State Rainy Day Funds Grow Even as Total Balances Lag
Some states have struggled to save given sluggish tax revenue growth and have had to make more recent withdrawals from fiscal reserves.
#MeToo Movement Has Lawmakers Talking About Consent
Many states will grapple with legislation to establish affirmative consent standards — known as “yes means yes” — and rewrite rape and sexual assault laws.
Federal Tax Changes May Prompt State Tax Overhauls
A windfall from the new federal tax law gives many states the flexibility to comprehensively rewrite their own tax codes, something not seen for decades.
Census Uncertainty Spurs State Action to Prevent Undercounting
Starting in February, the bureau will turn over address lists to states and local governments for double-checking that must be finished within 120 days.
Why Free College Tuition Is Spreading From Cities to States
The free tuition push hasn’t produced an economic bonanza for any of the pioneering cities—at least not yet — and some states have struggled to come up with the money to keep their end of the bargain.
Billions From VW Settlement Boost Push to Clean Vehicles
States can spend as much as 15 percent of their payout to subsidize construction of public charging stations for electric cars.
Felony Conviction Rates Have Risen Sharply, But Unevenly
The share of the population living with a felony conviction has gone up sharply in Georgia and Florida, while West Virginia and New Hampshire still have relatively low rates.
Distracted Dogging: Legal in Most States, Controversial in All
Driving with an animal in your lap may be fun, but it’s extremely dangerous for the driver, passengers, other motorists and the pet, traffic safety experts say.
‘Puppy Mills’ Targeted by One State, Activists Seek Others
States and cities move to ban retail sales of “puppy mill” dogs.
Why Downtown Parking Garages May Be Headed for Extinction
“The whole view of the function of streets has had a metamorphosis,” according to DePaul University transportation professor Joe Schwieterman. “It’s made us rethink the opportunity cost of plopping a parking garage in prime downtown property.”
To Fend Off Hackers, Local Governments Get Help From States
But some city hall leaders say they can’t necessarily rely on states for cyber aid because many are busy trying to deal with their own cyber preparedness.
Cybersecurity Quest Sends States to Vets, Students and Women
Hiring and keeping qualified IT staffers, particularly cybersecurity experts, is a serious problem for states.
Why It’s Hard to Control Drug Prices at the Ballot Box
Voters in California and Ohio have rejected measures meant to limit state spending on prescription drugs. But advocates say they plan to keep trying.
Public Defenders Fight Back Against Budget Cuts, Growing Caseloads
Public defenders say the funding problem they’ve been shouting about for years is at a crisis point.
Sexual Harassment Training Lacking in Many Statehouses
In most states where state lawmakers are facing allegations of harassment, lawmakers haven’t been receiving regular anti-harassment training. But that will change soon.
Marketing ‘Obamacare’ With Less Help From the Feds
With tough rhetoric, a shortened open enrollment period, and fewer federal funds, the federal government is making it harder to get the word out on “Obamacare” sign-ups.
Amid Immigration Crackdown, Cities Step in With Free Legal Aid
By law, if you’re charged with a crime in the U.S., you have a right to counsel, no matter your ability to pay. That’s not the case in immigration court.
Where Buying Marijuana Is Legal, But There’s Nowhere to Smoke It
Although some lawmakers have tried, no state legislature has yet carved out rules for cannabis lounges, cafes or tasting rooms.
For Addicted Doctors, Confidential Treatment That Works
In a high-stress profession, doctors succumb to drug addiction at a higher rate than the general population. A state-sponsored confidential treatment program helps them get back to work.
Bounce House Regulations, Enforcement Lacking as Injuries Soar
Inflatable attractions may seem less ominous than roller coasters that flip riders upside down or carnival rides that send thrill-seekers whirling through the open air. But they can be just as dangerous and are far less regulated.
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