Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

Rural young people returning to their communities from out-of-home placements may face unique barriers to successful reentry, and rural reentry service providers may face challenges in meeting their needs, according to the National Reentry Resource Center. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, November 29, 2024

In New Year, Medicaid will cover WV youths transitioning out of incarceration

Changes in federal law will permit West Virginia and other states to use Medicaid dollars to pay for health care services for incarcerated youths begi…

One Arkansas teacher said he does not think about the future because of the constraints of the cost of living. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Northwest AR development leads to housing crisis for educators

By Jordan P. Hickey for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop …

The original presidential term start date was March 4, but George Washington's inauguration was delayed to April 30, 1789. The 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933, moved Inauguration Day to Jan. 20. (Lux Blue/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

MI political expert examines lame-duck period, Biden's final actions

President Joe Biden has entered a "lame-duck" period, prompting a Michigan political science expert to analyze his potential actions before President-…

U.S. counties with state minimum wages between $7.26 and $9 saw a reduction in obesity by 0.6 percentage points, while counties with minimum wages of more than $9 experienced an obesity reduction of 2.8 percentage points, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Colorado obesity rate linked to economic inequality, low minimum wages

More than one in five Coloradans are considered obese, a chronic medical condition leading to serious health risks and a new study links obesity to …

An Equable Institute report finds Connecticut school districts with smaller pension obligations are likely to have a high percentage of their workforce paid lower salaries at or below $60,000. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Report: CT teacher pension financing creates inequity

A new report shows Connecticut's teacher pension financing reinforces inequity. The Equable Institute's report finds Pupil Pension Subsidies are …

Valdosta State University is one of the 26 higher education institutions that make up the University System of Georgia. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Georgia Match program hailed as college enrollment rises in GA

Georgia higher education officials are crediting a program assisting high school students with a wave of new enrollment in the state's colleges and un…

On the day after the Nov. 5th election, Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide reported a 1200% increase in scheduled vasectomy appointments and a 350% increase in birth control implant appointments. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

New England clinics see post-election spike in contraceptive requests

Health clinics in New England and elsewhere are coping with a sharp uptick in requests for long-acting contraceptives in the wake of the election…

Following the Nov. 5th election, Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide reported a 760% increase in IUD appointments scheduled and a 350% increase in birth control implant appointments. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Post-election contraceptive requests increase at ME clinics

Health clinics in Maine and elsewhere are coping with a sharp uptick in requests for long-acting contraceptives in the wake of the election. …

Oregon's Higher Education Coordinating Commission received 184 applications from organizations seeking a combined total of more than $185 million, for its latest round of grants. (C Malambo/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

$42 million awarded to Oregon job development projects

The latest round of Workforce Ready Grants means $42 million is being divided among 62 projects aiming to foster Oregon's diverse workforce in the fie…

About 350,000 households in Washington state are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit. (tomertu/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Report: Direct cash programs could benefit more WA families in need

Support for programs providing direct cash would benefit families in need in Washington state, a new report showed. About one in four Washingtonians …

Milk is the only food that makes up an entire food group. (magdal3na/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Activist: Dairy may not be best way to get your calcium

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Wh…

House Resolution 9495 is not the first bill with language potentially harming nonprofits to be voted on this year. House Resolution 6408 passed the chamber earlier this year with bipartisan support. However, it stalled and hasn't been brought for a vote in the Senate. (Adobe Stock)

House passes bill that targets nonprofits in NY, US

House lawmakers have passed a bill advocates said will be harmful to nonprofits in New York and nationwide. House Resolution 9495 passed with a 219-1…

Minnesota's foster care entry rate has declined in recent years, along with efforts to bolster the state's adoption policies. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers link better outcomes to MN adoption reforms

CLARIFICATION: We updated language to clarify the timing for when the study's authors began tracking certain outcome measures for children within the …

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has released the final phase of its tax study, focusing on advocacy. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier leaders tackle child care, workforce issues

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce outlined six key priorities for lawmakers ahead of the legislative session in January. Rather than releasing …

Changes could be coming to Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act as President-elect Donald Trump builds his administration. (I Viewfinder/Adobe Stock)

2nd Trump term to affect health coverage for Arkansans

Low-income Arkansas families could be in for some big cuts to health care under a second Trump administration, according to health experts. Policy …

The Employment Navigation and Partnership Program first launched in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

How troops struggle, excel in civilian employment

By Victoria Lim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Ser…

The middle 20% of Americans, families making between $55,000 and $94,000, would face an average tax increase of $1,530 in 2026 under Trump tax proposals. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado working families would pay more under Trump tax proposals

President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have promised to pass a new tax bill, and a new report breaks down the expected winners and …

Research site Statista lists 23,000 specialty physicians in Illinois including 2071 radiologists, 1489 cardiologists and 987 oncologists. (Adobe Stock)

IL doctors seek revisions to their Medicare reimbursement amounts

The number of Medicare enrollees is projected to rise over the next few years as the baby boomer population ages. More than 2 million Illinoisans are …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

Immigrants made up 4.7% of Wyoming's workforce in 2022, according to the American Immigration Council, and paid $151 million in taxes. (Adobe Stock)

Immigrants’ rights training in Jackson this weekend

Immigrants and the agencies that help them are preparing for what could happen when President-elect Donald Trump returns to office. In Wyoming…

Despite a 70% approval rate of all school referendums this year, the state saw a 10% decrease from 2022, making it the lowest passage rate in a midterm or presidential election year in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsinites passed record measures for public school funding

Wisconsinites overwhelmingly voted 'yes' on a record number of school funding measures, according to a new Wisconsin Policy Forum study. The appeals …

Over the last four school years, charter schools gained more than 300,000 new students, an increase of 9%, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. (Adobe Stock)

Election results could bring renewed emphasis on vouchers, charter schools

By Nirvi Shah for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service Collaboration Du…

The proposed Education Freedom Scholarship Act in Tennessee aims to give parents the power to choose the best education for their child and a say in how their taxpayer dollars are used. (BalanceFormCreative/Adobe Stock)

Project 2025's education overhaul could have potential fallout for TN schools

A Tennessee education advocacy group is voicing concerns about Project 2025, which aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and transfer …

A new analysis found solar and wind energy sources are much better poised to meet U.S. energy demands in the next decade than new nuclear technology. (maxdigi/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: New nuclear tech distracts from proven renewable energy

New nuclear power options are getting a lot of attention but analysts said the unproven options could distract from readily available renewable energy…

After immigrating to the U.S. many immigrants and their families encounter challenges, including low-paying jobs, language barriers and navigating complex systems. (artiom.photo/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

By Antoinette Grajeda for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop…

The Hoosier Environmental Council reports Indiana has more unlined coal ash pits that contaminate our groundwater than any other state in the nation. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier green goals at crossroads amid federal shifts

Indiana environmental advocates are facing uncertainties following the election. Changes in federal leadership could shift key environmental …

Health experts said it is unclear whether the next Trump administration will continue drug price negotiations in Medicare or seek to repeal or weaken them. (Eric Hood)

Health experts brace for Trump Administration 2.0

California could be in for some big cuts to health care for low-income families under a second Trump administration, according to health experts…

Research has found the stability of parents' home ownership contributes to their kids' higher standardized test scores in math and reading. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

New coalition aims to address Oregon home ownership 'crisis'

With housing prices nearly doubling in the last 10 years, the number of Oregonians who can afford to buy a home without assistance has dwindled and a …

According to Environment Illinois, residential rooftop solar grew nearly 2,300% between 2017 and 2022. (Adobe Stock)

IL solar energy demand remains strong, boosts job growth

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

As of Nov. 1, the United States has faced 24 confirmed weather and climate disaster events in 2024, each causing over $1 billion in damages. These included 17 severe storms and four other major events.(Adobe Stock)

Citizen scientists’ rainfall data saves lives, aids weather forecasting

By Jennifer Oldham for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act are now flowing to help California families afford energy-efficient electric heat pumps. (Isengard/Adobe Stock)

New CA rebate program launched to cut home energy costs

A new rebate program could save California families up to $8,000 on an electric heat pump for home heating and cooling. The Home Electrification and …

West Virginia communities rely on more than 600 elementary and secondary schools statewide, according to the state's Department of Education. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: WV voters support investing in local public schools, teachers

A new postelection survey found voters across the political spectrum said they support investing in public schools and teachers. The findings from …

Idaho Gov. Brad Little was first elected in 2018. (gov.idaho.gov)

Idahoans get chance to speak with Gov. Little at town hall

Older Idahoans have an opportunity to speak with Governor Brad Little next week. AARP Idaho is hosting a telephone town hall with the governor…

The City of Seattle aims to cut all climate pollution by 2030. (CLShebley/Adobe Stock)

Green New Deal community assemblies in Seattle pioneer citizen involvement

Community members in Seattle had a unique opportunity to weigh in on the policies guiding the city's climate goals. In 2019, the City of Seattle …

The federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program has issued almost $40 million in grants for repairs and improvements to Indiana rail lines. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Infrastructure Act grants aimed at Indiana regional rail improvements

A federal program for infrastructure improvements has awarded Indiana rail lines almost $40 million in grants for major rail projects across the state…

In 17% of Colorado households with children, the children are not eating enough because the family did not earn enough to purchase enough food, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Colorado's leading advocate for people experiencing hunger turns 15 this year and a new report outlined key advances and persistent challenges facing …

A child's public education costs $19,000 annually in Connecticut, but it can cost $274,000 to imprison a child. (Adobe Stock)

Youth justice reforms a top 2025 priority for Connecticut group

As it advocates for changes to the youth justice system in 2025, a Connecticut group says the state needs to do more to examine and address the root …

Building generational wealth is the goal behind New Mexico's proposed

Child advocates want NM to eradicate poverty through 'baby bonds'

New Mexico child welfare groups are behind an initiative they plan to introduce in the next legislative session to create a so-called baby bonds progr…

Wisconsin will receive $78 million over five years from the federal government to expand electric vehicle improvements. It plans to have all new charging stations up and running by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

WI makes innovative strides, but lags in EV adoption

Electric vehicles have seen a nationwide uptick, yet Wisconsin lags behind - with EVs making up only about 1% of all cars on the road. …

The National Institute on Retirement Security reported the average retirement benefit for public workers is about $2,428 a month. (Adobe Stock)

Americans make it clear: They like public pensions, new research finds

North Dakota is no stranger to public pension debates. States face pressure to keep retirement systems well-funded and new data show most Americans …

According to MSCI, 97% of nickel, 89% of copper, 79% of lithium and 68% of cobalt supplies in the U.S. are located within 35 miles of Native American reservations. (Adobe Stock)

Federal agendas aside, tribes have a lot to offer in 'energy evolution'

President-elect Donald Trump's agenda for "energy dominance" could majorly impact leaders in the sector, including the state of Wyoming and the …

The FBI is investigating a nationwide wave of harassing texts with messages referencing slavery. In Wisconsin, Black residents of all ages have reported receiving them. (Adobe Stock)

WI wave of racist texts sparks concerns over data privacy

CORRECTION: The legislation mentioned in this story was passed by the Wisconsin State Assembly. It has not yet been voted on by the state Senate…

According to the RAND Corporation, more than 14 million Americans provide daily care to veterans and service members who are ill, injured or wounded. (Adobe Stock)

New Nebraska caregiver tax credit has military focus

As Nebraskans anticipate the upcoming holiday season, some might also be looking ahead to the 2025 tax season, which will include a new tax credit …

A Department of Veterans Affairs report found 41% of veterans nationwide were found to have a potential need for mental health care. (Adobe Stock)

NY group establishes new veterans' direct care program

A New York group has a new program to help veterans. The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York's Veteran Direct Care program helps …

Depending on a person's income, disability, age or health condition they could be eligible for a Dual Special Needs Plan at no additional cost. (Eric Hood/Adobe Stock)

TX seniors could benefit from extra Medicare and Medicaid coverage

Medicare open enrollment is underway, and seniors have until Dec. 7 to update their plans, if needed. Lindsey Vanderbilt, director of communications …

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem in January offered support to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border control initiatives, including personally delivering razor wire. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Immigrants' advocates strategize as Noem could head DHS

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to confirm his choice of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security and …

In North Carolina, New Markets Tax Credits administered by Self-Help Ventures Fund have transformed communities through projects like Durham's American Tobacco Campus, Greensboro's Revolution Mill and the Renaissance Shops at Phillips Avenue. (Adobe Stock)

Community projects across NC to be fueled by new access to federal support

Health care providers and schools across North Carolina could soon benefit from tax credits to help projects get off the ground and serve thousands of…

The Esperanza Health Centers' Brighton Park expansion allows the federally qualified health center to serve an additional 23,000 patients on Chicago's South Side. (Creative Commons)

Federal tax credits help clinics expand in low-income IL communities

A federal program is awarding billions of dollars in tax credits to spur investment and economic growth in low-income urban and rural communities…

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