Walz touts opportunities from massive $17.6B budget surplus
December 6, 2022 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers learned Tuesday they will head into the 2023 legislative session with a massive $17.6 billion projected budget surplus, and Gov. Tim Walz said he would like to return some of that money to taxpayers with rebate checks.
Business, labor groups agree on $1.8B unemployment debt plan
November 30, 2022 GMTSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois business and labor groups have agreed on a plan to erase a $1.8 billion debt, generated by the wrenching COVID-19 pandemic, in the account that covers unemployment benefits, state officials said Tuesday.
New Mexico’s top finance official to retire
November 23, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Deborah Romero, the head of New Mexico’s Department of Finance and Administration, will retire in December, marking the end of a career in state government that has spanned nearly 50 years.
Indiana lawmakers return ahead of new state budget debate
November 22, 2022 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana lawmakers returned to the Statehouse on Tuesday, fresh off Republican election victories that maintained the party's dominance of the Legislature and facing a possible list of expensive proposals from GOP Gov.
Wisconsin’s projected budget surplus grows to $6.6 billion
November 21, 2022 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's projected state budget surplus is now forecast to hit nearly $6.6 billion by July, up from earlier $5 billion estimates, according to a report released Monday by Gov.
Republicans retain veto-proof majority in Ohio House, Senate
November 9, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republicans have maintained their veto-proof majority in both chambers of the Ohio Legislature for the next session, while Democrats will add Ohio's first two Somali American state lawmakers.
Idaho tax collections back on track after October revenue
November 7, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho tax collections are back on track after October revenue exceeded expectations and made up for the first three months of the current fiscal year, state budget officials said Monday.
Lebanese president snubs budget, delays new exchange rate
November 3, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon is unable to put its new exchange rate into effect after its outgoing president declared the state budget unconstitutional and refused to sign off on it, officials said Thursday.
Beshear pushes education priorities amid poor test scores
October 27, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear renewed his push Thursday for higher teacher salaries and state-funded preschool for 4-year-olds, offering a response to statewide test scores showing setbacks among many students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marshall resurrects men’s indoor, outdoor track teams
October 19, 2022 GMTHUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Marshall is resurrecting its men's indoor and outdoor track and field teams after a nearly two-decade absence.
Marshall's Board of Governors approved the move Wednesday.
GOP looks for veto-proof majorities in Wisconsin Legislature
October 8, 2022 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans are hoping Tim Michels will defeat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in November, but even if Evers prevails they could still reshape the battleground state by winning enough seats in the Legislature to override vetoes.
Pritzker, Bailey accuse each other of lies in debate
October 7, 2022 GMTSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his Republican challenger Darren Bailey used an hourlong debate Thursday finding different ways to call each other “liar” with Election Day fewer than five weeks away.
Connecticut releases $70 million for child care worker bonus
October 6, 2022 GMTHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Full-time Connecticut child care workers will soon receive one-time bonuses of $1,000 under an initiative created to show the state's appreciation for an industry that's struggling to fill open jobs
NC budget director Perusse to retire; Walker is successor
September 19, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Charlie Perusse, who served as North Carolina state budget director for three Democratic governors, including current Gov. Roy Cooper, is retiring this fall, Cooper announced Monday.
Idaho tax collections dip below expectations for August
September 14, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho’s individual income taxes, sales taxes and corporate income taxes all fell slightly below monthly projections for August, the state budget office reported Tuesday.
The $38.5 million dip below expectations is still a tiny fraction of the state’s $6 billion budget.
California launches website promoting abortion services
September 13, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California launched a publicly funded website Tuesday to promote the state's abortion services, listing clinics, linking to financial help for travel and lodging and letting teenagers in other states know they don't need their parents' permission to get an abortion in the state.
Evers calls for $2 billion increase in public school funding
September 6, 2022 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday called for spending nearly $2 billion more on public K-12 schools — a plan derided by Republicans that was released nine weeks before the election and designed to allow school spending to increase without resulting in higher property taxes.
Plan aids NC principals otherwise penalized for pay change
August 24, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s schools chief unveiled a plan on Wednesday that would prevent some public school principals from facing pay cuts in 2023 due to an alteration in how performance-based compensation is calculated.
Indiana agencies start sending new round of tax rebates
August 18, 2022 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana state tax rebate payments have started to be made by direct bank deposit or printed checks, although some taxpayers will have to wait until October to receive the money.
ACLU challenges amendment blocking inmates’ early release
August 16, 2022 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has filed a legal challenge to a last-minute amendment to the state budget that blocked the planned early release of hundreds of inmates this summer.
NC governor signs order officially ending COVID-19 emergency
August 15, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's state of emergency giving extraordinary powers to state government to address the COVID-19 pandemic is ending Monday as Gov. Roy Cooper officially concluded it nearly 2 1/2 years after he entered his first order.
Amid surplus, Kemp again seeks to hold Georgia spending flat
August 12, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Even after two years of big surpluses, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is telling state agencies not to get their hopes up for more money.
Office of Planning and Budget Director Kelly Farr on Wednesday wrote in a yearly memo that kicks off the state budget process that agencies should not ask for any more money than they got in the current budget, which started July 1.
Long-delayed Indiana tax rebate checks will be larger
August 10, 2022 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — About 1.7 million tax rebate checks from Indiana’s big state budget surplus that have been delayed for months will be larger when they finally start hitting mailboxes.
California’s Newsom wants to accelerate key climate goals
August 9, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to speed up the state's transition to non-carbon electricity sources and accelerate its timeline for lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
North Carolina school principals could face pay cuts
August 6, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Some North Carolina principals are worried they could lose pay in the upcoming school year instead of the raises they’re supposed to be receiving in the new state budget.
State lawmakers approved a budget in July that includes a 4% raise in the salary schedule for principals but also changes how school test scores will be used to determine pay.
Essential Connecticut workers can apply for $1000 ‘hero’ pay
August 5, 2022 GMTHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Up to $1,000 in pandemic pay is available for eligible, private-sector essential workers in Connecticut who were employed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a new website for applications up and running on Friday.
Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs belated $52.7B state budget
July 28, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a new state budget Thursday, nearly a month into the 2023 fiscal year, which began July 1.
The Republican said the $52.7 billion spending plan will support the state’s communities, families, businesses, and workers.
Pennsylvania universities reject GOP call to freeze tuition
July 27, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Four Pennsylvania universities said Wednesday they will follow through with tuition increases despite calls from House Republicans to roll back the price hikes.
Missouri posts record surplus for second straight year
July 21, 2022 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri has more money on hand than ever before, thanks partly to a combination of inflation, higher wages and federal funds.
The state closed out its 2022 fiscal year with a general revenue balance of nearly $4.9 billion — more than double the previous record set just one year ago, according to data provided Thursday to The Associated Press by the state Office of Administration.
Whitmer signs Michigan budget, rejects anti-abortion items
July 20, 2022 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the final piece of a $76 billion state budget into law Wednesday, largely backing the plan legislators approved but vetoing money that Republicans funneled toward anti-abortion causes including groups that run “pregnancy resource centers” focused on persuading pregnant women to give birth.
New Mexico tax changes benefit lower-income residents
July 20, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The tax burden for funding state government and public schools in New Mexico is shifting slightly toward wealthier residents as the state stops collecting taxes on most Social Security benefits.
Massachusetts lawmakers approve more than $52B budget plan
July 18, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers approved a $52.7 billion state budget Monday, more than two weeks into the state’s new fiscal year.
The unanimous votes in both chambers came after a six-member House and Senate conference committee finished hammering out the details of the final compromise budget plan over the weekend.
Beshear: ‘Enough credit to go around’ for budget surpluses
July 14, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday there's “enough credit to go around” for Kentucky's record-setting budget surpluses during his tenure, as he delved into economic issues amid Republican attacks over surging nationwide inflation that's squeezing household budgets.
Kentucky to end 2022 with budget surplus
July 12, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky ended the 2022 fiscal year with a near-record budget surplus, the state budget director said.
General fund receipts totaled $14.7 billion, exceeding estimates by more than $900 million, the budget director's office said.
Pa. funds 3 new state parks, locations yet to be determined
July 12, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's governor tweeted he had “big news” on Tuesday, announcing the state budget passed in recent days includes funding for three new state parks.
Wolf vetoes bills on poll watchers, transgender athletes
July 9, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday rejected three bills passed by the Republican majority Legislature, vetoing measures regarding transgender athletes in school sports and poll watchers.
NC cottage elevator safety among 19 bills that Cooper signs
July 8, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Mandated safety improvements for elevators inside North Carolina vacation cottages following a child's death last year are among another 19 bills that Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law on Friday.
Senate signs off on Pennsylvania’s delayed main budget bill
July 8, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the main Pennsylvania state budget bill Friday, more than a week after it was due — a plan fattened by federal stimulus cash and unusually robust state tax collections.
$300M for plan to move tracks off crumbling Del Mar bluffs
July 3, 2022 GMTDEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — California will provide $300 million to help relocate train tracks along a stretch of eroding seaside cliffs near San Diego, regional transportation officials said.
Local governments and the North County Transit District have spent millions buttressing sections of the bluffs in Del Mar that have collapsed in recent years, causing delays for passenger and cargo trains.
NC budget, immigration bills finalized as session ends
July 2, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up its chief work session for the year on Friday by finalizing proposed state budget adjustments for the new fiscal year, crossing off other must-do legislation but leaving some big policy matters unresolved or thwarted.
Pennsylvania heads into fiscal year without budget in place
July 1, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Work on a new state budget for Pennsylvania will plow into next week as the state government started the fiscal year Friday with diminished spending authority, details of a new spending plan still largely a secret and questions about whether negotiators can solve lingering disputes.
Michigan lawmakers OK budget but can’t get deal on tax cuts
July 1, 2022 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers approved a state budget early Friday that increases money for education but delayed a decision on how to cut taxes, unable to yet bridge disagreement between Gov.
Pennsylvania to begin fiscal year without a budget
July 1, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's new fiscal year will begin without a state budget in place, as Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration and top Republican lawmakers haltingly worked through Thursday's deadline to hammer out a roughly $42 billion spending plan whose details were still largely being kept secret.
Parson signs $48B Missouri budget, cuts tax refund program
June 30, 2022 GMTCOLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday approved most of a roughly $48 billion state budget while cutting $500 million lawmakers had set aside for tax refunds.
The budget outlines spending on state programs and services for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Friday.
NC legislature advances budget agreement closer to governor
June 30, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature advanced its proposed state budget adjustments in bipartisan fashion Thursday, each chamber voting separately by comfortable margins for a plan that would spend or salt away billions more without added tax cuts.
Illinois grocery tax suspended for year starting Friday
June 30, 2022 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — The sales tax on groceries in Illinois will be suspended for a year starting Friday, under the state budget approved in April.
The state’s tax relief program will also postpone a gas tax increase until January, and cut school supply taxes from 6.25% to 1.25% from Aug.
Mississippi new laws: Tax cut, teacher pay raise, state song
June 30, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Several new laws take effect in Mississippi on Friday, which is also the first day of the new state budget year.
TEACHER PAY
In the new budget year, teachers will receive raises that average about $5,100, and assistant teachers will receive $2,000.
NC GOP unveils budget; House backs Medicaid expansion path
June 29, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican legislative leaders on Tuesday unveiled state budget adjustments for the coming year, proposing to spend or set aside billions in expected extra tax collections to raise worker pay, recruit companies, build more infrastructure and combat inflation.
Alaska governor outlines finalized state budget
June 29, 2022 GMTJUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced a finalized state budget Tuesday that he said will pay off the state's lingering oil and gas tax credits and invest in areas such as public safety, education and infrastructure.
Ducey OKs $18B budget upping school, infrastructure spending
June 29, 2022 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Tuesday signed into law his eighth and final state budget, an $18 billion spending plan that uses a record surplus to invest in education and infrastructure while lowering state debt and preparing for an economic downturn.
1 arrest as abortion protesters fill SC Statehouse lobby
June 28, 2022 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A 32-year-old woman was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault as abortion protesters spent about 90 minutes inside the lobby of the South Carolina Statehouse during Tuesday's special session on the state budget, authorities said.
Pennsylvania House targets colleges’ fetal research in bill
June 27, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A proposal to require Pennsylvania's four state-related universities to promise they are not conducting research or experiments with fetal tissue from elective abortions was added to a state budget bill by House Republicans on Monday.
SC lawmakers to consider $53M in vetoed local projects
June 26, 2022 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina General Assembly is returning to Columbia on Tuesday to consider nearly $53 million in local projects that Gov. Henry McMaster wants out of the $13.8 billion state budget.
California governor, lawmakers near deal on gas tax rebate
June 25, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Most California taxpayers would get hundreds of dollars in cash to help offset the high price of fuel and other goods under a tentative budget compromise being discussed by legislative leaders and Gov.
Rhode Island lawmakers pass budget and adjourn for the year
June 24, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island lawmakers passed a flurry of major bills before the legislative session ended Friday, including the state budget and legislation to provide driver privilege cards to people who are in the country illegally.
Washington revenue forecast up $1.46 billion
June 22, 2022 GMTOLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Revenue projections for Washington state increased by about $1.46 billion more than expected through the current two-year budget period.
Updated numbers released Wednesday by the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council show that projected revenue collections for the 2021-2023 budget exceed what had been forecast in February.
Arizona lawmakers begin hearings on state budget plan
June 22, 2022 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — The Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature began hearings Tuesday on a long-delayed state budget plan that was immediately panned by some Democrats and public school advocates for failing to use a huge surplus to significantly boost school funding.
Rhode Island House approves $13.6B state budget proposal
June 17, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A $13.6 billion state budget passed the Rhode Island House late Thursday, sending it to the Senate for a vote.
The House version of the budget for the 2023 fiscal year accelerates phasing out the car tax, eliminating what would have been the final year of the tax next year at a cost of $64 million.
Nevada high court hears fast-track school voucher appeal
June 17, 2022 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada Supreme Court justices asked pointed questions Thursday about a fast-track appeal of a school vouchers ballot measure that a state court judge rejected for using what he characterized as “sleight of hand” to hide what he called the “enormous” effect it would have on the state budget.
Income tax cuts, rebates centerpiece of SC’s $13.8B budget
June 10, 2022 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Many South Carolina taxpayers may soon be getting several hundred dollars in tax rebates on top of a cut in their regular tax rates after a group of powerful lawmakers from the House and Senate agreed Friday to a compromise on the state budget.