States With the Largest and Smallest Teacher Pay Gaps
Teachers nationwide earn much less than other college-educated professionals, says a new report. Colorado has the greatest teacher pay gap and Rhode Island the smallest.
The Billion Dollar Jobs Push Using ARPA Funds
State and local governments are planning to devote nearly $600 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to workforce initiatives, in addition to other federal grants. Here's a closer look at the spending.
Synthetic Fraud Is On the Rise. Here’s How Governments Can Combat It
COMMENTARY | Fraud will continue at scale as criminals become better networked, using the dark web to share tips including how to fool selfie verification tools.
Biden Administration Awards $2.2B in Transportation Grants
The “RAISE” grants will go to dozens of projects around the U.S., and mark one of the first major releases of discretionary funding from the new infrastructure law.
Hopes Dim for Lifting SALT Cap in Senate Deal
Sen. Bob Menendez, a key proponent of revamping a limit on the state and local tax deduction, is signaling he will support the measure even if it does not raise the $10,000 cap.
More Governments Join National Fine and Fee Reform Effort
Seven additional cities and counties are set to take part in the initiative, which is seeking to rework fines and fees that often fall most heavily on low-income and minority residents.
A Staggering Backlog of Transit Upgrades Is Stacking Up
New federal funding from the infrastructure law will help. But some older systems have deep problems, underscored by track fires, breakdowns and delays.
State and Local Pensions Post Worst Losses Since Great Recession
The public sector retirement plans are in better overall shape than they were back in 2008. But some are still badly underfunded and many are gambling on riskier investments.
‘Chronic Underfunding’ of Public Health Threatens Lives in US, Report Finds
Funding for public health programs has been slashed over the last several years. A nonprofit is calling for a $4.5 billion annual investment in “public health infrastructure at the state, local, tribal, and territorial levels.”
‘True Cost of Aging’ Index Shows Many Seniors Can’t Afford Basic Necessities
Millions of older Americans are financially insecure and many public assistance programs are not enough to cover the cost of living. A new coalition is working to change that.
The Three Cs of Effective Public Engagement
COMMENTARY | Incorporating citizen feedback into government budget and finance decisions can often lead to disappointing results, but following these principles can help.
How to Regain Citizens' Trust After a Financial Scandal
Just getting rid of the people involved isn't enough. A complex task follows for local leaders to restore faith in the government.
The Evolving Debate Over ARPA's State and Local Aid Program
President Biden's top advisor on the American Rescue Plan Act dismisses Republican claims that money from the law is being wasted. But he's also urging local government leaders to look for more ways to highlight their successes with the federal funding.
Unfair Property Taxes and What to Do About Them
In some places, the taxes fall unequally on lower-income and minority homeowners. But can they be redesigned without jeopardizing a major source of local government revenue?
The Best and Worst States for Business
One southern state tops a new set of rankings, while another one came in last. Where does your state score among the 50?
How States and Localities Can Plan for the Growing Economic Uncertainty
COMMENTARY | Mixed signals are making it difficult for government finance officers to get a clear outlook for the future economy. Here's what they can do, says one county CFO.
Nearly Half of States Raised Their Minimum Wage This Year
The increases range from 22 cents to $1.50 per hour, but most states’ pay floors are not high enough to ensure economic stability, according to a new report.
The Simmering GOP Criticism of State and Local ARPA Spending
Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate have been bashing projects paid for with American Rescue Plan Act dollars that they see as wasteful. It could be a sign of further scrutiny to come if they take back one or both chambers of Congress.
Localities Look To an Untapped 'Goldmine' of Potential Revenue
A new initiative focuses on how cities and counties can capitalize on underused public property, like parking lots and office space.
New York State Pumps the Brakes on Crypto Mining
With the value of cryptocurrency dropping and environmental concerns moving front and center, New York considers a two-year pause on fossil-fuel powered crypto mining operations.
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