Author Archive
Kery Murakami
Management
Supreme Court upholds barring guns from domestic violence suspects
The decision keeps intact a nearly 30-year-old federal law as well as state laws in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Management
In crisis and on hold: How the 988 hotline revamped callers' experience
To avoid people in need hanging up in frustration, the crisis and suicide hotline has changed the voice and the music that callers hear as they wait to be connected to counselors.
Finance
Billions in earmarks headed to states and cities
The funding comes despite conservative opposition to the federal government paying for specific local projects.
Digital Government
Without federal internet subsidies, state efforts to offer low-cost broadband could be impacted
The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program will not only impact the 23 million households participating, but also those who live in areas where broadband is being built out.
Finance
Senate at an ‘impasse’ over restoring child tax credit
Republicans in the chamber oppose the way the credit is calculated, making the passage of the tax package approved by the House in February uncertain.
Finance
Congress finally approves spending budget, nearly six months late
The vote in the House and Senate averts a shutdown and brings funding certainty. But several programs significant to state and local governments will see cuts.
Finance
Spending package cuts grants to cities to help with influx of migrants
The six spending bills also fail to fund internet subsidies and security for places of worship.
Digital Government
23M low-income households appear set to lose internet subsides
Congressional leaders did not include funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program in its final six spending bills.
Digital Government
Supreme Court appears wary of restricting government action to control misinformation
The justices' skepticism in the case has state and local election officials breathing a little easier as they worry about misinformation efforts ahead of November elections.
Management
988 currently doesn't use geolocation services. Counties want to change that.
Counties are pushing for Congress to pass legislation that will require calls be routed based on location. Wireless carriers are already working with the federal government to start doing that.
Finance
Biden proposes 'historic new program' to address child care shortages
In his budget, the president is asking Congress for more money for child care and the restoration of several pandemic-era programs, including the full child care tax expansion.
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Infrastructure
Housing gets big boost in Biden budget
The president is proposing funds to increase tax credits, support construction of affordable housing and reduce homelessness.
Finance
Senate approves six spending bills, averts partial government shutdown
Counties praised the package for addressing Medicaid access for the incarcerated. Now, congressional negotiators turn to the remaining six spending bills, which will determine the future of internet subsidies and other significant programs.
Workforce
Can student debt relief attract workers to state and local government jobs?
More than 46% of state and local employees reported being “extremely or very worried” about paying back their student loans. A new report suggests addressing that concern could entice more people into the public sector.
Finance
House passes spending bills in bipartisan vote
The package of bills provides additional funding for WIC and rental assistance, but drastically cuts funds funds for the largest state and local housing grant program and transit.
Digital Government
States, feds at odds over low-cost broadband option
Virginia says it’s unlawful to set a price for how much a company receiving federal broadband grants can charge low-income households. The feds disagree. They are withholding funding until the state sets a limit.
Finance
WIC, rental assistance get funding boost in newly unveiled spending bills
But the bipartisan proposals for six bills would cut funding to housing and transit programs.
Infrastructure
Biden administration announces new efforts to boost the nation’s housing supply
Federal officials will extend a program that has helped develop or rehabilitate nearly 12,000 affordable rental homes.
Digital Government
More than 17M low-income households will experience service disruptions if internet subsidy ends
Without the the Affordable Connectivity program, millions of families could lose internet access that they rely on for work, school and health care, new survey data shows.
Infrastructure
Biden administration waives certain ‘Build America’ requirements for broadband
Even with the waiver, though, the administration estimates that roughly 90% of funding for equipment will still be used to purchase U.S.-made products.
