State and Federal Relations

How slashing university research grants impacts Colorado’s economy and national innovation

Federal funding cuts in the billions have impacted dozens of universities in the US. An administrator at the University of Colorado at Boulder explains the local effects.

AI moratorium could return despite removal from ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

Senators passed an amendment removing the provision that would have prevented states regulating the tech for 10 years. But some experts warn that a repeat effort is likely and could be successful.

Feds look at new way to get food stamp data from Washington and other states

The Trump administration is taking a new approach in its attempt to snatch personal data of food stamp recipients from states.

Senate overwhelmingly passes amendment removing state AI moratorium

After attempting to negotiate a shorter moratorium timeframe, a bipartisan team of senators succeeded in striking the provision that would have prevented states from enforcing AI regulations from the Big Beautiful Bill.

Trump’s executive order: Work on new voting system guidelines is already in motion

Election officials worry about the cost of new rules — and the impact on public faith.

The future of federal abortion data collection is unclear

Federal data collection on abortion is indefinitely on pause, making it difficult to determine how the reversal of Roe v. Wade has reshaped Americans' lives.

Could a lawsuit finally spur new York into action on food stamp theft?

The state has left defrauded food stamp recipients to fend for themselves. Internal agency emails point to a long-simmering effort riddled with delays.

State loses $5.6M in federal funding to expand digital access, help with unemployment insurance

The Trump administration recently terminated more than $5 million promised to South Dakota for expanded access to digital technology.

New BEAD guidance leaves states searching for answers

Federal guidance issued last week has thrown much of the program into doubt, as states and other organizations try to find a way forward under a compressed timeline.

Senate reconciliation bill text tweaks state AI regulation ban

The Senate Commerce Committee would block some funding from states that want to regulate the technology. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers have said any moratorium should be dropped altogether.

Feds unveil ‘critical reforms’ to BEAD program

The $42.5 billion program to expand broadband will now be technology-neutral, rather than prefer fiber. Various workforce, climate and environment rules have also been relaxed.

Hunt for clarity on BEAD’s future goes on

With little word on the status of the Commerce Department’s review of the $42 billion broadband program, Senate Democrats and some industry groups have looked to up the pressure.

Missouri will hand over personal data of food aid recipients to feds

Missouri has agreed to abide by a request from the federal government to turn over personal data about anyone receiving food assistance, the state social services agency confirmed to The Independent Tuesday.

House-passed budget bill includes state AI moratorium

Lawmakers passed the package under reconciliation just before Memorial Day, with the 10-year ban on state AI regulation intact. Its future remains uncertain in the Senate.

Feds cancel unemployment modernization grants for states

The grant dollars — which the Department of Labor has been doling out since Congress allocated funding for fraud and access work in 2021 — don’t align with department priorities anymore, the agency says.

Proposed moratorium on state-level AI regs aims to level the playing field, lawmaker says

Georgia Rep. Rich McCormick, a GOP member of last Congress’ House AI Task Force, spoke on Wednesday night about the need to avoid a jumble of different rules of the road for AI developers.

New Mexico AG opposes U.S. House GOP efforts to restrict state laws on AI

As U.S. House Republicans seek to ban states from passing laws to regulate AI, state AGs, including in New Mexico, push back.

House budget bill would put 10-year pause on state AI regulation

The bill before the House Energy and Commerce Committee under the budget reconciliation process would prevent states from enforcing “any law or regulation” for AI models. It may run afoul of Senate rules.

BEAD uncertainty swirls, joined by Trump’s threats to the Digital Equity Act

State leaders want more guidance from the federal government amid a 90-day delay in their final plans. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he will kill a related digital equity program.

Doing less with less: Coping with federal cutbacks and fiscal uncertainty

COMMENTARY | Shrinking revenues and rising costs put state and local governments in a bind, especially as the federal government retreats. Strategic austerity might be the path forward.