stateline
Low fertility rates, high housing prices mean fewer children in most states
In states where the drop in the number of children is part of a broader population decline, there will be additional fiscal, economic and political ramifications.
4-day school weeks, gaining in popularity, face pushback from lawmakers
Several states have imposed restrictions or bans on four-day schools
Debate over holding back third graders roils state legislatures | Analysis
At least 17 states and the District of Columbia require third graders to repeat the year if they don’t meet certain test scores, although many have 'good cause' exemptions.
Wave of transgender health care bans has roots in past debates
Republican lawmakers have found traction in restricting care for minors, and increasingly for adults as well.
Millions of kids could lose health coverage as states purge Medicaid rolls
This upheaval comes as child vaccination rates sink to historic lows, a teen mental health crisis worsens, and millions of kids fall behind on routine screenings to detect physical and developmental problems that require early interventions.
With fire departments struggling for volunteers, states respond to the alarm
More than 80% of U.S. fire departments are composed mostly of volunteers.
How states are trying to ease the child care crunch | Analysis
The efforts come as federal pandemic aid is set to end.
As Supreme Court considers student loan forgiveness, states may expand their programs
At least two dozen bills are moving through state legislatures this spring.
For local officials, the fight against election lies never ends | Analysis
Election officials are working across state and partisan lines to earn back voters’ trust.
As 2024 election looms, state legislatures consider voting changes | Analysis
In Pa., Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro included protections for election workers in his official platform while running for office.
Finally, something state lawmakers can (mostly) agree on: State symbols
Bills to designate new symbols, from dinosaurs to pastries, just keep coming.
Abortion advocates aim to outflank lawmakers in 2024 using ballot measures | Analysis
The midterms showed the political potency of abortion ballot measures.