Author Archive
Cloud & Infrastructure
Mayors oppose a GOP bill to speed up broadband permitting
The proposal would put a “shot clock” on permit approvals in an effort to streamline the process to build broadband around the country. But mayors say it preempts their ability to make crucial construction decisions.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Senate passes debt ceiling bill, approves new work requirements for benefits
States will have to meet stricter rules for those receiving food stamps and welfare assistance. Some worry it will actually hamper states’ ability to help people get back to work.
Cloud & Infrastructure
The pros and cons of the debt deal for states and localities
The deal doesn’t claw back billions of dollars promised under the infrastructure and climate laws, but it does keep federal spending flat and adds work requirements for food stamp recipients.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Proposals floated for streamlining broadband permitting
House Republicans and Democrats debated more funding, removing environmental reviews and putting a “shot clock” on approvals in an effort to get the $42 billion in funding to much-needed broadband projects faster.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Could infrastructure dollars solve the lack of broadband in public housing?
Nearly one million households that live in public housing units do not have access to the internet, according to a new report.
Cloud & Infrastructure
The other digital divide
Jobs using technology are more common in some parts of the country than in others, according to a recent study. The divide is leading to a widening wage and skills gap.
Emerging Tech
Feds seek input on how to create semiconductor hubs
The Commerce Department wants stakeholders’ “best ideas” for new research and manufacturing hubs for computer chips that could transform communities nationwide.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Here’s what’s in Biden’s budget plan for state and local governments
The administration, among other things, wants to dramatically increase funding for housing and restore the child tax credit.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Republicans want to incentivize states to recover stolen unemployment benefits
The House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill this week that would let states keep 25% of any money they recover that was fraudulently obtained or improperly given out.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Treasury reopens ‘help desk’ for states and localities
The call center, which fielded 300 calls and about 2,000 emails a week before it was shut down, provided governments with assistance on the handling of various pandemic-related programs.
Emerging Tech
The worker shortage is real. Could tech help governors close gaps?
Business leaders pointed to high-tech job training and tools like artificial intelligence as possible solutions to the historic shortage of workers.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Senators press FCC on map that will guide billions in broadband infrastructure funding
State and local officials and others have raised questions about the accuracy of the The Federal Communications Commission map and the process to make corrections to it.
Emerging Tech
$500M for new tech hubs program included in federal spending bill
A law to promote domestic semiconductor production approved earlier this year created the regional development program, but didn’t fund it. The proposed spending would enable its launch.
Cloud & Infrastructure
How the infrastructure act aims to take on digital discrimination
The FCC is considering adopting a set of recommendations for state and local governments that would address disparities in broadband service.
Cloud & Infrastructure
New state and local government financial reporting requirements headed to Biden’s desk
State and local advocates opposed the provisions, which were attached to a massive defense bill and call for financial data to be standardized, searchable and machine-readable.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Fears grow over plan to distribute billions in broadband dollars
State and local officials are raising alarm about what they say are major flaws with a federal map that will guide where the infrastructure money is sent. They want the Biden administration to extend a timeline for flagging the problems.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Congress moving ahead on new state and local government financial reporting rules
The new requirements, tacked on to a must-pass defense bill, call for financial data to be standardized, machine-readable and searchable. State and local advocates argue the plan is an “unfunded mandate” that will create significant costs.
Cloud & Infrastructure
New national broadband map offers granular look at service and gaps
The draft release kicks off a process where states, localities and the general public can challenge inaccuracies. The new data will be crucial in guiding how the federal government divides billions in broadband funding between states.
Public Safety
Local election officials brace for possible violence and threats
With worries over armed poll “monitors,” voter intimidation and risks to staff, some are coordinating with law enforcement or conducting special training ahead of Election Day.
Data & Analytics