States Raid Fund Meant for Needy Families to Pay for Other Programs
"TANF is a slush fund."
‘One-Third of Our Income Is Gone’: A Rural State Faces a Big Budget Gap
Fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and downturns with oil, gas and coal have left Wyoming in a tough financial spot, with deep agency cuts and layoffs on the horizon.
Thousands of Small Business Owners Have Not Gotten Disaster Loans the Government Promised Them
A top official said 99% of funds were paid, but only 55% of small business owners reported receiving the money. Borrowers were told there was a technical glitch, but the Small Business Administration would not answer questions about it.
Civil Asset Forfeiture Under New Scrutiny Amid Calls for Police Reform
But with the economic instability caused by the coronavirus pandemic, some worry law enforcement and prosecutors could actually step up efforts to seize criminal defendants' property.
Support to Restore Nixed Municipal Refinancing Tool Grows in Congress
The 2017 federal tax overhaul eliminated tax-exempt advance refunding, but the coronavirus crisis has lawmakers looking at the possibility of bringing it back.
A New Look at Where Gentrification Is Happening
Cities in California dominated a gentrification ranking, but several smaller metropolitan areas also appeared.
Groups Call For More Accountability in State, Local Government Aid
A coalition of conservative groups has asked that if Congress approves more coronavirus aid funding, to require state and local governments to disclose how the money is spent.
Families of Prisoners Sue Over High Cost of Phone Calls
The lawsuit alleges three private companies that provide telecom services in prisons lied to state and local governments about the cost of doing business.
The Second Great Depression
COMMENTARY | At least four major factors are terrifying economists and weighing on the recovery.
Four States Have Borrowed Money to Pay Unemployment Benefits
Thirty-six states borrowed from the federal government after the Great Recession, which over time led some to restrict unemployment benefits.
Pandemic Aid: What Can We Learn From the 2009 Stimulus?
COMMENTARY | As state and local leaders wait to see if they will get more federal aid to deal with their growing revenue shortfalls, fiscal stability will be more attainable by paying heed to experts who helped the country out of the Great Recession.
States Contemplate Borrowing to Help Manage Pandemic’s Fiscal Impact
COMMENTARY | Short-term financing, Federal Reserve program may buy time, but budgets will need adjusting.
Small Businesses Failed by Federal Bailout Program Turn to Cash-Strapped Local Governments for Help
Thousands of small businesses, especially those owned by people of color, have been left behind by the stipulations of the Paycheck Protection Program. In Texas, local governments are lending millions of dollars and it’s not enough.
Hundreds of New York City Staffers Write to Mayor Demanding Police Reform and Budget Cuts
New York City municipal employees condemned Mayor Bill de Blasio’s response to recent protests and demanded changes to the city’s police department.
Virus Casts Uncertainty Over City Budget and Economic Development in a Health Care Hub
Like other localities, the coronavirus has Rochester, Minnesota facing questions about both its financial outlook and future economic growth.
Fed Again Expands State and Municipal Lending Program
The latest move will ensure that at least two local governments in each state have access to the program, which is designed to help states and localities weather the coronavirus crisis.
College Students Want Their Money Back. It’ll Be Tough to Get It.
There are at least 100 closure-related suits filed against colleges and universities in federal and state courts.
Smaller Cities Left Waiting on Coronavirus Aid Money
“The challenge for 97% of America's cities is that we haven't received any funding yet,” says one mayor.
White House Open to Loosening Rules for State and Local Aid Funds, Mnuchin Says
The Treasury Secretary also clashed with Sen. Sherrod Brown over how well-prepared the nation is currently to limit coronavirus risks as the economy begins to reopen.
Colorado Groups Push for Tax Hike on Higher Earners to Help With Budget Shortfall
The temporary income tax increase they’re supporting would apply to households making upwards of $250,000 per year. The state, like others, is facing budget pressures tied to the coronavirus outbreak.
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