stateline

Low fertility rates, high housing prices mean fewer children in most states

BY: - May 16, 2023

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

BY: - May 9, 2023

Several states have imposed restrictions or bans on four-day schools

Fourth graders study in a view through a classroom window. Many states are questioning whether third graders should be promoted to the next grade or held back a year if they fail to pass certain reading tests. (George Frey/Getty Images)

Debate over holding back third graders roils state legislatures | Analysis

BY: - May 8, 2023

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.

Transgender residents look on at a Kentucky House hearing in March while supporters give testimony in favor of a bill to restrict health care for transgender minors. In state legislatures across the country, the number of bills restricting gender-affirming health care has nearly doubled since last year. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

Wave of transgender health care bans has roots in past debates

BY: - May 5, 2023

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

BY: - April 27, 2023

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.

Merion Fire Company of Ardmore, Pa.

With fire departments struggling for volunteers, states respond to the alarm

BY: - April 25, 2023

More than 80% of U.S. fire departments are composed mostly of volunteers.

Baby toddler early development. Wooden stack and count rainbow colors learning game. Child learn colors and numbers

How states are trying to ease the child care crunch | Analysis

BY: - March 27, 2023

The efforts come as federal pandemic aid is set to end.

Black borrowers hold a disproportionate share of student loan debt, and many likely were recipients of Pell Grants.

As Supreme Court considers student loan forgiveness, states may expand their programs

BY: - March 14, 2023

At least two dozen bills are moving through state legislatures this spring.

A voting sign in Philadelphia

For local officials, the fight against election lies never ends | Analysis

BY: - March 3, 2023

Election officials are working across state and partisan lines to earn back voters’ trust.

A week out from Election Day, outside groups have reported spending $7.7 million on behalf of Democratic and Republican candidates. (Photo by Daniella Heminghaus for the New Jersey Monitor)

As 2024 election looms, state legislatures consider voting changes | Analysis

BY: - January 9, 2023

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

BY: - January 5, 2023

Bills to designate new symbols, from dinosaurs to pastries, just keep coming.

abortion protest capitol

Abortion advocates aim to outflank lawmakers in 2024 using ballot measures | Analysis

BY: - November 26, 2022

The midterms showed the political potency of abortion ballot measures.