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State Budget

All articles tagged with #state budget

NC budget pact promises teacher raises, law enforcement pay bumps
politics13 days ago

NC budget pact promises teacher raises, law enforcement pay bumps

North Carolina lawmakers announced a budget deal that would raise starting teacher pay to $48,000 (about $53,000 with local supplements), deliver an average 8% raise for teachers plus tenure-based one-time bonuses, and provide sizable raises for state employees and law enforcement (roughly 13% on average, with larger boosts for SBI/ALE and other agencies). The package also includes 3% raises for principals and other school personnel; raises would take effect in the new fiscal year if the bill passes before July 1, with bonuses paid on July 1. The deal remains to be filed into legislation and awaits Gov. Stein’s signature.

Cost pressures push states to roll back Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 obesity drugs
health1 month ago

Cost pressures push states to roll back Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 obesity drugs

With GLP-1 obesity drugs becoming costlier, several states and major cities are restricting or ending Medicaid or public-employee coverage for weight‑loss uses, arguing short-term budget relief even as critics warn this could worsen health outcomes. Costs surged from about $13.7B in 2018 to $71.7B in 2023, leading to coverage changes in California, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina (with Michigan tightening criteria) and proposals in Rhode Island, New York City, and Boston.

Gas tax holidays unlikely as states juggle budgets and volatile prices
economy2 months ago

Gas tax holidays unlikely as states juggle budgets and volatile prices

As gas prices spike amid Middle East tensions, states are reluctant to repeat gas-tax holidays seen in 2022. Only Connecticut has pitched a short-term, one-month suspension; New York and Georgia have given lukewarm responses. Savings from such holidays typically don’t reach drivers in full, and budget shortfalls plus ongoing supply constraints—exacerbated by the Strait of Hormuz disruption—make broad relief unlikely this year.

Californians Brace for Budget Gaps and a Tight 2026 Governor’s Race
politics2 months ago

Californians Brace for Budget Gaps and a Tight 2026 Governor’s Race

PPIC’s February 2026 statewide survey finds Californians worried about a $2.9 billion budget gap and the cost of living, favoring lower taxes and fewer services with health and human services as a priority. About 62% of adults and likely voters approve of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget, while views on closing the gap split (43% via spending cuts, 39% via a mix, 8% via tax increases). An overwhelming 77% want voters to have a say on spending and taxes at the ballot box, and 61% support raising taxes on the wealthiest to reduce the gap. Newsom’s approval stands around 51% with the Legislature at 46%. Californians remain pessimistic about the state and national directions, disapprove of ICE and the president, and the governor’s race in June features five leading candidates (Hilton, Porter, Bianco, Swalwell, Steyer) in a close top-two contest.

Washington Senate advances millionaires tax targeting $1M+ incomes
politics3 months ago

Washington Senate advances millionaires tax targeting $1M+ incomes

The Washington Senate moved a 9.9% personal income tax on households earning more than $1 million to the House, arguing the measure would fund public defense, expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and aid small businesses, while critics warn of potential economic harm; the tax would take effect in 2028 (revenues begin in 2029) and is expected to yield about $3.4 billion annually once fully phased in, with the plan exempt from the existing prohibition on new statewide income taxes and facing continued political and legal challenges.

Michigan Senate Restores Over $600M in GOP Funding Cuts Amid Democratic Opposition
politics5 months ago

Michigan Senate Restores Over $600M in GOP Funding Cuts Amid Democratic Opposition

Michigan House Republicans unilaterally canceled approximately $644 million in previously approved state funding for various projects, including a fire truck for Hamtramck, without prior notice to the affected groups, leading to bipartisan criticism and efforts to restore the funds. The cuts have sparked controversy over transparency, trust, and the impact on local services and projects.

Hawaii Governor Enacts Historic Tax Cuts to Ease Living Costs
politics2 years ago

Hawaii Governor Enacts Historic Tax Cuts to Ease Living Costs

Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed the largest income tax cut in state history, aiming to make the state more affordable and reduce the exodus of residents. The new law will significantly reduce state income taxes for many working-class families and eliminate taxes for the lowest earners by 2031. However, critics worry the $5.6 billion reduction in state revenue by 2031 will lead to cuts in essential state programs and services.

Illinois Senate Approves $53.1B Budget with $750M Tax Hikes
politics2 years ago

Illinois Senate Approves $53.1B Budget with $750M Tax Hikes

The Illinois Senate approved a $53.1 billion state budget, which includes $750 million in tax hikes and a 5% pay raise for lawmakers and top officials. The budget, which now moves to the House, emphasizes education, public safety, and homelessness prevention. Despite some Democratic opposition and Republican criticism, the budget aims to address various state needs while also supporting the ongoing migrant crisis. The House must pass the budget without changes for it to reach Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk.

"Cyberattack Complicates New York's Budget Negotiations"
politics2 years ago

"Cyberattack Complicates New York's Budget Negotiations"

A cyberattack on the New York State Bill Drafting Commission has threatened to further delay the already overdue $237 billion state budget, impacting the legislative process as lawmakers and the governor work towards a full agreement. Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the attack is expected to slow down proceedings and force the state to revert to older computer systems, while the state's cybersecurity team investigates the incident. Despite concerns, representatives for the State Legislature have expressed confidence that the attack will not disrupt their work on resolving the issue.