Pennsylvania advocacy groups will gather on the State Capitol steps for a "Fix Harrisburg" rally on Jan. 3, the first day the General Assembly is in its new session, calling for changes to legislative rules. A recent report by the group Fair Districts P-A found 93% of the bills introduced during the last session have yet to be scheduled for a final vote. .
When North Dakota lawmakers reconvene next month, they ll have a host of recommendations for improving child care to consider, including a new policy framework offered by a statewide group. The North Dakota Child Care Action Alliance said it compiled its suggestions after hosting six listening sessions earlier this year. The group is calling for the creation of a workforce fund to provide supplemental wages and support for continuing education and training. .
Minnesota s projected budget surplus now stands at more than $17 billion, and supporters of clean energy projects and other infrastructure needs say the outlook should compel state lawmakers to approve matching funds tied to federal support. The updated economic forecast comes one year after the federal infrastructure law was signed. It includes funding for things like electric vehicle charging stations. .
The Washington state 2023 legislative session is fast approaching, and one group is urging lawmakers to prioritize investments over budget cuts. Traci Underwood, policy director with the Seattle-based nonprofit Economic Opportunity Institute, said the federal government and the state have made major investments in public welfare during the pandemic. She said policies such as the federal Child Tax Credit, which reduced child poverty to record lows, and stimulus checks helped families through difficult times. .