LND topic: state-budget page 1

state budget

Why Alaska's Pension Plan Rewrite Gets Controversial Fast

April 26, 2026

Alaska’s government is updating how thousands of public workers save for retirement—but not everyone likes the changes. A new bill pushes the state to bring back guaranteed pensions after an old system collapsed in 2006. That earlier plan failed because lawmakers didn’t pay enough into it, leaving w

politics

Indiana's colleges slim down: 200 degree programs face cuts under new rules

April 2, 2026

Indiana is shaking up its college degrees. Nearly 20% of public college programs will disappear or merge soon after state leaders set new rules. Why? Many degrees had almost no students and were costing money for almost no return. The state reviewed over 1, 000 programs and decided 210 must go, anot

politics

Budget Boosts: State Legislators Add Billions to Governor’s Plan

March 21, 2026

The New York state budget, originally set at $263 billion by Governor Kathy Hochul, has just received a significant upgrade from the lawmakers in Albany. Democratic members of both houses have passed resolutions that inject several new spending projects into the plan, pushing the total amount higher

opinion

Who Will Get the Money From Alaska’s New Willow Oil Field?

February 28, 2026

The upcoming oil run at Alaska’s Willow field has sparked a debate over who should receive the royalties. The federal law that covers oil on the National Petroleum Reserve‑Alaska splits the revenue 50/50 between the U. S. government and the state. But Alaska has not taken its half, because a 1976 ag

politics

California’s Health Care Tug‑of‑War

February 6, 2026

The governor of California is caught between two big fights. One side wants to keep every child and adult, no matter where they come from, covered by state health care. The other side worries that the budget is already tight and more spending could hurt the economy. Newsom promised a future where

education

Utah's Schools Face Another Budget Hit

January 27, 2026

Utah's higher education system is bracing for another round of budget cuts, following two tough years of reductions. This time, the state is looking at a 5% cut, which could mean $94 million less for public colleges and universities. School leaders are not happy about it, especially since they've al

politics

Colorado's Money Woes: What's Next?

December 21, 2025

Colorado is facing another tough year when it comes to money. Lawmakers are getting ready for a tough time, as the state's income is expected to drop. This means they will have to cut spending by a lot, around $850 million. They already cut $1. 2 billion this year and another $783 million over the s

finance

Tax Trouble: Why Idaho Homeowners Are Paying More

December 15, 2025

Taxes are climbing for homeowners in Nez Perce County, and the state government is the main reason. The county's budget is set to grow by 1. 62%. Schools and the city of Lewiston are also getting more money, with increases of 2. 8% and 5% respectively. But homeowners are facing much steeper hikes.

education

Wisconsin's Special Education Funding Falls Short Again

November 20, 2025

Wisconsin's public schools are facing a funding crunch for special education. The state is only covering 35% of the costs, way less than the 42% promised in the budget. This drop happened because schools spent more on special education than the state expected. Advocates are worried. They say this f

health

Oregon Steps Up to Save Health Care Access

November 20, 2025

Oregon has taken a big step to keep health care accessible for many people. The state recently approved $7. 5 million in emergency funds to support Planned Parenthood centers. This money helps make up for lost Medicaid payments caused by a federal budget change. Planned Parenthood in Oregon was fac