Finance
New Jersey turns to Direct File to make tax filing easier for older adults
The Garden State is one of several that are now making retirees eligible for the federal Direct File program.
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Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
Sports bettors have one app in Rhode Island. More may be on the way.
The monopoly that International Game Technology (IGT) PLC has over Rhode Island’s digital sportsbook could come to an end by mid-2026 under bills filed in the General Assembly this month.
‘Magic money’: Arizona Republicans advance bills to legitimize cryptocurrency
The bills mirror moves by 22 other states that have introduced similar legislation authorizing the state treasurer or state pension funds to invest in cryptocurrency.
Data can help agencies get ahead of increasing health care costs amid funding uncertainty
States are turning to data to inform health care spending decisions. One expert says tech like artificial intelligence will play a large role in enhancing those decisions.
Virginia agency bets on AI to cut costs and keep state roads smooth
With road maintenance expenses up 68%, the Virginia Department of Transportation is turning to pilot programs to streamline decision-making.
States face an elevated risk of tax fraud due to data breaches, report says
Tech and data aren’t the only tools governments have to detect and mitigate fraud, one expert said.
Rural New England needs EV chargers to keep tourism revenue flowing. The Trump administration is making it harder to build them.
Compared to surrounding states, New Hampshire’s rural communities lag in charging stations, threatening the tourism sector. Suspending federal funds could make it difficult to accelerate construction.
How much does scientific progress cost? Without government dollars for research infrastructure, breakthroughs become improbable
It costs money to maintain the various facilities, utilities and personnel that allow scientists to conduct research in the first place. Without federal support, institutions are left scrambling.
California county taps tech to improve labor negotiations
Placer County has moved from spreadsheets to a software tool that helps officials conduct cost negotiations with labor groups more effectively.
How governments can get agencies to stop using foreign drones: Pay up.
A proposed bill in North Dakota offers an effective model for other states looking to cut ties with foreign-made drones.
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Inside Missouri’s push to help gig workers access benefits more easily
The state saw a reduction in benefits application rejections and churn after implementing an income verification platform for nontraditional workers.
Possible TikTok ban could restrict how many Ohio small businesses connect with customers
TikTok could be banned in the United States on Sunday, which could impact how many Ohio small businesses reach customers.
New Jersey helps businesses get online
The state’s Small Business E-commerce Support Program offers funding to help less-resourced companies’ digital transformations.
IRS Direct File to open a week after Trump’s inauguration
Republicans on Capitol Hill have asked the incoming president to scrap the free tax filing service developed during the Biden administration.
Striking Boeing workers put spotlight on pensions
Growing pressure to bring back pensions isn’t isolated to the private sector. Amid inflation and a tight labor market, state and local governments have felt it too.
More states are planning for the coming retirement surge
Increasingly, states are turning to automated savings programs to help their constituents—and budgets.
How tougher regulations on short-term rentals can boost revenue for state, local govs
Some short-term rental properties go undetected by authorities, but a new report offers tips on how officials can crack down on unregulated rental units to boost revenue and reduce their negative impacts on communities.
Going into 2025, cities plan for leaner budgets
A survey of city finance officials found that at least half are wary of the coming year and are forecasting more conservative revenue estimates.
Ensuring resilient water infrastructure requires creative financing
COMMENTARY | Federal support is key to ensuring water systems are safe. But state and local governments have a critical role to play, too.
Oregon could become the first state to tax big companies and send the cash to all residents
Some opponents say the rebate will drive up consumer costs far more than sales taxes would.
