Study: Rural communities still at disadvantage when competing for federal grants
Despite efforts by the Biden Administration to level the playing field for low-capacity communities, applying for government funding remains a tougher challenge for rural communities.
How more than $600M in COVID relief funds awarded last year went unreported
The problem is even bigger this year, according to the Government Accountability Office. The lack of reporting makes it difficult to track fraud, waste and abuse.
States grapple with impacts of medical debt
With so many adults struggling with unpaid medical bills, states are taking steps to protect consumers from the negative financial impacts of hospital debt.
Climate change is a fiscal disaster for local governments—our study shows how it’s testing communities in Florida
COMMENTARY | A new study of Florida’s fiscal vulnerability to climate change finds that flooding directly threatens many local tax bases.
CHIPS Act implementation at risk as November shutdown looms
The shutdown would be “massively disruptive” for ongoing efforts to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S., Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Wednesday.
The threat of another government shutdown looms
National, state and local government associations have warned their members that “fractious issues” could derail any efforts to meet a November deadline, affecting key housing and transportation funding.
Do opportunity zones work?
The jury is still out. But recent research has provided new insights into the tax incentive meant to lure investment to distressed areas.
Shutdown averted: States, localities breathe a sigh of relief
Congress voted to fund the government for 45 days. For now, the agreement puts off hard decisions about what to do regarding public assistance programs and the tens of thousands of federally funded state workers that would be impacted.
Why this shutdown could be even more significant for states and localities
Not all states, cities and counties are the same when it comes to shutdowns, but some places will feel it more acutely than others.
FEMA is being sued for making flood insurance too expensive—and too cheap
The price isn't right, according to two lawsuits against the federal agency. The suits, one of which was brought by Louisiana and Republican state AGs, claim that high insurance rates could put residents at risk of economic ruin, but low rates do little to stop developments on at-risk land.
Cannabis banking bill closer to a vote in the U.S. Senate
The bill would address a problem that has led to half of the nation’s cannabis dispensaries being robbed or burglarized.
With the farm bill set to expire, Congress is still months away from a new version
A looming government shutdown has slowed the process even more. Among the key areas of disagreement is the SNAP program, a huge spending portion of the bill that helps low-income families buy food.
Can pensions help address growing wealth inequality?
A new report finds that pensions have significant impacts on household wealth, increasing net worth across race, gender and educational attainment.
Why a government shutdown is complex for state and local governments
It will impact welfare, food stamps, housing and infrastructure, among other things. But planning for a shutdown is difficult for a myriad of reasons.
Funding for WIC food assistance remains uncertain amid budget fight
As food costs increase, more women than expected have been signing up for the program. Without increased funding, states may have to turn women and their children away.
Traffic tickets can be profitable, and fairness isn’t the bottom line in city courts where judges impose the fines
COMMENTARY | Research shows police officers issue more traffic tickets and judges impose more fines when their city gets the money and when the budget is tight. But if states change the rules about who keeps the money, the incentives for revenue maximization go away.
Should states and localities be worried about the U.S. downgrade?
Or about the possibility of another one amid the budget showdown in Congress? Fitch Ratings’ decision to knock the federal government’s credit rating down a notch last month doesn’t directly affect state and local credit quality. But it’s a warning shot.
Low-income water assistance program set to end
Advocates are pushing to extend the program as poverty rates in the U.S. are on rise, an increase attributed to the end of other expanded pandemic benefits for food, rent and unemployment.
Are tax incentives boons or boondoggles?
Though there’s lots of evidence that the economic development tool may not be effective, it is still in wide use. Fortunately, there are ways to control the potential waste of taxpayer dollars.
Crunch time in Congress could hit state and local programs
The legislative logjam on Capitol Hill is backing up everything from child care to disaster funding. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
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