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One city’s effort to cancel $2B in residents’ medical debt
January 23, 2024 | News, FinanceNew York City joins a growing number of local governments looking to purchase and eliminate residents’ medical debt in a bid to improve communities’ health and economic outcomes.
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Federal lawmakers take first steps toward oversight of $50 billion in opioid settlements
January 22, 2024 | News, FinanceThe four-page bill lists how states should spend settlement money, but it doesn’t specify consequences for flouting the rules or name who is in charge of monitoring compliance.
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A short-term spending deal has been reached that would keep the government open until March
January 17, 2024 | News, FinanceThe deal, though, doesn’t include funding for two critical programs for low-income people.
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Child tax credit revived under proposal in Congress
January 16, 2024 | Finance, NewsNegotiators in the House and Senate reached a deal on a proposal to restore the popular credit, as well as one that helps build housing for low-income families.
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How state and local agencies are working together to quell the opioid crisis
January 12, 2024 | News, FinanceLeaders at every level of government underlined the importance of collaboration to effectively leverage funding to address the nationwide opioid epidemic during a recent National Association of Counties event.
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WIC program on pace to fall $1B short, says agriculture secretary
January 11, 2024 | News, FinanceUnless Congress budgets more, the program will run out of money in mid-August, forcing states to waitlist those seeking help.
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Washington’s cap on carbon is raising billions for climate action. Can it survive the backlash?
| News, FinanceA repeal initiative blaming the state's climate law for higher gas prices could wind up on the ballot in November.
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How governments are tackling medical debt
January 10, 2024 | News, FinanceMedical debt can stymie communities’ economic mobility as unpaid hospital bills chip away at public dollars. That’s why local governments are looking to forgive residents’ medical debt, which experts say can be especially helpful for rural areas.
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As online gambling expands, so do concerns about addictions
January 08, 2024 | News, FinanceMobile sports betting is live and legal in 37 states and Washington, D.C. Online casino games are legal in 7 states. Those numbers could grow in 2024.
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State lawmakers seek to limit property tax increases as home values soar
January 04, 2024 | News, FinanceProperty taxes are rising along with real estate prices—particularly in the Mountain West.