Governing

Georgia state Rep. David Wilkerson. The state has an $11 billion surplus, on top of $5.5 billion in rainy-day reserve funds. Wilkerson would like to see the state spend more on programs such as free meals for schoolchildren. GOP Gov. Brian Kemp has made clear that relief for victims of Hurricane Helene will be a priority this session. The GOP majority is contemplating $1 billion in tax relief. (

The personnel cost has doubled over the last three years. Employees have been granted more sick leave but they seem to be using more due to in-person work requirements.

After years of cuts, the agency’s budget has doubled since 2020. But its new director will face challenges due to policy differences with the incoming Trump administration.

With 13 states offering coverage, it's already a $3.9 billion cost. Some state officials say reducing obesity will save programs money in the long run.

Arrests connected to the home-built weapons are growing rapidly in the U.S. and around the world. It’s likely to prove harder for governments and police to keep them out of the hands of criminals and extremists.

The city’s planning office won’t approve conversion of single-family properties into multiple units in six neighborhoods. The desire to protect Latino neighborhoods from gentrification runs counter to the city’s housing goals.

Recent laws to improve pension financing should save states tens of billions of dollars over the long term.

There's turnover in Washington with each new administration. Departing federal workers can bring valuable skills and experience to state and local governments.

Human services officials say more treatment options are needed to place children, but lawmakers are concerned lighter regulations will create more problems.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom. This week, the Democrat is presenting a budget with a small surplus, which he attributed to fiscal discipline in the face of a massive shortfall last year, along with revenues coming in $16.5 billion above projections. California's Legislative Analyst's Office paints a less rosy picture, saying the state's shortfall will be $2 billion next year, followed by about $20 billion the following year. (