5 Ways Local Governments Can Make Spending Smarter
COMMENTARY | There’s a lot wrong with the way governments purchase goods and services. But there are also ways to bring creativity and efficiency to procurement, harnessing it for innovation and economic growth.
Democrats Plan to Take Another Pass at Cannabis Banking Bill
They are hoping a bill sponsored by Democratic and Republican senators will be more successful and finally address local governments’ concerns about crime.
Colorado Expands Unemployment Insurance—And Others Are Watching Closely
Colorado’s low-cost approach to getting benefits out the door quickly could provide a model for adapting or modernizing public assistance programs elsewhere.
White House’s Environmental Justice Tool Still Comes Up Short, Advocates Say
Groups worry that the criteria that determines which communities qualify is too broad and may lead to federal grant money bypassing the people who need it most.
Republicans Want to Incentivize States to Recover Stolen Unemployment Benefits
The House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill this week that would let states keep 25% of any money they recover that was fraudulently obtained or improperly given out.
In Preview of Debt Limit Fight, House Republicans Target Climate Funds
A House Environment subcommittee voted to claw back $27 billion from President Biden’s climate law, signaling what the GOP may demand in future budget negotiations.
Nurturing Entrepreneurship Boosts Economic Growth
COMMENTARY | States should direct more money from incentives to small businesses and entrepreneurs and less to attracting large companies.
Feds to Hand Out $39B to Chip Makers in Workforce Development Subsidies
To access the funding, companies will not only need to show how they plan to train and recruit workers, but also how they will provide child care.
Demand Heats Up for Grants Management Solutions
With state and local entities having to track extraordinary numbers of grants, thanks to unprecedented amounts of pandemic-related federal funding, the search for software that can simplify grants management is on.
Treasury Reopens ‘Help Desk’ for States and Localities
The call center, which fielded 300 calls and about 2,000 emails a week before it was shut down, provided governments with assistance on the handling of various pandemic-related programs.
There's 'Clear Evidence' of Bias in Past US State Spending
COMMENTARY | New research shows a direct link between constituent race, class, and immigration status and US state spending between 1921 and 1961.
‘Catastrophic Financially.’ What It Means for Cities If the Debt Ceiling Isn’t Raised
A default on the federal level could discourage investors from providing the money cities need to function, build affordable housing, fix roads and make other improvements.
How One County Fixed Its Broken Property Tax System
Property taxes are considered the ultimate “fair” tax. But that fairness hinges on the assumption that homes are being assessed accurately, regularly and thoroughly.
State & Local Roundup: Governors Unveil Plans for Budget Surpluses
Plus: North Carolina’s possible Medicaid expansion; a “humiliating” debate; ransomware cripples Oakland; and a power outage at J.F.K. airport; and more news you can use from around the country.
Some Towns Get Funding Boost from Census Corrections
Census population count corrections have started to roll out, but officials say the bureau needs to be more transparent about the process as valuable funding opportunities remain on the line.
The Worker Shortage Is Real. Could Tech Help Governors Close Gaps?
Business leaders pointed to high-tech job training and tools like artificial intelligence as possible solutions to the historic shortage of workers.
Local Governments Still Counting on Pandemic Aid Despite Clawback Threat
Officials continue to deal with food insecurity, rising housing costs and learning gaps as House Republicans consider whether to recall American Rescue Plan Act funds in the Treasury Department's coffers.
The Politics of ESG Investing
COMMENTARY | Leaders in conservative states are hesitant to adopt ESG-related principles. Are their positions purely political or substantive as well?
States Are Scoring Millions in Tax Revenue from Sports Betting
Ahead of this weekend’s Super Bowl, a Route Fifty analysis shows the states where income from sports gambling was the highest.
Why Treasury Was Slow to Expand a Key Small Business Program
Pandemic relief legislation boosted funding for the initiative to $10 billion from $1.5 billion. A new watchdog report looks at the reasons the department had delays getting the money to states.
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