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In crisis and on hold: How the 988 hotline revamped callers’ experience
April 03, 2024 | News, ManagementTo 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.
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Billions in earmarks headed to states and cities
April 01, 2024 | News, FinanceThe funding comes despite conservative opposition to the federal government paying for specific local projects.
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Without federal internet subsidies, state efforts to offer low-cost broadband could be impacted
March 29, 2024 | News, Digital GovernmentThe 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.
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Senate at an ‘impasse’ over restoring child tax credit
March 28, 2024 | News, FinanceRepublicans in the chamber oppose the way the credit is calculated, making the passage of the tax package approved by the House in February uncertain.
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Congress finally approves spending budget, nearly six months late
March 23, 2024 | News, FinanceThe 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.
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Spending package cuts grants to cities to help with influx of migrants
March 21, 2024 | News, FinanceThe six spending bills also fail to fund internet subsidies and security for places of worship.
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23M low-income households appear set to lose internet subsides
| News, Digital GovernmentCongressional leaders did not include funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program in its final six spending bills.
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Supreme Court appears wary of restricting government action to control misinformation
March 18, 2024 | News, Digital GovernmentThe 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.
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988 currently doesn’t use geolocation services. Counties want to change that.
March 15, 2024 | News, ManagementCounties 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.
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Biden proposes ‘historic new program’ to address child care shortages
March 12, 2024 | News, FinanceIn 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.