Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

A new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families said proposed cuts in Medicaid funding would cripple Iowa's rural health centers, where many children rely on the program for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Report: Threatened Medicaid cuts would hurt rural Iowa kids most

Advocates for young Iowans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. A new national report …

Health providers in rural Colorado, which operate on thin margins, could see more uncompensated care costs if proposed Medicaid cuts clear Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

As the new Congress considers cutting Medicaid by more than $2 trillion, a new report details how the move would disproportionately affect rural …

Under the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, the maximum grant amount for irrigation/canal companies is $1,000,000, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Utah program incentivizes farmers to optimize water use

A Utah grant program is aiming to incentivize farmers to optimize their water use. Historically, Utah agriculture has accounted for up to 80% of the …

In Montana's Constitution, Section 9 of the Declaration of Rights reads:

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Montana court upholds citizens’ ‘right to know’ about legislative bills, for now

A Montana District Court this week issued a preliminary injunction maintaining the public's right to know about legislative bills but the case will ne…

Larger livestock operations have become a flashpoint in Midwestern states, with backers saying they are modernized to feed the world at lower costs. But some local communities and environmentalists remain skeptical, with air and water quality concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

SD pushes to keep certain CAFO details nearly out of reach

Larger livestock operations can be a thorny issue in rural areas and South Dakota lawmakers are proposing restricting feedlot details with more commun…

The hottest year on record was 2024, as average global temperatures continue to rise due to the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

As President Donald Trump abandons a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly a decade ago, organized workers across Colorado are joining forces to …

Wyoming ranked 43rd in the nation for youth mental health in 2022. Lawmakers are struggling to agree on the role schools should play. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Wyoming lawmakers debate school’s role in youth mental health

In Wyoming, lawmakers are split on the role schools should play in improving children's mental health, although experts said they are pivotal…

Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., showed several constituents the Capitol rotunda, which held Trump's inauguration. (Trimmel Gomes)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Trump pardons Capitol rioters, sparks rebuke over justice, law enforcement

In an effort to make up for President Donald Trump moving his inauguration indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, leaving many ticket holders to watch from …

Arizona has the largest difference in the share of children covered by Medicaid/CHIP in small towns and rural areas compared to metro areas, according to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. (Beth Van Trees/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Report: Medicaid plays crucial role in rural Arizona

Rural Arizonans, especially children, are more likely to rely on Medicaid for health coverage compared to people in metro areas, according to a new …

At Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, 45% of patients use Medicaid to cover their health care services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

New report: 1 in 3 kids in rural Wisconsin insured by Medicaid

As Congress considers cuts to Medicaid, a new report showed one in three children living in rural areas of Wisconsin are insured by the health …

As of 2023, Medi-Cal covered 22% of non-elderly adults in urban areas and 14% in rural areas. (Pcess609/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Report: Proposed cuts to Medi-Cal will hurt rural CA the most

Rural Californians would be hurt the most by huge proposed cuts to Medicaid, known in California as Medi-Cal, according to a new report from …

In 2022, 182,000 children were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in Nebraska, almost 53% of total Medicaid recipients in the state. Last year, Nebraska expanded eligibility for kids with special needs who live with their parents. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

Advocates for young Nebraskans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. A new national report …

A new report from Georgetown University showed the effects a proposed cut to Medicaid would have on rural New Mexico, where residents already have worse health outcomes than those in cities. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

With President Donald Trump back in office, Congressional Republicans are eager to extend his 2017 tax cuts, which likely means slashing the Medicaid …

In 2022, 52% of rural hospitals no longer had maternity wards, compared to 36% of urban hospitals. Cuts to Medicaid funding would affect already struggling rural medical facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten rural PA residents, hospitals

Federal safety net programs face major potential cuts as the Trump administration pursues budget reductions, with a House GOP proposal suggesting $2.5…

More than 400,000 people are enrolled in MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. At least 40,000 recipients continue in an

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

Children and families in rural Maine would face the greatest harm should proposed funding cuts to the federal Medicaid program be implemented…

A 2022 report found New York State has one school psychologist for every 648 students, one school social worker for every 773 students, and one school counselor for every 288 students, far exceeding recommended ratios. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

Schools in New York and nationwide continue to play an important role in bolstering kids' mental health. New York made a $1 billion investment in …

Nearly 41% of children in small towns and rural areas rely on Medicaid for their coverage, compared with about 38% in metro areas. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families showed most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for heal…

In 2021, Ohio spent approximately $1.3 billion on child welfare services, ranking it among the top states for reliance on local funding, with counties shouldering nearly half of the cost. (Mediaphotos/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Addressing Ohio’s youth care crisis

Finding appropriate placements for youths entering Ohio's child welfare system has become increasingly difficult. Rachel Reedy, outreach and member …

In Indiana, a parental rights bill has sparked the most discussion around schools and the Department of Child Services. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Controversial IN parental rights bill progresses

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a measure focused on parental rights. Senate Bill 143 has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 9-2 vote…

Around 22% of people in Kentucky are covered by Medicaid, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Proposed Medicaid changes would hit KY and other rural states hard

Nearly one-third of Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block as lawmakers look for ways to reduce the national deficit. A new report found …

Rural Idaho children rely on Medicaid. More than 490,000 Idahoans live in rural communities. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

Rural communities in Idaho and other states rely heavily on Medicaid for health coverage, according to new research from the Georgetown University …

A 2022 report found Washington state had one school counselor for every 465 students, far higher than the recommendation of one for every 250 students. (Synthex/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

WA falls behind in school-based mental health support

As young people struggle with mental health issues, schools often provide the best avenue for getting them help. However, Washington state has fallen …

Montgomery, home to a population of 200,603 as of 2020, stands as the second-largest city in Alabama, following Birmingham. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Montgomery mayor seeks housing solutions at U.S. Conference of Mayors

More than 250 mayors from cities in Alabama and across the country gathered this weekend to tackle the nation's most prominent issues at the 93rd annu…

With a 2020 population of 56,795, Brookhaven ranks as the second-largest city entirely within DeKalb County, trailing only Stonecrest. (Marcus Jones/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Brookhaven mayor focuses on sustainability at national mayors conference

John Park, mayor of Brookhaven, joined more than 250 mayors at the 93rd annual winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C…

stated food stamps alone kept more than 1.3 million children out of poverty last year. (paulaphoto/Adobe Stock)">

Monday, January 20, 2025

Report: Child poverty derails dream of MLK Jr.

In his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. condemned the poverty hindering Black Americans' rights and decades later, a new …

More than a half million Mountain State residents rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Experts: Medicaid essential for WV nursing home care

Nearly one-third of Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block as lawmakers look for ways to reduce the national deficit. A new report found …

Among adults younger than 65, about 18% of those in small towns and rural America get their coverage through Medicaid, compared with about 16% in metro areas. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families shows most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for healt…

Michigan House Rep. Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, represents Michigan's 47th District, covering parts of Jackson and Washtenaw counties. She was elected in Nov. 2022 and began her term in Jan. 2023. (Rep. Carrie Rheingans)

Lawmaker fights for better health, housing for Michiganders

More Michigan residents need access to affordable housing and health insurance, according to a lawmaker pushing for change. Rep. Carrie Rheingans…

Gov. Tate Reeves's executive order requires artificial intelligence technologies to be carefully deployed in Mississippi, to mitigate potential risks and harms. (Adobe Stock)

AI leader praises MS governor’s push for responsible tech

Mississippi is embracing the future of artificial intelligence with Gov. Tate Reeves' executive order establishing a framework for its responsible …

People in Alabama will experience increased risks from heat, rainfall and fires due to climate change over the next 30 years, according to ClimateCheck. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Report: AL needs to make energy efficiency a priority

A new report contended Alabama needs to invest more in energy efficiency so it can do more to lower power bills and curb the effects of climate change…

Research from the University of Washington in 2023 found 39% of New York State households struggle to cover costs, although the federal Official Poverty Measure only recognizes 13% of the state's population as living in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill creates expansive working families tax credit

New York legislation could help working families in the state cope with rising prices. The Working Families Tax Credit would combine a patchwork of …

In his 2025 State of the State address, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp highlighted the efforts of the GRACE Commission. He noted the state has investigated over 330 human trafficking cases, secured 49 convictions and rescued about 200 trafficking survivors. (Adobe Stock)

State of the State: Kemp proposes GA tax cuts, tort reform

Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his 2025 State of the State address Thursday, emphasizing tax cuts and tort reform as key priorities for Georgia. Kemp …

Appalachia could see wind and solar economic benefits over the next decade, according to the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Institute. (Adobe Stock)

What’s next for Appalachia's green energy economy?

The future looks promising for green energy and manufacturing in Appalachia, and states like West Virginia are slated to receive around $1 billion in …

Alabama Senate Bill 129 prohibits state agencies, schools and universities from requiring students, employees or contractors to engage in training, coursework or activities that promote

AL educators, students sue over state law's effect on higher education

Alabama professors and students, along with the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 129…

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such sa Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

Policy experts said rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

According to the Texas Tree Foundation, the lack of trees and green spaces contributes significantly to the

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

By María Ramos Pacheco for The Dallas Morning News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Last year, electric vehicles accounted for nearly 9% of all new vehicles sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would build more EV charging stations in rural VA

Virginians are buying more electric vehicles and need more charging stations but they are not being built across the state equally. House Bill 1791 …

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid faces big cuts; experts warn about potential blow to rural areas

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story noted the Children's Health Insurance Program as a component of Medicaid, before outlining Minnesota …

Some Washington state lawmakers want to act as a bulwark against the incoming Trump administration's threats to undocumented immigrants. (CrackerClips/Adobe Stock)

As deportation threat looms, WA groups underscore importance of immigrants

As threats of deportation of illegal immigrants increase with the incoming Trump administration, groups in Washington say immigrants are an integral …

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is the nation's second-longest serving U.S. Agriculture Secretary. The first was James

'Revolving door' politics could threaten Iowa's small farmers

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration The…

As of 2022, more than 978,000 foreign born people are living in Pennsylvania. More than 522,000 are naturalized U.S. citizens. (Tetiana/Adobe Stock)

Mass deportation threatens PA economy, workforce stability

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on Monday, a Pennsylvania group is helping some residents prepare for possible deportation …

In 2023, Savannah's main water system supplied 5.5 billion gallons of groundwater and 1.4 billion gallons of surface water to a population of 130,865, according to the 2024 Savannah Water Resources Quality Report. (Adobe Stock)

Gov. Kemp proposes $500M for Georgia’s water supply

In this year's state budget, Gov. Brian Kemp is proposing a $500 million investment to tackle a critical issue for Savannah and surrounding areas - …

Wyoming lawmakers in 2024 passed several bills for property tax relief, including for homeowners, veterans and senior citizens. (Adobe Stock)

Big tax talk expected in WY general session

One topic expected to make a big splash during Wyoming's general legislative session is property taxes at many levels. First on the agenda for the …

If President-elect Donald Trump's proposals are in effect in 2026, the richest 1% would receive an average tax cut of about $36,300 and the next richest 4% would receive an average tax cut of about $7,200, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

How could President-elect Trump's tax plan affect Arizonans?

A fiscally conservative advocacy group is pushing for the renewal of President-elect Donald Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Americans for Prosperity …

Volunteer Hector Silva of Hunger Action Los Angeles prepares burritos for distribution to fire victims in Pasadena, Calif. (Sara Donis)

Anti-hunger groups tackle increased need during the L.A. fires

Food donations are pouring in to help victims of the Los Angeles fires, to the point donors are being asked to hold off a bit so it can all be …

Parks across Maryland have received federal grants of $15 million to improve city parks. (Adobe Stock)

MD parks gain from Interior Department grant

The Department of the Interior recently announced the largest single investment in local parks in the communities across the country and two Maryland …

Georgia church creates solar-powered emergency hub with federal climate funds

By Yessenia Funes for Next City and Yale Climate Connections. Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection reporting for the …

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