Another tax season has wrapped up, and Wisconsin researchers found it is a reminder the state s overall tax structure leaves low- and middle-income families behind. A policy group said data show it is becoming harder for these households to survive. The organization Kids Forward used state Revenue Department information and census data for its new policy brief. .
Higher tax rates for high-income households in Massachusetts are not causing them to leave the state, according to IRS data in a new report from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. In fact, the out-migration rate of households in Massachusetts earning more than $200,000 a year between 2011 and 2020 was lower than forty other states. Kurt Wise, tax policy analyst at the center, said tax changes have little impact on where wealthy households choose to live. .
In Kentucky, unions and their advocates continue to push for changes to shift public contract money toward suppliers sourcing their materials from American manufacturers. In 2021, President Biden signed an executive order requiring the federal government to spend more money on American-made goods. Larry Ray, District 8 director for the United Steelworkers, which serves union members in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland, said Buy American rules help secure the country s supply chain and buffer the economy in the event of another pandemic-type event. .
Community and technical college staff are planning a day of action Tuesday to urge the Washington state Legislature to provide adequate funding to their schools. Faculty and professional staff in the American Federation of Teachers of Washington said lawmakers are not investing enough into the community and technical college system. Pete Knutson, professor of anthropology at Seattle Central College, said the lack of investment in staff does a disservice to students. .
As policymakers consider solutions to North Dakota s child care crisis, a state agency is moving forward with incentives they hope will compel more workplaces to help staff with care costs. The Health and Human Services department is asking employers to participate in a pilot program. It offers matching funds when a business provides at least $300 in monthly benefits to an employee who has a child between zero and three years old and signed up for care at a licensed facility. .