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Legislative inaction and dissatisfaction with one-party control lead to more ballot initiatives, with 60% of them in 6 states
March 22, 2024 | News, ManagementCOMMENTARY | Citizen-led ballot measures have been used in various states to expand Medicaid, preserve abortion rights and raise minimum wages, but over the past five years, lawmakers have increasingly made it harder to get these initiatives and referendums on… Read More »
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Inflation has turned Washington state’s property tax cap into a county budget-killer
| News, FinanceFrustrated county officials say state leaders have shunted the state’s financial burden onto local governments.
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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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Schools are vulnerable to breaches—and hackers know it
| News, CybersecuritySchools face unique challenges in shoring up their cyber defenses. Just ask Baltimore County Public Schools. It suffered a successful attack in 2020, and while its cyber protection has improved, it still faces roadblocks.
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Biden announces $6B in student debt relief for public service workers
| News, WorkforceAn estimated 78,000 teachers, firefighters and public health workers are among the group of borrowers who will see their debts canceled under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
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GOP attorneys general charge into battle over state election rules
| News, ManagementIf the 2024 election is contested, Republican AGs look well-placed to push conservative legal arguments that could directly influence court decisions and infiltrate the broader public debate, experts say.
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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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States look to AI for its potential to help with finances
March 20, 2024 | News, FinanceArtificial intelligence holds promise for creating budget-saving efficiencies, aiding in audits and helping with compliance. But the emerging technology also poses challenges that could affect spending.
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Automakers get some breathing room in EPA air pollution rules
| News, InfrastructureThe Biden administration is still pushing for a major shift to electric vehicles by 2032, but many Republicans remain skeptical.
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As cyber grant program hits the halfway mark, feds laud states’ progress
| News, CybersecurityTwo years into the $1 billion program, state and local governments are better prepared for cyber attacks. But funding remains an obstacle as under-resourced cybersecurity budgets struggle to keep up with mounting threats.