Author Archive
Elaine S. Povich
Management
Cursive makes a comeback—by law—in public schools
‘Keyboarding’ pushed cursive out of favor, but some lawmakers miss the script.
Management
Plagued by teacher shortages, some states turn to fast-track credentialing
Critics worry that the faster credentialing programs could do a disservice to young students.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Try to Keep Kids Off Social Media, Porn Sites
Skeptics doubt legislators’ ability to thwart tech-savvy teens.
Digital Government
The Latest ‘Right to Repair’ Law Is the Broadest One Yet
Minnesota is the fourth state to require manufacturers to share parts and repair information with equipment owners and independent shops to more easily fix devices like phones, laptops and appliances.
Management
As Book Bans Gain Favor, Some Say Libraries Could Go
The number of school libraries and librarians has been dwindling for decades.
Management
States Seek to Ease Child Care Crunch
The efforts come as federal pandemic aid is set to end.
Finance
As Supreme Court Considers Student Loan Forgiveness, States May Expand Their Programs
At least two dozen bills are moving through legislatures this spring.
Management
States Scramble to Replace Ripped-Off SNAP Benefits
Food stamp cards don’t have the technological or consumer protections of credit and debit cards.
Cybersecurity
States scramble to replace ripped-off SNAP benefits
Skimming devices became a common way fraudsters steal money from electronic benefits transfer cards over the last year, and now states aim to strengthen debit card security and reimburse victims of fraud.
Management
Finally, Something Lawmakers Can (Mostly) Agree On: State Symbols
Bills to designate new symbols, from dinosaurs to pastries, just keep coming.
Infrastructure
Trash Troubles: The Pandemic Started It; Inflation Keeps It Going
Municipalities around the nation have been plagued by inflation, hiring difficulties and trash loads that are rising in part because of the lingering work-at-home trend.
Featured eBooks
Management
States Struggle to Curb Fake Emotional Support Animals
"This is really being exploited by people who want pets in housing that doesn’t allow pets."
Management
States Look to Help Tenants Pay for Air Conditioning as Climate Warms
“We don’t want anybody to pass away because of something we can fix; that’s just not right.”
Management
State AGs Want Power to Hit Airlines for Consumer Complaints
Thirty-eight attorneys general sent a letter to Congress seeking the change.
Management
Looser Liquor Laws Boosted Restaurants — and Maybe Problem Drinking
“Covid brought about a long-delayed reckoning about how alcohol is regulated and controlled.”
Management
As Prices Rise, the Push to End Diaper Taxes Grows
Thirty-one states charge sales tax on diapers, but a movement to eliminate those taxes is gaining ground because of record-high inflation and booming state budgets.
Management
Without Obergefell, Most States Would Have Same-Sex Marriage Bans
The Roe v. Wade ruling has lawmakers returning to an issue many thought was settled law.
Digital Government
This state will hire you — no college degree required
Maryland has removed the four-year requirement for thousands of jobs -- including information technology specialists.
Workforce
Pay Transparency Laws Raise Women’s Salaries (and Slightly Lower Men’s)
Multistate companies are finding ways to circumvent the laws.
Finance