Massachusetts
Massachusetts voters to consider ditching high school graduation requirements
The ballot measure is seen as a referendum on the role of standardized testing in schools. If Massachusetts drops the requirement, will others follow?
More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products
In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.
Biden administration doles out $4.2 billion for big-ticket infrastructure projects
A new Boston rail bridge, a California high-speed rail station, electric dock equipment in Miami and a safer highway interchange in Iowa are among the 44 projects selected for funding.
School choice questions dominate November ballot propositions
Measures in Colorado, Kentucky and Nebraska are among 11 ed-related issues on the ballot. Others address facility upgrades, school board partisanship.
Can happy hour attract people downtown again?
States that once banned the afterwork ritual are rethinking their stance as they try to entice people back to the city.
What’s bugging state and local government public health officials?
As extreme weather patterns increase across the U.S., states and towns are growing more concerned about mosquito-borne illnesses like EEE and West Nile virus.
Community fridges are helping neighbors nourish one another
While fighting food waste and food insecurity, these grassroots mutual-aid projects also aim to bring communities closer together
Voters will decide minimum wage ballot measures in several states
Measures focused on workers who earn tips and on paid leave have drawn more opposition.
Few states require foster homes to respect LGBTQ youths' identities
The lack of explicit anti-discrimination policies around gender and sexuality can have dire consequences for children and teens, advocates say.
States could struggle to cut workforce costs in next downturn
It's a well-worn script. When states face budget challenges, they typically look to cut personnel spending first. But that might not work this time.
Featured eBooks
Illegal border crossings have cooled, but the rhetoric is heating up
As national politicians spar over immigration, the reality in cities and states is rapidly changing.
Stigma is hindering treatment of opioid addictions. States can change that.
The health care workforce is key to treating patients' opioid use disorders, but experts say stigma toward drug use and treatment among medical professionals remains a barrier to treatment access and positive outcomes.
It’s hot. Is your community pool open?
An ongoing lifeguard shortage means some pools and beaches are staying closed amid record-breaking heat waves across the U.S. Here’s what states and municipalities are doing about it.
Massachusetts is expanding its pathbreaking vehicle fleet electrification program
The Massachusetts Fleet Advisor program, which helps small businesses, nonprofits and municipalities transition to electric vehicles, recently received $5 million in federal funding.
As states hunt for new voters, Massachusetts adds thousands via Medicaid applications
Any eligible voter in the state who applies for Medicaid is automatically added to the rolls, unless they opt out. Other states are exploring similar systems, which experts say could be more effective in increasing voter rolls.
Amid Economic Uncertainty, State Tax Revenues Decline
If there’s good news in April's numbers, though, it might be that most states were already planning for softer revenue growth in fiscal 2024 and many have robust rainy day funds to weather a potential downturn. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
With New Power in 4 States, Democrats Prepare to Push for Previously Blocked Priorities
After key midterm wins, the party will gain additional “trifectas” in 2023, holding both legislative chambers and the governor’s office. The change will unlock new policymaking possibilities.
How One State is Curbing Growth in Health Care Costs
Massachusetts is known for high medical expenses. But a unique initiative there is helping to dramatically slow increases and has other states taking notice. Here’s how it works.
Voters in One State Approve a Tax on Millionaires
And in another they eliminated tax breaks for higher earners. But national trends with ballot initiatives to tax the wealthy are mixed overall this year and hard to interpret.
The Battle Over a 'Millionaires Tax' Heats Up in Massachusetts
Voters will decide this November on a measure that would impose the tax on income over $1 million. Supporters say it would raise needed revenue for roads, transit and schools, while opponents argue it will revive the state's reputation as “Taxachusetts.”
