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NJ: Thousands in New Jersey stranded without Medicaid coverage, no fix in sight
The failure of what was to be a state-of-the-art computer system for New Jersey to process all its social service aid programs, including expanded Medicaid, has forced the exit of one vendor, left countless boxes stuffed with confidential enrollment data piled in the corridors of county offices and forced workers to rekey data into county computers that cannot interface directly with the state’s 1980s-era main system. An estimated 11,000 people are affected, a news investigation reported.
TX: Texas employee retirement system sounds alarm on unfunded balance
The Employee Retirement System of Texas and the state comptroller are urging state lawmakers to take action to erode a $7.5 billion unfunded pension liability that is snowballing by some half billion dollars a year.
KY: ‘In God We Trust’ signs go up in Kentucky Capitol
Just in time for Christmas and the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly, “In God We Trust” signs have been placed in legislative committee rooms in the Capitol and Capitol Annex. The Kentucky American Civil Liberties Union is not pleased.
LA: Funding for Louisiana pre-K revamp uncertain
Despite landing a $32 million federal grant this month, child care advocates say they are stumped on how Louisiana will pay for sweeping changes in its early childhood education system. State lawmakers approved the 2012 overhaul, which was pushed by Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, without appropriating money to carry it out.
FL: Confusion over start of gay marriages next month in Florida
Florida court officials, citing confusion after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to extend a stay on the state’s same-sex marriage ban, will ask a federal judge to clarify where gay couples may begin to tie the knot when the stay expires Jan. 5. It is unclear if weddings are permitted beyond the one county that was named in the case appealed to the high court.
OH: Kasich again faces uncertainty on Medicaid expansion
A year after Ohio expanded Medicaid coverage for poor adults, Republican Gov. John Kasich faces uncertainty as he asks the GOP-led legislature to extend eligibility for two more years.
WI: Economic development marketing a waste of money?
A new study has found that only a small number of companies relocate from other states to Wisconsin, making it questionable whether marketing efforts or tax breaks offered to lure them are successful.
MN: Minnesota lawmaker plans to introduce Sunday liquor sales bill
The issue is likely to return to the legislature next year, and could have a better chance of success with Republicans now controlling the House of Representatives.
MS: Website not designed to track no-bid contracts
A Mississippi website that is supposed to make state contracts transparent to the public is filled with inaccuracies, making it nearly impossible to find out the true number and value of no-bid contracts.
MD: Maryland governor-elect plans traditional ball, casual ‘people’s celebration’
Republican Gov.-elect Larry Hogan is planning three days of events next month to celebrate his assumption of office, including a gathering on the Eastern Shore he says will be less “fancy-schmancy” than his inaugural ball.
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