Every Wednesday, 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!
U.S. Set for Biggest State-Local Jobs Boost Since 2007
Economists say state and local governments are in their best financial shape since the recession, giving them a little leeway to cushion the U.S. economy from federal budget cuts with spending and hiring of their own. Some municipalities are expected to grow and expand payrolls for the first time in years. Read More. . .
Capitol Hill Least Productive Congress Ever: 112th Fought ‘About Everything’
Together, the House and Senate enacted the fewest laws, considered the fewest bills and held the lowest number of formal negotiations between them. The culmination of these measures helped Congress to a historic low in The Washington Times’ Legislative Futility Index, which tracks floor activity in both chambers. Read More. . .
Montana Leads Major Multi-State IT Projects
Montana, a geographically large state with a population of less than 1 million people, is showing that governments of any size are capable of truly innovative thinking. Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Michigan, Arkansas, and Idaho are collaborating to form the basis for broader technology sharing programs that states could use in emergency situations. Read More. . .
Congress to Vote on Superstorm Sandy Flood Aid
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned that the National Flood Insurance Program will run out of money next week if Congress doesn't provide additional borrowing authority to pay out claims. However, the House and Senate are expected to vote on a $9.7 billion measure to pay flood insurance claims this Friday. Read More. . .
IRS Delays Tax Season Until End of January
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says that it plans to delay the opening of the 2013 tax filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on Jan. 30th, more than a week after the initially planned start date of Jan. 22nd. Read More. . .
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