While the pandemic has fueled soaring profits for the country s richest, it has also exposed growing income inequality in the United States. Progressive groups are optimistic Washington state could tackle the issue through its tax code. Legislation to impose a wealth tax did not pass in Olympia this year, but will likely be back in 2023. .
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been confronting a lot of issues dealing with race and inclusion. The latest is his signing into law his version of Florida s new Congressional district maps which heavily benefits Republicans and slashes the number of Black districts in half, from four to two. .
State advocacy groups say West Virginia stands to gain from taxing billionaires. The Biden administration s "Billionaire Minimum Income Tax" would ensure that American households worth more than $100 million pay a tax rate of at least 20% of their full income. Executive Director of West Virginia Citizen Action Gary Zuckett said the move could add between $220 and $335 million a year in federal grants to the state s budget. .
Pennsylvania officials visited a personal-care home in York County on Wednesday to highlight the need for continued investment in the state s long-term care system, as outlined in Gov. Tom Wolf s proposed budget. Personal-care homes provide housing, meals and other assistance for older adults and people with disabilities. .
Public higher-ed students, staff and faculty are shedding light on the growing problem of campus debt held by state colleges and universities, and its effect on student fees. While the state used to pay for building costs on public college and university campuses, individual campuses more recently have had to take out loans to finance building projects. Revenue from auxiliary services such as student room and board often go toward debt payments. .