State Government
Rethinking budgeting: A transformative approach for state and local governments
Given the fiscal realities that the majority of governments now face in the post-COVID era, they need to think differently about how they allocate their resources.
Iowa floats first state-level ‘Department of Government Efficiency’
Gov. Kim Reynolds said the new task force would build on the state’s previous efforts to consolidate agencies and technology, which has already saved millions of dollars.
State governments seek to leverage AI’s promise while mitigating its hazards
Governments are experimenting with the technology and actively deploying it, but still must wrestle with policies governing its use and the potential fiscal impacts.
In times of crisis, states have few tools to fight misinformation
Social media companies have pushed back against efforts to crack down on falsehoods.
Amid budget ‘crisis,’ Maryland looks to modernize government
Gov. Wes Moore this month signed an executive order mandating agencies review data to find cost savings. He also is looking to modernize the state’s permitting and licensing processes.
For New York statewide school cellphone ban, Hochul proposes $13.5 million to cover costs
The proposal came Tuesday as Hochul presented her $252 billion 2026 state budget, which would send roughly $37.4 billion to schools across the state.
A challenging transition for new state CIOs
Several people are new to leading their state’s technology divisions and must navigate all manner of rules and laws while trying to make their own mark on the position.
After AI’s busy 2024, expect more of the same next year
States are likely to further attempt to regulate the technology and understand how it can benefit their governments and residents. But there are warning signs that rules deemed heavy-handed will remain unpopular.
Texas weighs social media bans for minors as schools and police face challenges
A Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill prohibiting minors from using social media accounts as school districts become a “hunting ground” for online dangers.
Could states’ cyber get trickier under a Trump admin?
Some Republicans have proposed eliminating CISA altogether, which could complicate information sharing efforts. More pressing, though, is the ending of federal cyber grants.
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After passing a few AI laws in 2024, this state's legislature might have more in store next session
Idaho's Artificial Intelligence Working Group heard from experts on generative-AI about its promises, and challenges.
States reject changes to how elections are administered
Advocates had hoped ranked choice voting would be instituted in more states but were left disappointed last night. Only Washington, D.C. and some small municipalities approved its use.
‘Renewable energy growth is truly a 50-state story now’: New report shows big jump in solar, wind, EVs
A coalition of environmental groups finds U.S. renewable energy development has tripled in the past decade.
End of SNAP’s pandemic internet deduction pinches some Kentuckians at grocery store
JD Charles is among 11,800 Kentuckians who lost SNAP benefits Oct. 1. The $23 a month helped him get by on his Social Security disability income.
Lacking nationwide protections, states are stepping up to protect child influencers
California became the latest to sign legislation to protect so-called “kidfluencers,” after Illinois became the first to do so. More states appear to be following their lead.
New art exhibit helps make cyber issues real
The show in Alexandria, Virginia, explores issues like privacy, artificial intelligence and misinformation through artistic expression.
More states are planning for the coming retirement surge
Increasingly, states are turning to automated savings programs to help their constituents—and budgets.
States own lands on reservations. To use them, tribes have to pay.
Schools, hospitals, prisons and other institutions in 15 states profit from land and resources on 79 tribal nations.
States still on a ‘learning curve’ amid generative AI’s promise
Leaders acknowledged the technology’s promise at the recent National Association of State Chief Information Officers conference, but said data management is a major obstacle preventing widespread use in government.
State CIOs take on bigger role in natural disasters
A recent survey of state tech leaders found that CIOs are increasingly an integral part of state emergency operations, tasked with making sure critical systems and communications remain available.
