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.
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.
State and local lawmakers take a renewed look at speed enforcement cameras
In some states, policymakers are concerned that speed cameras are more of a cash grab than a safety protocol.
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.
Filing taxes is hard. Here’s how agencies could help make it easier for residents.
As states increasingly turn to developing free, online tax filing tools for residents, civic tech experts said improving usability and experience is key.
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.
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.
Venturing forward: Exploring the next phase of govtech investment
COMMENTARY | The government technology is market is changing.
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.
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.
Biden administration forgives $4.5B in student debt for public service workers
The president said that more than 1 million public servants to date have had their federal student debt canceled.
Increasing the impact of opioid settlement funds
COMMENTARY | States bear a heavy responsibility to administer and leverage the money for the public’s benefit. They can do that through a data-driven approach.
In a state with school vouchers for all, low-income families aren’t choosing to use them
Working-class parents often express interest in vouchers. But in Arizona, the nation’s school choice capital, these families aren’t using them due to the inaccessibility of private schools and the costs of transportation, meals and uniforms.
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.
State, local guaranteed income programs set the stage for federal action
A growing body of research shows that local-level cash assistance initiatives can improve financial, housing and other outcomes for recipients. Federal lawmakers are taking notice.
A recipe for getting the finances right
COMMENTARY | Cities across the country are currently finalizing their budgets. But budgeting is just one ingredient in a city's financial success.
Time to reset the transportation funding equation
COMMENTARY | The way the nation funds our transportation network is broken. The solutions to fix it already exist. State and local governments just need to pick one.
US disaster relief funding is running dry as Helene roars through
Congress opted not to replenish the FEMA disaster fund before it left town this week. It’s not the first time lawmakers have left the emergency management agency short of cash.
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