Gov. Kate Brown s State of the State address kicked off Oregon s short legislative session, and organizations advocating for diverse communities are watching closely. Brown gave her final address as Oregon governor virtually this year. .
A newly expanded tax credit program for low-income people means more Arkansans are eligible than ever, and advocacy groups hope to spread the word, so residents don t miss out on the potential income boost. Through temporary support from the American Rescue Plan, 19- to 24-year-olds and people 65 and older without children will qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the first time. Workers without kids can receive up to $1,500 in tax breaks, reaching more than 173,000 Arkansans. .
Minnesota s new legislative session is underway. Even in an off-budget year, spending will be a main focus, thanks to a projected $7 billion surplus. Some groups say it gives the state a chance to make historic child care investments. .
Groups advocating for public health in Massachusetts urged Gov. Charlie Baker and the General Assembly not to cut funding for the Public Health Excellence Grant Program in the 2023 budget. During the pandemic, the grants allowed local departments to collaborate and conduct testing, contact tracing and vaccinations, as well as a range of other health and safety responsibilities. .