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WIC, rental assistance get funding boost in newly unveiled spending bills
March 04, 2024 | News, FinanceBut the bipartisan proposals for six bills would cut funding to housing and transit programs.
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Estimated 2.5 million people displaced by natural disasters in 2023 tell a story of recovery in America and who is vulnerable
| News, ManagementResidents who don’t know how to find information about disaster recovery assistance or can’t take time away from work to apply for aid can have a harder time getting quick help from federal and state agencies.
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As xylazine surges, some lawmakers want jail time for dealers and people who use the drug
| News, ManagementThe animal sedative is cheap, easy to get and sometimes winds up in other illicit substances.
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States move to cut grocery taxes
March 01, 2024 | News, FinanceAmid rising food prices, more states are moving to eliminate a sales tax that impacts lower-income households the most.
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Downtowns need a makeover. Resident, commercial engagement could help.
| News, InfrastructureCities are finding ways to attract residents and tourists back downtown, building small business support, community spirit and a local identity.
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Lawmakers across the U.S. seek to curb utility spending on politics, ads and more extras
| News, ManagementAt least a dozen states have considered bills to limit how gas, water and electric utilities can spend customers’ money.
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Biden administration announces new efforts to boost the nation’s housing supply
| News, InfrastructureFederal officials will extend a program that has helped develop or rehabilitate nearly 12,000 affordable rental homes.
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What does a state’s secretary of state do? Most run elections, a once-routine job facing increasing scrutiny
| News, ManagementCOMMENTARY | As the chief election official, a secretary of state’s influence over the democratic process can extend to every single elected office.
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White House beefs up child care block grants
February 29, 2024 | News, FinanceA new rule caps the total amount low-income families have to pay for child care at 7% of their income and directs states to pay child care providers more fairly and on time.
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AI could help clear food stamp backlogs plaguing some states
| News, Emerging TechStates are increasingly seeing it as a way to better process public benefit programs amid workforce shortages and outdated technology issues. But change can be incremental amid policy and money concerns.