A New Meth Surge Gathers Momentum
As states and cities battle an expanding opioid epidemic, cheap methamphetamine is making a comeback. In many places, the number of people using the addictive stimulant has exceeded the highest levels seen since the last epidemic that began in the 1990s.
Legal Judgments Can Add to Local Government Distress
Of the 18 general purpose local government bankruptcies filed since 2006, legal judgments have been an important factor in five, or nearly 30 percent, according to research by The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Trying to Reverse Americans’ Rotten Record on Food Waste
States, industries, environmentalists and charities are working to reduce the percentage of food — as much as 40 percent — that is wasted.
Without ID, Homeless Trapped in Vicious Cycle
For the homeless, not having ID makes it much harder to get a job, find a place to live, open a bank account, get food stamps and disability benefits — or in some instances, even stay at a homeless shelter.
Distribution of Grants Proposed for Elimination by White House Varies Widely
Twenty of the federal programs that FFIS tracks have been recommended for termination.
Watch Out for Unclaimed Property Scams, State Officials Warn
State officials are urging residents to be wary of scammers who promise to reunite them with unclaimed property for a fee upfront.
Scrapping ‘Essential Benefits’ May Be Biggest Health Care Change
The elimination of essential health benefits could affect almost everybody, including the 156 million Americans who receive health coverage through their employers.
Why Some States Are Making Short-Term Training Free
Officials in Indiana and Kentucky say college scholarships for occupational training programs will help fill open jobs.
Using Cheese, Molasses Brine To Treat Roads With Less Salt
The nation’s reliance on road salt for de-icing has tripled in the last forty years. Many cities and states are trying to halt that.
Disconnected Youth: Out of School And Out of Work in Rural America
The percentage of “disconnected youth” — 16- to 24-year-olds who are not in school or working — is now higher in rural areas than it is anywhere else.
Talk of Federal Tax Cuts Chills Affordable Housing Market
Federal tax cuts would make low-income housing tax credits, the key to financing almost every affordable housing project in the nation, worth less to investors.
States Continue to Rebuild Rainy Day Reserves
At least 24 states ended fiscal 2016 with larger rainy day funds as a share of operating costs than before the 2007-09 downturn.
Matching Ex-Offenders With Hard-To-Fill Health Care Jobs
People with arrest and conviction records can help with hard-to-fill jobs, but employing them creates legal and administrative challenges.
States Consider Barring Death Penalty for Severely Mentally Ill
Advocates say murderers with mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are less culpable, and therefore less deserving of the death penalty.
Taxing the New Economy, Starting With Uber, Lyft
Ride-hailing services are among the new services to get taxed, as states seek to align old tax codes with a new economy.
Where Are the Most Distracted Drivers? Where Are the Safest?
Drivers in some regions of the country display riskier behavior behind the wheel than drivers in others, new data indicates. And some analysts say state laws may play a difference.
‘Yes Means Yes’: Grappling With Teen Sexual Assault
California became the first state to require public schools to teach students that when it comes to sexual consent, “yes means yes.” This year, legislation has been proposed in several states to teach it.
Getting the Mentally Ill Out of Jails
Tens of thousands of mentally ill people languish in jail. Many cities and states increasingly are working to get them treatment instead.
Public Authorities: Essential to Services Though Some States Question Oversight
While public authorities can succeed in clearing sometimes obstructed paths to debt issuance, some express concern about a lack of oversight of them.
An Alternative to Paying Court Debt: Working It Off
Many people struggle to pay the fines and fees that courts impose on them. Some states and localities are seeking alternatives to paying off the debt, including working it off through community service.
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