Tag

State Government

All articles tagged with #state government

state-government2 days ago•29 min saved

Texas Lt. Gov. presses to delay Camp Mystic reopening until flood probe concludes

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged the Texas Department of State Health Services to withhold Camp Mystic’s summer license renewal until a legislative inquiry into the July 4 Guadalupe River flood deaths is finished, amid a federal lawsuit accusing state officials of failing to enforce evacuation rules; Camp Mystic plans to reopen on a separate Cypress Lake property, prompting criticism from families and lawmakers about safety and regulatory oversight.

via The Texas Tribune|

#camp-mystic #department-of-state-health-services #evacuation-plans

higher-education6 days ago•25 min saved

UT System Sets Rules to Minimize 'Controversial' Topics in Courses

UT System Regents unanimously approved a rule requiring universities to ensure graduates can finish programs without studying “unnecessary controversial subjects,” and to have syllabi disclose covered topics with a mandate for a broad, balanced discussion. Critics warn the vague terms could push self-censorship and leave students less prepared for real-world work, and civil-rights advocates warn of potential legal challenges and bias against Black students and faculty. The policy does not ban topics like race or gender but increases oversight amid broader campus reforms and state guidance under Senate Bill 37 and related changes.

via The Texas Tribune|

#curriculum #higher-education #policy

state-government21 days ago•70 min saved

Maryland Moves to End Local ICE 287(g) Collaborations

Maryland’s Legislature approved emergency bills to bar local governments and police from partnering with ICE through the 287(g) program, which allows jail staff to check immigration status and detain noncitizens for up to 48 hours. The Senate passed the measure 32-12 and the House 99-40; eight counties already participate, with Wicomico County newly joining. Gov. Wes Moore has criticized ICE, and the 287(g) ban could take effect immediately if signed. A separate Senate measure banning law enforcement from wearing face coverings also passed, but faces potential constitutional challenges and would be a civil offense with a $1,500 fine.

via The Baltimore Banner|

#287g #ice #immigration

state-government21 days ago•23 min saved

Texas Education Agency warns districts could face state takeover over student walkouts

The Texas Education Agency issued guidance warning that districts could be taken over by the state, lose funding, or face other penalties if they facilitate student walkouts or “inappropriate political activism,” a response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive to have Education Commissioner Mike Morath investigate AISD protests. The guidance lists consequences such as unexcused absences, educator investigations, and potential replacement of elected school boards, as walkouts and related actions spanned multiple districts and drew political pressure from state leaders.

via The Texas Tribune|

#austin-isd #greg-abbott #mike-morath

virginia-politics29 days ago•26 min saved

Virginia judge invalidates Democrats' redistricting amendment plan

A circuit court judge in rural Tazewell County ruled that the Virginia Democrats' process to propose a constitutional amendment for redistricting is invalid, a setback in their bid to gain more blue-leaning seats; Democrats said they will appeal.

via The Washington Post|

#elections #redistricting #state-government

politics1 month ago•6 min saved

Missouri braces for budget squeeze as Kehoe unveils austere plan

Missouri's budget surplus is projected to be exhausted by the end of the next fiscal year, as Gov. Mike Kehoe unveiled a $54.5 billion plan with no new money for public schools, higher education, or state employee raises. The proposal would cut about $600 million in general revenue, rely on replacing about $1 billion in exhausted federal COVID relief funds, and offer limited spending increases—mostly a health-plan boost and a few targeted programs—while reviving a push to eliminate the state income tax via a voter referendum. Democrats warn the approach will shift costs to residents and threaten services, while Republicans tout spending restraint amid a shifting revenue outlook and Medicaid cost pressures.

via Missouri Independent|

#budget #education-funding #medicaid

state-government2 months ago•6 min saved

WA Governor Proposes Budget Cuts and Reserve Fund Use to Address $2.3B Gap

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson proposes using reserve funds, climate law revenues, and spending cuts to address a $2.3 billion budget shortfall without raising taxes, while also supporting increased spending on public services and infrastructure. The plan includes controversial moves like redirecting climate auction proceeds and making across-the-board cuts to education and government programs, with Republican critics dismissing it as accounting tricks.

via Washington State Standard|

#budget-shortfall #climate-law-revenue #gov-ferguson

state-government3 months ago•2 min saved

Governor Phil Murphy's Official Website

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey declared a State of Emergency due to the suspension of federal SNAP benefits by the Trump Administration, affecting over 800,000 residents. The state is taking emergency measures to ensure food access, including allowing access to existing benefits, encouraging use of school meal programs, and providing resources through NJ 211 and food pantries. The situation remains dynamic, and residents are advised to stay informed about their benefits and available assistance.

via NJ.gov|

#emergency-declaration #food-assistance #new-jersey

politics4 months ago•1 min saved

Ex-Federal Officials Flock to California, Expressing No Regrets

Many former federal officials, especially those with expertise in environmental and scientific fields, are moving to California to work in state government, motivated by changes in federal policies and opportunities for impact, and are actively connecting and recruiting among themselves.

via Politico|

#california #environment #federal-workers

technology6 months ago•4 min saved

Nevada faces major cyberattack disrupting state services and exposing data

Nevada's state government has been hit by a major ransomware attack, resulting in some data being taken outside the network and causing widespread disruptions to websites, phone lines, and services, though officials have not disclosed specific details about the data or the perpetrators.

via The Nevada Independent|

#cyberattack #data-breach #nevada

politics9 months ago•3 min saved

Florida lawmakers finalize $900 million tax cut and budget deal

Florida's GOP-led legislature has reached a budget agreement that allocates $2.25 billion to tax cuts and reserves, avoiding a potential government shutdown, with plans to finalize the budget by June 16 and propose a constitutional amendment to increase the Budget Stabilization Fund to 25%.

via Politico|

#budget-deal #florida #politics

cybersecurity1 year ago•1 min saved

"New York State Government Grapples with Cyberattack Amid Budget Negotiations"

The New York state Legislature's bill drafting office experienced a cyberattack, causing the bill drafting system to be down since early Wednesday. The incident occurred as the Legislature is finalizing its state budget bills, but Governor Kathy Hochul stated that it is not expected to significantly delay the process. The office is reverting to an older system to continue its work, and officials do not believe the attack will disrupt the overall process.

via ABC News|

#albany #bill-drafting-office #cyberattack

politics1 year ago•2 min saved

"Michigan Democrats Secure Full Control of State Government in Special Election Victories"

Democrats won two special elections in Michigan, regaining control of the state government. With the House deadlocked, Republicans have pushed for bipartisan legislation, while Democrats are expected to focus on the state budget and legislative agenda, including education and hate crime laws, before the upcoming summer break and November reelections.

via The Associated Press|

#democrats #legislative-agenda #michigan

politics2 years ago•3 min saved

"Republican Committee Reviews Diversity Positions and Approves Pay Raises for UW System Employees in Wisconsin"

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who previously forced the Universities of Wisconsin to reduce diversity positions, has called for a comprehensive review of diversity initiatives across state government, stating that he has only just begun to dismantle equity and inclusion efforts. Vos reached an agreement with the Universities of Wisconsin earlier this month, freezing diversity hires, re-labeling positions, and dropping an affirmative action faculty hiring program. Despite criticism, Vos intends to continue his efforts to remove what he calls "cancerous DEI practices" and create a colorblind society. Democratic Governor Tony Evers' administration plans to continue diversity efforts despite objections from legislative Republicans.

via The Associated Press|

#diversity-initiatives #equity-and-inclusion #politics

politics2 years ago•4 min saved

"Controversy Erupts Over Brighton Park Migrant Site in Chicago"

The Illinois government has halted plans to construct a migrant base camp in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, citing serious environmental concerns. The governor's office released a statement blaming the city for not consulting with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency or the state before releasing an environmental report on the site. The state is now expediting efforts to launch a brick-and-mortar shelter in the Little Village neighborhood and exploring alternate sites with the Archdiocese of Chicago. The decision to move away from the Brighton Park plans comes after an environmental assessment revealed levels of mercury and other contaminants in the soil that exceeded environmental limits. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson acknowledged alternate locations are being explored but did not specify which could be a likely backup.

via NBC Chicago|

#chicago #environmental-concerns #illinois