Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

The proposed state budget boosts opportunities for students by adding $5.5 million to expand Career and Technical Education in schools. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

PA ‘Education Advocacy Day’ to focus on public school funding

Pennsylvanians will rally in Harrisburg on Tuesday urging lawmakers to boost public school funding. More than 1.7 million students are enrolled in …

In 2022, Arkansas received about $13.6 billion in federal assistance, including money transferred to Arkansas's state government as well as funds sent directly to local entities within the state, such as cities and school districts. (janews094/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Tax hikes for rich Arkansans could save federal programs

As reports show the Trump administration is considering raising taxes on wealthy Arkansans to pay for its priorities, a new study from American …

Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., is one of 14 lawmakers on the new bipartisan Congressional Public Lands Caucus, launched last week. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Public land sales voted down in MT Statehouse, added to federal budget bill

Montana lawmakers this session voted down a bill supporting the transfer of federal public lands to states but a similar conversation is growing on th…

Oregon Food Bank President Andrea Williams sits with dozens of kids, parents and advocates before entering the Oregon State Capitol. (Oregon Food Bank)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Salem 'snack-in' calls for food benefits for all OR children

Families gathered at the Oregon State Capitol for what they called a "snack-in" last week to call attention to child hunger across Oregon. …

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently said he will veto a measure passed to remove barriers set up 80 years ago that make it harder for workers to join a union, which have historically advocated for worker safety over profits. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

5,283 workers nationwide, including 83 in Colorado, killed on the job

In Colorado, 83 workers were killed on the job in 2023, according to the AFL-CIO's latest "Death on the Job" report. The report comes after the …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's PFAS action plan focuses on tackling the most pressing compliance issues and responding to concerns from Congress and drinking water systems regarding national primary drinking water regulations for specific PFAS chemicals. (Somphong/AdobeStock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Will the EPA’s PFAS plan improve Tennessee drinking water?

An environmental group is voicing concern about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to tackle PFAS pollution. The EPA recently …

Consumer advocates are asking the California Legislature to allow needy families to defer utility payments during times of hardship. (Golib Tolibov/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Consumer groups press for reform to limit electricity costs

Supporters of the Campaign for Affordable Power are pressing state lawmakers to pass a series of reform bills aimed at big investor-owned utilities li…

The report found, youth mental health hospitalizations increased 61% over the past decade, with suicide now the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 10 to 14. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Ohio voices call for early mental health support

As youth mental health challenges rise and federal restructuring threatens key programs, former Ohio Gov. and 2016 Republican presidential candidate …

Texas is part of a pilot program by the North Carolina-based Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges. The organization is directing a project designed to increase employment skills for rural students. Each state taking part will use its own approach, guided by local priorities. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 12, 2025

Program aims to connect rural TX college students with universities

By Lane Wendell Fischer for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder C…

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%. (Yuri Keegstra/Wikimedia Commons)

Friday, May 9, 2025

Higher taxes on the rich to pay for Trump priorities wouldn't slow economic growth

Reports the Trump administration has considered taxing wealthy Marylanders to pay for mass deportations and other priorities come on the heels of a ne…

Military families are more likely to have a child with special or mental-health needs that require more coverage, compared with civilian families. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 9, 2025

Medicaid cuts risk health care access for VA military families

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

Michigan plans to build 100,000 vehicle charging stations for 2 million electric vehicles by 2030. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 9, 2025

MI 'clean fuels' backers speak out as Congress could end EV tax credits

A Michigan group is speaking out after a top congressional leader's comment that lawmakers will most likely scrap the $7,500 federal tax credit for bu…

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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…

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 …

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 …

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