As California faces a $38 billion budget deficit, state lawmakers have identified $17 billion in potential cuts before the Legislature begins crunching the numbers later this week. Initial plans include shifting some funds away from job training programs but the idea is getting some pushback. Advocates of the programs said at a time when skilled worker shortages plague essential sectors, investments in job training are needed. .
As Nebraska s 2024 legislative session draws to a close, family caregivers and their supporters are closely watching the progress of Legislative Bill 937, the Caregiver Tax Credit Act. The bill provides eligible family caregivers up to $2,000 in tax credits for out-of-pocket expenses or up to $3,000 if the family member receiving care has dementia or is a veteran. Jina Ragland, state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska, said family caregivers are filling health care gaps in the state, especially with 15 Nebraska counties currently lacking a nursing home or assisted-living facility. .
A new report found Connecticut might be better off without its film industry tax credit. The Connecticut Voices for Children report showed the film industry tax credit costs the state more than $60 million dollars a year, which means between 2007 and 2023, the state lost around $900 million. Patrick O Brien, research and policy director at Connecticut Voices for Children and author of the report, said it plays into the state s regressive tax system because it is not targeted to low and middle-income families. .
From expiring pandemic aid to declining enrollment, school districts in Minnesota face financial pressure and public school advocates and community organizations said long-term improvements are the answer, not short-term cuts. In a survey from the Association of Metropolitan School Districts, large school systems across Minnesota report a combined shortfall of $317 million. On Tuesday, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers led a gathering of local groups, calling on district leaders to rethink the cuts proposed for the next school year. .