Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

Columbia University finds New York State's Foundation Aid formula uses outdated information. It uses poverty numbers from the 2000 Census and cost of living averages from 2006. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 11, 2024

Advocates: NYS needs new school funding formula

After 17 years, the state of New York is re-evaluating its school funding formula. The state budget agreement calls for the Rockefeller Institute to …

A recent report gave Wyoming low marks for its efforts to reduce exposure to lead in K-12 schools. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Friday, October 11, 2024

Feds set deadline to replace lead water pipes; schools excluded

Groups that advocate for clean water are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on replacing lead pipes - but they warn that the dr…

A 2022 University of Indiana report concludes recent studies on voucher programs show that students attending private schools through voucher programs have experienced

Friday, October 11, 2024

Skeptics weigh in on school voucher issue facing NE voters

Nebraska is one of four states with measures about state funding of private-school vouchers on the ballot this year. Referendum 435 asks voters to …

Votes on bills comprised 80% of each legislator's grade on the 2023-24 Pro-Kid Scorecard, with budget and leadership actions making up the remaining 20%. (MikeFusaro/Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

New legislative scorecard highlights leaders on children’s issues

The biannual Pro-Kid Scorecard from the Children Now Action Fund was released today. In it, 12 state Assembly members and seven state Senators …

AARP Iowa traveled the state this summer in a recreational vehicle called the

Thursday, October 10, 2024

AARP Iowa presses candidates on support for family caregivers

AARP Iowa has released a series of videos asking congressional candidates how they would support Iowans who are unpaid caregivers. The group …

There is no safe level of lead in a person's blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Scientists note even low lead levels have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

Clean water advocates in Maine are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in school…

More than 80% of the 62,557 taps tested from 1,738 schools and child care centers across Massachusetts since 2016 have tested positive for lead, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

Clean water advocates in Massachusetts are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water i…

Federal regulations are an area in which the president has significant latitude to affect food policy. (Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)<br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Where does Harris stand on meat, factory farming?

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Colla…

Detroit Public Schools teacher Rodney Fresh addresses the U.S. House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee on Sept. 25, sharing his concerns about a conservative plan to reshape the federal government, known as Project 2025. (Rep. Adel Auro)

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Detroit teacher fears GOP agenda could undermine public education

A Detroit educator recently told a congressional committee he is "terrified" at what a second Trump term as president could bring for America's public…

More than a half-million immigrants reside in Colorado, working as nursing assistants, cooks and software developers. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Report: Immigrants boost Colorado and U.S. economy, create jobs

Immigration boosts the economy - in Colorado and across the U.S. But new policies are needed to maximize gains and make it harder for employers to …

Michigan ranks among the top four states for new clean energy job creation, behind Georgia, New York and Texas. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

MI companies get clean energy grants through Inflation Reduction Act

Four Michigan companies have received $355 million in federal grant funds, expected to create thousands of jobs in the high-tech, clean energy sector…

Union membership is still well below levels from past decades, however, there has been a revival in organization activity and various policies tied to the presidential election are fueling interest among key unions. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Concerned union voices put spotlight on Project 2025

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are trying to appeal to labor groups on the campaign trail. A much-debated policy …

According to the Education Law Center, Georgia has the sixth-largest teacher pay gap in the nation, and teachers make 73 cents for every dollar earned by similar non-teaching professionals. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 7, 2024

GA educators warn of escalating teacher crisis amid political rhetoric

Educators in Georgia are sounding the alarm about the state of the teaching profession, citing political pressures and low morale as key factors …

According to a report for the state, wages for Wyoming teachers in May 2023 were about 81% of those in comparable occupations including management, health care, computers, legal professions and more. (Henryk Sadura/Adobe Stock)

WY lawmakers urge returning public school funding to constitutional minimum

A Wyoming committee has recommended a temporary bump in funding for public schools, while educators await a judge's decision on the state's broader …

There are now no consistent renters' rights nationally and some states, like Arkansas, have very few tenants' rights. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 7, 2024

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

This round of debt relief forgave more than $14.6 million in medical debt for 7,717 residents of Lucas County after RIP acquired ProMedica's debt portfolio. (Adobe Stock)

Program provides life-changing relief from medical debt for Ohioans

Medical debt has long been a burden for many Americans, with millions struggling to pay off their healthcare bills. In the Buckeye State, however…

All Arkansas employers must display an approved Arkansas minimum-wage poster in a prominent place to inform employees about the minimum wage and their worker's rights under Arkansas labor law. GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

A new study finds minimum-wage increases have little or no impact on job loss. The Economic Policy Institute study comes as federal lawmakers …

A New York City charter proposal would require more public notice and time on public safety legislation. But it would also give the mayor, the city's police and fire departments and the Department of Corrections license to hold their own hearings, bypassing the City Council. (Adobe Stock)

NYC charter proposals could increase mayor’s power

Several charter reforms on this year's New York City ballot would have sweeping effects. Propositions 2 through 6 make changes to issues such as …

In 1979, cuts to Amtrak included the discontinuation of a long multistate route running through the southern half of North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

A reunion nearly 50 years in the making? ND eyes possible Amtrak route return

This week, federal officials announced a new round of funding for passenger rail projects. It is part of a larger push to expand and restore service…

According to the International Energy Agency, methane emissions from fossil fuels must drop by 75% by 2030 to meet climate goals set in Paris. (Adobe Stock)

High-tech tools can bust careless oil and gas drillers

By Jennifer Oldham for Sierra.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

About 6,500 South Dakotans are in state or federal prisons, local jails and other kinds of facilities, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Wikimedia Commons)

Advocacy group forms for people in prison amid controversies in SD prisons

Recent problems in South Dakota prisons have concerned lawmakers, corrections commission members and family members of those incarcerated, who formed …

A recent study from UC Berkeley and UCLA found millions of Californians who do not get insurance through their job, Medi-Cal or Medicare will see big premium increases unless federal tax credits are extended. (Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Advocates warn health costs will skyrocket unless Congress extends subsidies

Experts warn health insurance premiums could rise an average of $1,000 a year for more than 2 million Californians who buy coverage on the individual …

A 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation report showed 25.7% of Nebraskans reported having had a mental health illness over the previous year compared with 23.1% nationwide. (bnenin/Adobe Stock)

Strain on NE behavioral health system could worsen; need remains high

A 2024 study showed almost 26% of Nebraskans reported having a mental-health illness in the past year -- nearly 3% higher than the national average…

Among conservative Republicans, 60% said the decline in organized labor membership has been at least somewhat good for working people, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

NV union organizer: Project 2025 threatens labor movement

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are aiming to appeal to labor groups on the campaign trail, especially in battleground …

Kentuckians will vote this November on Amendment 2, a proposed amendment to the Kentucky Constitution that would allow the allocation of public funds to school choice options beyond traditional public schools. (Adobe Stock)

KY school superintendents voice opposition to Amendment 2

Kentuckians head to the polls in a few weeks and on the ballot is Amendment 2, a proposed change to the state Constitution to allow public funds for …

Industry leaders say one reason rural hospitals struggle to stay afloat is because they have to spend more to recruit staff at a time when there is plenty of competition for hiring doctors and nurses. (Adobe Stock)

ND rural hospitals embrace teamwork mentality to stay afloat

This month, a North Dakota network of rural hospitals enters its second year of trying to make local operations more efficient, so they can keep the …

Wildfire seasons are projected to get longer in coming years in Colorado and across the Mountain West. (Adobe Stock)

Spikes in emergency visits during CO bad air days cost $1.14 billion in 2019

Colorado lawmakers are digging into the health and economic impacts of the state's poor air quality from wildfire smoke and ozone pollution created by…

The Center for Research on Disability reported of the 444,000 people with disabilities in Connecticut, only 114,000 (25%) of them were employed. (Adobe Stock)

CT disability rights advocates worry about employment barriers

Connecticut disability rights advocates are concerned about state and federal barriers to employment. At the state level, Medicaid is the only …

The American Postal Workers Union says inadequate staffing levels make it nearly impossible to meet their performance targets for delivery time for three- to five-day letters. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)

NE town understands issues highlighted by nationwide Postal Union rallies

American Postal Workers Union members are holding a nationwide "Day of Action" rally today to draw attention to a number of concerns, several of them …

Montana residents who qualify can receive up to $675 in property tax rebates. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline approaches for Montana tax rebate

Tomorrow is the deadline for Montana residents who qualify to apply for a property tax rebate. The State Legislature passed the measure during its …

New York State has 700 home health agencies, independent living centers and other businesses acting as providers for the state's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). (Adobe Stock)

NY disability rights advocates worry about assistance program changes

New York disability rights advocates are voicing concerns about changes to what's known as the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program…

The website FundHubWA shows Washingtonians clean energy opportunities, such as electric vehicle rebates. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

With unprecedented climate funding available, WA launches resource hub

Washington state has launched a new website that lets people and organizations know about ways they can fund going green. With resources for clean …

National parks in Wyoming supported about $479 million in labor income in 2023, according to a National Park Service report. (Adobe Stock)

Grand Teton National Park sees high visitor spending, seeks input

Visitor spending in and near national parks contributed to the U.S. economy at a record high level last year. Grand Teton is one park looking at how …

The federal Rural Energy for America Program provides loan guarantees and grants to farmers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. (Adobe Stock)

Report: USDA program helped hundreds of KY businesses become energy efficient

In Kentucky, 462 businesses, farms and schools have received $77 million in federal funding to boost energy efficiency through the U.S. Department of …

The recent allocation of $5 million to small businesses in the semiconductor industry mostly went to West Coast companies. (Maha Heang 245789/Adobe Stock)

OR business a recipient for fed semiconductor investments

The Biden administration has made more investments in revitalizing the U.S. semiconductor industry, including in an Oregon company. Seventeen …

A blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) costs between $10 and $250 depending on which health care facility you choose. A comprehensive metabolic panel ranges from $10 to $700. (Adobe Stock)

New tool helps consumers compare costs, quality of hospital care

Shopping for health-care procedures has historically been more challenging than getting the best deal on groceries or even car repairs. But Cari …

Revenue above $500 million collected from Washington state's capital gains tax goes toward school construction. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Repeal of WA's capital gains tax would hurt families, opponents say

The election is less than six weeks away and Washingtonians will be deciding on a slate of initiatives, including one measure affecting funding in …

More than four out of ten Mainers have medical debt in their household, and nearly all of them who've accrued that debt within the past two years still have it, according to a survey from Consumers for Affordable Health Care. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Mainers offer insight into barriers to affordable health care

Mainers will get a chance to weigh in on health care costs today at the state's annual public hearing on health care affordability. Legislation …

IL small businesses hope tax deduction stays afloat

A large tax hike could appear soon, that would affect Illinois' small businesses still rebounding from the pandemic. One group hopes Congress will …

Denver's current minimum wage, at $18.29 per hour, is set to rise with inflation to $18.81 next year. (Adobe Stock) Denver�s current minimum wage, at $18.29 per hour, is set to rise with inflation to $18.81 next year. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Minimum wage hikes don't lead to job losses

As the city of Boulder considers raising its minimum wage on Oct. 10, a new report suggested the move would have little or no impact on job loss…

A Hispanic Access Foundation poll showed Latinos are extremely concerned about pollution in the Mississippi River and view the presence of microplastics, trash, chemical waste and PFAS, or

Latino voters in AR call on Congress to clean up Mississippi River

Some Latinos in Arkansas were among 400 residents across 10 states polled about the health of the Mississippi River. Both registered Republicans and …

The debate over a new Farm Bill and where to prioritize funding comes as the number of farms declines while farm sizes go up. Experts said it is a symptom of corporate consolidation within agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Future health of WI's farmland monitored in Farm Bill fight

Congress has one week from today to reauthorize a sweeping policy playing a big role in shaping the nation's food production system, and Wisconsin …

Federal workers said if the plan known as Project 2025 is enacted, it would upend every government agency. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Federal workers in TX voice concerns about Project 2025

Federal workers are voicing concerns about what they see as the potential impacts of the sweeping policy recommendations known as Project 2025…

Nevada is one of seven states that have already eliminated the pay category of subminimum wage, according to the Economic Policy Institute. (Congressman Steven Horsford)

NV Congressman introduces bill to eliminate taxes on tips, subminimum wage

Nevada U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford - D-Las Vegas - has introduced legislation that would aim to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers across …

In 2022, Pennsylvania's child poverty rate of 15% for children ages 6-17 years old which was higher than the national average, ranking the state 20th highest among U.S. states. (mangpor2004/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA public schools falling behind in teachers' salaries

A new report finds Pennsylvania schools are falling behind in teachers' pay and still need to catch up with inflation. The report from the …

Analysts project the public health and climate benefits of new EPA clean air rules will exceed compliance costs by trillions of dollars through 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Report: EPA clean air benefits include 200,000 lives saved

New air pollution standards issued by the Environmental Protection Agency over the past four years should bring $250 billion in economic benefits each…

Hydroelectric turbine runners are being made at Voith Hydro's factory in York, Penn. The company says nearly 450 of its pump turbines have been installed worldwide, with a combined output of more than 60,000 megawatts. (Voith Hydro)<br /><br /><br />

PA hydropower turbine plant uses IRA funding to boost jobs

In Pennsylvania, some former coal communities are transitioning into clean energy hubs with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Pennsylvania …

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is anticipated to save over $350 million annually on electric bills for 900,000 low-income households nationwide and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million metric tons over five years. (Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe Stock)

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Ohio's most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from more than $312 million in federal funding aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting envi…

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