Fiscal and Economic Policy
New Jersey Lawmakers Send Minimum Wage Boost to Governor
Low-wage workers in New Jersey would get a major raise under legislation now on the governor’s desk. The state Assembly Monday (December 3) passed a bill that would increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50, an amount that would be adjusted for inflation each year. Based upon current trends, that could put the wage […]
In the West, GOP Governors, Skeptical of Cap-and-Trade, Will Watch California
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz — Utah Governor Gary Herbert is skeptical about the viability of large-scale carbon trading in the United States, but says he is “absolutely” watching as California continues rolling out its unprecedented two-week-old cap-and-trade system. Should California’s experiment work, states should take note, he told Stateline Sunday (December 2). If it fails, “we’ll be […]
Best of #StateReads: N. C. Regulators Miss Catching Cheating Businesses
This week’s collection of #StateReads shows how a lack of cooperation among North Carolina regulators let businesses avoid buying workers’ compensation insurance, how Alaska may be able to boost its waning oil production and why Texas is rethinking a law making repeat offenses for prostitution a felony. These examples of extraordinary journalism about state government […]
Alabama’s Largest County Faces Bankruptcy Without State Help
Demonstrators picket outside the Jefferson County courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama, as commissioners debate the largest county bankruptcy in U.S. history. (AP) After Alabama’s worst-ever tornado outbreak struck two-thirds of the state last year, killing 230 people, the governor and lawmakers immediately united to lead an effort to clean up debris, speed aid to victims and […]