Every Wednesday, and in this case Thursday, The Ferguson Group blog will be posting a series of articles published over the previous week that discuss topics of interest to local governments. Learn about emerging trends and keep up on key policy issues by browsing the TFG Wednesday News Roundup!
Congress Prepares to Handle White House’s $60.4 Billion Sandy Aid Package
This past Friday the White House asked Congress for $60.4 billion in emergency aid for communities hit hard by Sandy. This is the first formal monetary request for aid to those affected by the storm, and is not likely to be the last. The White House’s request adds an additional challenge to Congress during this lame duck season, while Senate Democrats have set a goal of passing an aid bill this month. Read More…
Health Centers Find Opportunity in Brownfields
A community health center in West Philadelphia owes its inception to a Brownfields grant that spurred its creation. Because of the contamination the health center, Spectrum Health Services, received $2 million in federal cleanup grants. Philadelphia isn’t the first to capitalize on building health care facilities on cleanup sites, Florida, Colorado, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Oregon, and California have done it too. Read More…
States facing a fiscal cliff of their own
States and local governments may end up feeling the greatest effects of the fiscal cliff. For 25 states, including the District of Columbia, lower federal reductions means more income being taxed at the state level, higher state revenues. But that’s about the only good news. State budgets are still recovering from the Great Recession of 2008, and with the looming sequestration could see additional cuts. Read More…
Farm Bill Becomes Fodder in ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Wrangling
Amongst all the conversation on the fiscal cliff, the farm bill has seemingly been set aside. The last farm bill expired in September, the Senate has since passed a new one, and the House has not. Lawmakers from farming states are advocating including a farm bill in their budget deals, but not everyone thinks that that is a good idea. Read More…
Low-profile Fiscal Cliff Issue Could Undermine Cities and Counties
If during fiscal cliff discussions municipal bonds lose their tax exempt status it will not only raise taxes on middle-class families, but also stifle job growth. If the exemption is removed the costs of building roads, highways, airports, water sewers, and other types of public infrastructure will increase. This increase could force local governments to raise property taxes or forego these projects altogether. Read More…
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