36% of U.S. bridges need repair, including more than 76,000 in need of replacement, according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA secures $1 billion in federal funds for Cape Cod bridges

Massachusetts will receive close to $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod bridges. Lawmakers said it is the largest single bridge …

U.S. vehicle manufacturing has been steadily declining since the 1970s, according to a report by the advocacy group All American. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Toledo plant to manufacture EVs with federal funding

Ohio will receive more than $32 million in federal funding to help revive auto manufacturing and jobs in the state, specifically electric vehicle …

About 25% of people covered by Medicare in 2023 used a telehealth service that year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Jeff Bergen/Adobe Stock)

Clock ticking on Medicare telehealth provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare patients …

Colorado gets $156M from Inflation Reduction Act for 'Solar for All'

Colorado is calling on solar energy entrepreneurs to put $156 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding to work accelerating rooftop and community-ba…

Washington state lawmakers approved the long-term care program, WA Cares, in 2019. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Costs high for making WA long-term care program optional

A new analysis from Washington state shows passing an initiative making a long-term care benefit program optional could cost taxpayers millions…

Nearly 60% of Kentucky Medicaid beneficiaries reported a lack of reliable and affordable transportation as a barrier to receiving health care services, according to data from the University of Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Medicaid changes expand medical transportation access

Kentucky has made some changes to expand access to free transportation for people who need help getting to medical, dental and mental health …

As of 2022, the New York State Comptroller's Office found only 29% of the state's electricity is generated from clean energy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY might miss its 2030 climate goals

A new report shows New York will have to delay its 2030 climate goals. The report from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority …

According to a 2022 Kids Count report, 20 North Dakota counties meet less than 60% of the child care demand in their counties. (Adobe Stock)

ND launches latest component of child care crisis response

North Dakota officials will highlight a new project today to boost childcare access for parents with nontraditional work hours. A local provider …

The Environmental Working Group said in a new report when someone thinks of farm subsidies, they might not picture the recipient living in a downtown Minneapolis apartment but it showed loopholes approved by Congress allow it to happen more frequently. (Adobe Stock)

'Big city' farmers cash in on government aid, drawing fairness questions

Minneapolis-St. Paul is in the top five metro areas where investors in farms are receiving large amounts of government subsidies. Authors of a new …

In a 2024 report from the National Education Association, South Dakota ranked 49th in the U.S. for average teacher salary, at about $53,000 a year. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Opponents: Ballot measure would have 'drastic' impacts on SD schools

A coalition of South Dakota groups is voicing its opposition to a ballot measure intended to end a state sales tax on consumables. If passed this …

The Port of Baltimore Federal Channel was fully reopened when restored to its original operational dimensions of 700 feet wide by 50 feet deep on June 10. (Adobe Stock)

Senate committee hears testimony on Key Bridge response

Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee heard testimony on the state and federal response to the collapse of the Key Bridge…

Between 2019 and early 2021, the number of Medicaid telehealth visits increased 15-fold in five states the U.S. General Accounting Office selected and Medicare telehealth visits increased tenfold. (Westock/Adobe Stock)

Report: Keep some COVID-era telehealth 'flexibilities'; research quality, costs

Receiving medical services via telehealth was a requirement for some during the pandemic but has continued to grow in popularity since then. In …

AZ senator: Many liberties at stake ahead of election

Abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, gun-violence and democracy itself are some of the issues Democrats said are at stake ahead of November's election. Sen…

In no state, county or metropolitan area in the United States can a worker earning the federal or prevailing state or local minimum wage afford a modest rental home at fair market rent by working a standard 40-hour work week, statistics show. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado housing costs 8th least affordable in nation

Colorado remains the eighth-least affordable state in the nation for housing, according to a new report from the National Low Income Housing …

The Republican Study Committee's proposed 2025 budget calls for repealing $565 billion in green energy programs and $87 billion in funding for the Internal Revenue Service. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed GOP budget could harm NYers, critics say

New Yorkers could see detrimental impacts from a proposed federal budget. The Republican Study Committee's proposed 2025 budget calls for sweeping …

A New York Times investigation finds congestion pricing would have made $200,000 for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in one hour. (Adobe Stock)

Congestion pricing pause costs NY jobs, economic opportunities

New York is seeing ripple effects from Gov. Kathy Hochul pausing "congestion pricing." The Metropolitan Transit Authority halted numerous capital …

The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a five-year policy meant to spur a range of public works projects around the country, including in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Grant bootcamp: Communities navigate maze of federal infrastructure aid

Federal officials have opened up a new round of funding under one of the many grant programs tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As the …

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., has held his seat since 2007. (Courtesy of Bob Casey for Senate campaign)

PA reaps major gains from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Pennsylvania's landscape is being transformed through billions of dollars in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastru…

Organizers says Providence Park, featuring

'Tiny Home' community in AR aims to combat homelessness

By Nathan Treece for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock Public Radio-Win…

Around 600 million people are released from state and federal prisons annually, with another 9 million people cycled through local jails. Many do not have access to health care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky to provide health coverage for people leaving incarceration

Kentucky is one of a handful of states recently approved to provide health insurance coverage to soon-to-be released incarcerated individuals…

According to a survey by SafeWise.com, 42% of New Mexicans rely on guard dogs to protect their property while 36% use security cameras. (RobertWilson/AdobeStock)

NM lawmakers return to Roundhouse to address public safety

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called lawmakers back to the state Capitol this month for a legislative session about public safety…

Minnesota officials say a new roofing standard, created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, has shown to reduce the costs of hail and wind-related damages by up to 60%. The standard is now being used for home resiliency programs. (Adobe Stock)

Roof repair grants could keep MN insurance claims from spiraling out of control

Minnesota is part of a patchwork of states trying to reimagine storm preparedness, by making roofs on homes stronger - before winds and hail fueled …

The National Retirement Risk Index finds half of U.S. households will not be able to maintain their standard of living when they retire, even if they were to work until age 65 and annuitize all financial assets. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME worker retirement program hits major savings milestone

Supporters of a new state-sponsored retirement savings program in Maine are celebrating a significant milestone. More than six months after the …

Families forced from their homes in Gaza face severe shortages of essential services, especially safe drinking water. As of this month, over 1.5 million Palestinian children are in need of humanitarian assistance. (Robert/Adobe Stock)

Alliance sounds alarm on rising weapons cost, tax burden

CLARIFICATION: Parts of this story were rephrased to clarify that the United States does not send nuclear weapons to Israel or any other nation…

A Michigan Healthy Climate Plan recommendation is to meet a goal of 100% clean energy no later than 2050. (pinkrabbit/Adobe Stock)

MI empowers disadvantaged communities for clean energy

The effects of climate change often hit Michigan's most vulnerable communities hardest, prompting state environmental organizations to take action…

Alabama community colleges will receive an additional $35 million in state funding for 2025. (Adobe Stock)

AL universities, community colleges to receive increased funding in 2025

Alabama's universities and community colleges will receive increased funding for 2025. The state's universities are set to get a 7% boost equivalent …

According to health policy site KFF, in May 2022, almost 33% of adults in Illinois reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, and nearly 33% did not receive counseling or therapy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mental health crisis hotline ineffective

Addressing mental illness in America is a source of continued debate and a new report outlined areas in need of change. The study detailed the role …

Kitsap Transit's new maintenance facility will mean buses will travel shorter distances for tune-ups. (Bluedisk/Wikimedia Commons)

$90 million in federal infrastructure funding headed to WA

Washington state is receiving nearly $90 million in federal infrastructure funding, from the Biden Administration. The funds were distributed by the …

Congress allocated $1 billion for states to develop the 988 hotline amid growing concerns over worsening mental health. (Adobe stock)

Report: IN’s 988 success sets example but all states must improve crisis support

A new report gives Indiana high marks for its rollout of 988, a mental health crisis hotline, but also highlighted all states need to do more to …

With 988 available nationwide, it is up to states to ensure there are crisis services - 24/7 local crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization options - so 988 callers receive the help they need. (DedMityay/Adobe Stock)

Mental health advocates: AR lawmakers can do more to support 988 helpline

Mental health workers are urging lawmakers to draft bipartisan policies to expand access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The service …

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 440,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County. (Vika art/AdobeStock)

'Share the Pennies' weatherization program tackles climate solutions, reduces cost

By Ashli Blow for Tennessee Lookout.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

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