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The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Homeless shelter cuts averted after Franklin County restores some funding

Homeless shelter cuts averted after Franklin County restores some funding

After months without a funding commitment, Franklin County commissioners approved more money to avert steep homeless shelter cuts.
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
See how much Amendment 3 could save on your tax bill

See how much Amendment 3 could save on your tax bill

New website lets homeowners estimate Amendment 3 tax savings while showing projected revenue losses for their cities and counties.
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
Post reader wants to ease traffic in Palm Beach County | Letters

Post reader wants to ease traffic in Palm Beach County | Letters

Palm Beach Post readers talk up traffic, the Mayor's Ball and apologize to Canada.
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South Carolina Senate Shifts Earmark Funding to Local Governments, Aims for Increased Accountability

South Carolina Senate Shifts Earmark Funding to Local Governments, Aims for Increased Accountability

The South Carolina Senate has implemented a new approach to earmark funding, totaling approximately $110 million, by directing money exclusively to local cities and counties rather than directly to non-profit organizations. This change, championed by Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, is part of a broader agreement among legislators to enhance accountability in how state funds are distributed. While the funds are technically sent to local governments, some spending is intended to flow through these entities to non-profits for community work. This move comes after legislators passed a $350 million spending deal and announced an intention to modify funding distribution methods for the upcoming year, specifically by not sending money directly to non-profits. The House is also expected to adopt this approach next year. The agreement, a 'gentlemen's agreement' between the lead budget writers, also includes provisions for more equal spending between the House and Senate and an earlier passage of a stopgap spending ...
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U.S. Representative Bill Keating Criticized for Neglecting Firefighter Advocacy in New Bedford

U.S. Representative Bill Keating Criticized for Neglecting Firefighter Advocacy in New Bedford

U.S. Representative Bill Keating is facing criticism from New Bedford resident Melissa L. Brodeur-Lynch for his perceived lack of advocacy for local firefighters. In an opinion piece, Brodeur-Lynch asserts that Keating, despite being endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), has prioritized Mayor Jon Mitchell's beautification projects over the pressing needs of IAFF Local 841 New Bedford Firefighters. The critique highlights Keating's alleged failure to champion federal public safety regulations and collective bargaining rights for firefighters. Furthermore, Brodeur-Lynch questions why Keating has not pressured federal agencies to streamline the grant application process, which would enable resource-strained cities like New Bedford to receive crucial funding more rapidly. The opinion piece suggests that Keating's visits to New Bedford are primarily for events aligned with Mayor Mitchell's agenda, rather than addressing the concerns of his constituents regarding public safety.
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Elkhorn City Council Opposes High-Voltage Power Line Project in Walworth County

Elkhorn City Council Opposes High-Voltage Power Line Project in Walworth County

The City of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, has unanimously passed a resolution opposing the proposed 765-kilovolt, 190-mile BECI Project power line. This decision follows similar declarations from other municipalities across Walworth County, including the Town of Sugar Creek, the Town of Darien, and the Elkhorn Area School District. Residents and local farm owners, such as April Yuds and Michelle DiMauro, have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns that the power line would negatively impact their properties and the agricultural landscape. Yuds, who owns an organic farm in Sugar Creek, stated that one of the potential routes for the BECI Project runs directly through her property, jeopardizing years of work. DiMauro, another farm owner, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the project threatens their agricultural pursuits. The widespread opposition indicates a unified community effort to prevent the construction of the high-voltage power line.
El Paso Times El Paso Times
New El Paso Deck Plaza poll highlights funding as key hurdle

New El Paso Deck Plaza poll highlights funding as key hurdle

A new poll shows opinions on El Paso's Deck Plaza shift when funding is discussed, underscoring the project's biggest challenge.
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Connecticut State Bond Commission Approves $1.9 Billion for Schools, Transit, and Housing Projects

Connecticut State Bond Commission Approves $1.9 Billion for Schools, Transit, and Housing Projects

The Connecticut State Bond Commission, chaired by Governor Ned Lamont, has approved approximately $1.9 billion in funding for 50 projects across the state. These projects span various sectors, with significant allocations directed towards transit initiatives, educational institutions, and housing programs. The approved funds range from several hundred thousand dollars to hundreds of millions for individual projects. Governor Lamont emphasized that these approvals align with the state's bond caps and established rules, with a primary focus on managing fixed costs as a percentage of the overall budget. The meeting saw some discussion, particularly from State Senator Ryan Fazio, regarding the allocation of funds for electric distribution companies and housing programs, but all measures ultimately passed.
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Bradford Council Faces Calls to Reconsider Diverting £400,000 Arts Funding to Reopen Tip

Bradford Council Faces Calls to Reconsider Diverting £400,000 Arts Funding to Reopen Tip

Artists and creative workers are urging Bradford Council to reconsider its decision to divert £400,000 of arts funding. This money, initially designated for cultural events and organizations, is now slated to be used for reopening the Sugden End Household Waste Recycling Centre and restoring bank holiday operating hours at other tips across the district. While Bradford Council asserts that this decision "does not affect current cultural investment commitments," artists have criticized the move as "short-sighted." Sue Dyde, a director of the women's performance troupe Bradford Belles, has initiated a petition and organized a protest outside City Hall ahead of an executive meeting where the plan could be finalized. Ms. Dyde emphasized that the issue concerns Bradford's regeneration and future, not just the reopening of a single tip, calling the decision "perverse" and a "false economy." Dave Gill of Peace Artistes highlighted that arts funding supports grassroots organizations that engage new audiences and a...
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Kansas Republicans Accuse State Agency of Improperly Shifting Disability Service Funds

Kansas Republicans Accuse State Agency of Improperly Shifting Disability Service Funds

Kansas Republicans on a legislative budget committee have renewed their discontent with Governor Laura Kelly’s administration, alleging that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) improperly reallocated approximately $24 million. This money, according to GOP lawmakers, should have benefited 5,300 individuals on the state’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) waiting list. Instead, the funds were internally transferred by KDADS to expand aid for Kansans with severe brain injuries, the frail elderly, and those requiring technology assistance for disabilities. A significant portion, about $19 million, was directed towards the needs of frail elderly Kansans. House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, previously accused the agency of a 'blatant bureaucratic shell game.' Senator Rick Billinger, a Goodland Republican, noted that the I/DD service-delivery challenge has historically been attributed to a lack of providers, not funding shortfalls. However, KDADS Secretary Laura Howa...
Florida Times-Union Florida Times-Union
Independent reports contradict Deegan saying uninsured dropped by 34%

Independent reports contradict Deegan saying uninsured dropped by 34%

Mayor Donna Deegan has been saying the city achieved a 34% drop in uninsured residents. Independent reports don't show that happened.
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Thurston County Prepares Budget Options to Protect Core Services Amidst Revenue Reductions

Thurston County Prepares Budget Options to Protect Core Services Amidst Revenue Reductions

Thurston County officials in Washington are actively preparing budget options to safeguard essential services in anticipation of a potential second consecutive year of reduced revenues. Multi-day strategy sessions have been held by county leaders to address projected shortfalls. These sessions involved reviewing financial projections, considering measures such as hiring freezes, deferring capital projects, and implementing targeted program reductions. Discussions also focused on developing contingency plans specifically aimed at preserving critical public safety, human services, and infrastructure work. Staff members are currently compiling recommended budget adjustments, which will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners in the coming weeks as the county works towards finalizing a balanced budget.