Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

Analysts with UnidosUS say the $23 billion average annual SNAP cut under the House budget resolution would be more than three times the size of the largest previous cut ever made to the food-assistance program. (Photo courtesy Farmers Market Coalition)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

For MN, SNAP benefits reach farmers markets, other parts of economy

Congressional Republicans are poised to move forward with a proposal that would bring major cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program…

Since 2023, the caucus has secured more than $200 million in new Momnibus and maternal-health funding through the federal budget process. That money is now reaching community groups, universities, health providers and researchers nationwide. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Black maternal health remains focus of PA lawmakers

With Mother's Day coming up, some Pennsylvania lawmakers are backing a set of bills that could help improve maternal health. The Black Maternal …

In 2024, volunteers with the Pacific Crest Trail Association worked more that 57,000 hours and maintained more than 1,100 miles of trail. (PCTA)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Access to Pacific Crest Trail threatened by federal cuts

Access to the beloved Pacific Crest Trail may soon be limited - due to a drop in federal grants and big layoffs proposed for federal public lands agen…

On average, military families are more likely to have a child with special or mental-health needs compared with civilian families. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Report: MD military families rely on Medicaid, critical to national security

Republican lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. But a new report finds those spending cuts might impact health-care …

Overdraft fees originated during a time when consumers wrote and cashed checks more frequently so the checks would clear instead of bouncing. The amount of the fees has increased over time. (JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Overdraft fees are here to stay, costing Texans thousands of dollars a year

Congress has overturned legislation which would have limited bank overdraft fees before the measure could go into effect. The Consumer Financial …

Illinois residents pay the second-highest gasoline taxes in the country, according to WalletHub. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Poll: High taxes number one concern for Illinois residents

High taxes and a weak economy are the top concerns of Illinois residents according to a new poll, with nearly half of those surveyed saying they …

Minnesota's version of the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is geared for helping households in need stay warm in the winter. But for warmer regions, LIHEAP is said to be crucial for customers trying to stay cool in the scorching heat. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

MN finally gets federal aid for heating bill program but issue is not settled

For now, Minnesota officials say panic has eased over federal funding for a program helping low-income households with their energy bills but there …

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $7.4 million in grants to boost urban farming and food access in struggling communities. (Joshua Resnick/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Community leaders in MO take action amid threats to SNAP benefits

As the national debate intensifies over cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits and school meal funding, Missouri food system leaders are …

As of 2023, half of likely undocumented immigrant adults and one in five lawfully present immigrant adults reported being uninsured, compared with less than one in 10 naturalized citizens and U.S.-born citizen adults, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

AZ hospitals could be required to ask patients about legal status

State lawmakers in Arizona are considering legislation to mandate hospitals to ask patients whether they are in the country legally. Rep. John …

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act included tax credits and incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption in New Mexico. (See Less/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

A bipartisan group of current and former elected officials said the continued use of fossil fuels threatens global security and they want funding for …

More than 180,000 Iowans gained Medicaid coverage when the state enrolled in an optional expansion in 2013, part of the Affordable Care Act. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Threatened Medicaid cuts would hobble Iowa's child-care workforce

A new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families said the Trump administration's proposed cuts to Medicaid would hobble Iowa…

Ohio ranks eighth nationally in the number of children in rural communities who rely on Medicaid for health coverage, with 30% of rural kids enrolled. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Health coverage holds up Ohio’s child care

Ohio's child care system is under strain and a new national report highlighted how Medicaid helps support the workforce behind early childhood care…

Through its Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, Community Action Partnership<br />of North Dakota said it handled an additional 70 cases last year. Of those seeking help, all were either on the brink of homelessness or already without a home. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

ND commits new funding to prevent homelessness among military veterans

This spring marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War ending. In North Dakota, veterans from the war, along with others who have served, are in …

The most common types of vandalism to Indigenous rock art in Wyoming are incised initials, names, <br />and dates and firearm damage, according to a 2024 report. (Tami Freed/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Actions by Wyoming, feds could have opposing effects on Indigenous rock art

Protections for Indigenous rock art in Wyoming are in limbo after state lawmakers and the Trump administration took potentially conflicting actions re…

Under Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower, people who earned more than $400,000 a year paid a top tax rate of 92%. Today's top rate is 37%. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Taxing the rich to pay for Trump priorities wouldn't slow economic growth

Reports of the Trump administration considering taxing wealthy Americans to pay for mass deportations and other priorities come on the heels of a new …

According to a new poll, 93% of Wyomingites agree oil and gas development on public lands should proceed with caution, especially in relation to drinking water and wildlife habitat. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

WY poll: 81% say 'don't drill where there isn't oil or gas'

Today, the Republican budget package on the nation's energy policy gets a closer look from the House Natural Resources Committee in Congress…

The Ohio Education Association estimates Ohio public schools would be underfunded by $2.75 billion under the House version of the state budget. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Public school advocates look to OH Senate to restore Fair School Funding

As Ohio lawmakers debate the state budget, advocates for public schools are voicing concerns proposed cuts and policy changes could harm children's …

Some 1.2 million Coloradans rely on Medicaid, including pregnant mothers, people with disabilities, working families and nearly 60% of people in nursing care facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts could impact 1 in 4 CO child care workers

CORRECTION: The name of the spokesperson from the Center for Law and Social Policy is Suzanne Wikle. She had been incorrectly identified as Suzanne …

Almost three in four Nevada voters polled believe current oil and gas development fees on national public lands should not be reduced. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Poll: Nevadans oppose ramping up oil, gas development

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources will consider reversing Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas leasing in states like Nevada on Tuesday…

In 2023 in Tennessee, 26% of Hispanic adults had an associate degree or higher, compared to 40% of white, non-Hispanic adults. (Cambo27/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Report: TN Latino college students rely less on financial aid

Latino students in Tennessee and nationwide apply for financial aid at higher rates than some other ethnic groups, according to new research but they …

In a new survey, 71% of Montanans said they believe oil and gas drilling should be restricted to areas of public land that are highly likely to contain fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

House Committee takes up 'drill, baby, drill' budget today

Today, the Republican budget package on the nation's energy policy gets a closer look from the House Natural Resources Committee in Congress…

In a statewide survey about Library Media Specialists for Minnesota's K-12 schools, some respondents reported using their personal funds to support the library where they work. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Nearly half of MN school libraries lack licensed media specialist

Minnesota law requires K-12 school libraries to be staffed by a licensed media specialist but survey results indicated almost half of districts have d…

Proposals to cut SNAP come on top of a USDA decision in April to cancel 30 truckloads of food bound for Oregon food banks. (Ekkarat_Studio/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Federal cuts to food assistance would hit many Oregonians

Groups fighting hunger in Oregon are urging residents to speak up if they are concerned about the cuts Congress could make to food, health care and …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, passenger vehicles emit about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, on average. (Chris Ahern Photo/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Detroit area pollution worsens, as 'clean vehicle' debate rolls on

Air pollution in the Motor City area is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. The …

The Florida Solar Rights Act protects homeowners' rights to install solar energy systems. (Pixabay)

Monday, May 5, 2025

FL solar advocates urge Congress to keep tax credits

As Congress prepares to vote this week on a budget bill which would repeal solar energy tax credits, Florida solar advocates warned the move would …

Researchers said a new SkillsUSA and Northern Illinois University study is the most comprehensive to date on how many students are involved in apprenticeships, internships, courses and other work-based learning activities. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

IL apprenticeships on the rise but disparities remain

A new report shows Illinois youth now have more apprenticeship and internship opportunities, with an increase in women and minority participation but …

Only 16% of Americans live in rural areas but rural communities account for 88% of the area served by the U.S. Postal Service and 57% of post offices. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

Rural VA could be hit hardest by USPS privatization, report finds

Privatization of the U.S. Postal Service would affect services for thousands of people in Virginia, according to a new report. Research by the …

Nearly 28% of child-care workers are covered by Medicaid, and 43% of early educator families rely on one or more public safety nets such as Medicaid or SNAP to make ends meet. (saksit/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

Report: AR child care workers could be hurt by cuts to Medicaid

CORRECTION: The name of the spokesperson from the Center for Law and Social Policy is Suzanne Wikle. She had been incorrectly identified as Suzanne …

Maryland ranks ninth in state spending per child on preschool education. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

MD preschool enrollment fails to keep pace with high spending

A new report finds Maryland spends more on each child in preschool than nearly every other state but still falls short of certain preschool quality st…

More than one in three Ohio parents with children under 5 report serious problems paying rent or mortgage, according to a statewide Groundwork Ohio poll. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

Ohio families left waiting as child tax credit stalls

A refundable child tax credit aimed at helping families with young children was proposed in Gov. DeWine's budget but was stripped out by the Ohio …

The National Institute for Early Education Research conducts studies to strengthen the early childhood care workforce through evidence-based recommendations. (bernardbodo/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

Federal funding uncertainty puts preschool pressure on Michigan

Michigan's Great Start School Readiness Program enrolled more than 41,000 preschoolers in the 2023-24 school year, almost 3,000 more than the year …

Business organizations say between 2017 and 2024, the cost of child-care in North Dakota increased 40% at traditional day care centers. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

ND set to offer new child care tax credit

Solving North Dakota's child-care crisis is taking another turn, with adoption of a new tax credit. The incentive is geared for employers who make …

In Spring 2023, Arkansas created the Office of Early Childhood within the Arkansas Department of Education, which unifies the Arkansas early-childhood system. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

A report by the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Arkansas needs to improve its reach with pre-K students. The state fell from …

Across the country, an estimated 20% of all Americans age 40 and older who are prescribed medication for a chronic condition get their prescriptions exclusively through the Postal Service. (Adobe Stock)

Report: If USPS is privatized, which AZ communities would pay more?

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have proposed privatizing the United States Postal Service by selling it to a corporation such as FedEx or UPS…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has taken steps to boost local meat-processing capacity, but policy experts said there are still plenty of gaps around the country. (Adobe Stock)

Congress sees renewed push for local meat processing grants

When consumers buy a meat product, they might like the idea it came from a local farm or ranch. But experts say there are still logjams in regional …

Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said 90% of the tomatoes exported by Mexico go to the United States. (Pixabay)

FL tomato industry enters new era as U.S.-Mexico trade agreement ends

The Florida tomato industry is stepping into uncharted territory following the termination of a decades old trade agreement with Mexico, marking what …

A key factor for producers is whether the Trump administration's Department of Agriculture will provide financial relief to farmers as the Department did during President Donald Trump's first term. (Branex/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee farmers, consumers expected to feel Trump's tariffs

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Executive orders and legislative pushes are common in the first 100 days of a new term, as presidents try to act quickly while political capital is at its peak. (kropic/Adobe Stock)

MI policy expert analyzes Trump’s executive orders after 100-day milestone

As President Donald Trump crosses the 100-day mark of his second term, a Michigan political expert is taking a closer look, especially at the …

In the U.S. Constitution, the 5th and 14th Amendment protections against government actions depriving someone of life, liberty, or property without due process apply to all people within U.S. jurisdiction, regardless of their immigration status. (Adobe Stock)

IL lawyer: Kilmar Obrego Garcia case a ‘constitutional crisis’

An Illinois law professor is weighing in on what she called a "very public and open test of due process" for immigrants being deported from the United…

Families in Colorado and across the nation spend up to 60% of their income on child care, the equivalent of a second mortgage or rent payment. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of affordable child care costs Colorado $2.7 billion annually

The lack of quality child care for infants and toddlers costs Colorado nearly $3 billion each year in lost earnings, productivity and revenue but an …

Eleven states and Washington D.C., serve at least half of 4-year-olds in state-funded preschool, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky’s federal preschool funding faces uncertain future

The number of Kentucky children enrolled in preschool increased in 2024, along with state spending per child, according to new data from the National …

Some 56,000 military members, veterans and their families in Virginia are dually enrolled in military health insurance and Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts could impact veterans in VA, report finds

As Republican lawmakers in Washington, D.C., consider cuts to Medicaid, a new report has found thousands of veterans in Virginia could be affected…

Assembly Bill 55 would make it easier for birthing centers to accept Medi-Cal, which would expand options for new families. (Bosotochka/Adobe Stock)

Bills aim to strengthen CA health care as Congress considers cuts

Groups advocating for better access to health care have introduced what they call "Care4All California," a package of 13 bills designed to shore up th…

Experts say the Food Security and Farm Protection Act could potentially threaten over 1,000 public health, food safety and welfare laws across the country. (Dusan Petkovic/Adobe Stock)

New bill in Congress seeks to overturn CA animal welfare law

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

Healthy School Meals for All serves up more than 600,000 meals every school day in Colorado, regardless of a student's ability to pay. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado voters could decide fate of Healthy School Meals for All

As Colorado lawmakers grapple with $1.2 billion in budget cuts, child nutrition advocates are turning to voters to protect funding for the state's …

While people living in rural areas account for only 16 percent of the U.S. population, rural areas account for 88% of the area served by the Postal Service and 57% of post offices. (Adobe Stock)<br />

If Postal Service is privatized, which UT communities would pay the price?

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have proposed privatizing the United States Postal Service by selling it to a corporation such as FedEx or UPS…

Immigrants make up 16% of all workers in the construction industry in Washington state. Removing thousands of workers from the labor force would increase the cost and limit the total construction feasible during a historic housing shortage. (Soleila/Adobe Stock)

New report: Mass deportations would harm WA economy

A new report warned mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in Washington would lead to labor shortages and make many goods and services more exp…

Between the 2023-2024 school year and this year, average annual teacher pay in South Dakota increased by more than $3,000. (Adobe Stock)

SD makes noticeable jump in teacher pay rankings. Can it last?

New national rankings out this week show South Dakota jumped a few spots higher in teacher pay for each state. However, there are questions about …

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