State of the states: Debt totals $1.5 trillion at end of 2018 fiscal year
The average taxpayer burden across all 50 states to cover the debt was $8,400, and 40 state governments were unable to pay their bills.
State Headliners: Leahy pressured Ukraine to reopen investigation into 2020 prez candidate
Last year, Vermont’s senior senator himself attempted to restart a Ukrainian investigation into a 2020 candidate — one Donald J. Trump. He even suggested U.S. aid to Ukraine was hanging in the balance.
John Klar: Vermont conservatives have had enough of their RINO governor
In Vermont, the waters of resentment have risen steadily behind the faulty dam constructed tirelessly by “Republican” Governor Phil Scott.
New Hampshire lawmakers looking at reducing use of plastic bags, straws
Two new bills before state legislators seek to curb the use of disposable plastic such as bags and straws. Lawmakers have discussed similar measures before, but supporters hope the next legislative session will be an end to the stalemate.
States including Vermont file lawsuit challenging Trump administration’s Endangered Species Act reforms
Several states joined California in suing the Trump administration on Wednesday over reforms made to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that they argue will weaken the federal law.
State Headliners: As Act 46 faces Supreme Court challenge, two merged towns face school tax sticker shock
Residents of the Orange County towns of Bradford and Newbury are suffering school tax sticker shock because taxes for the newly-created Oxbow United Union School District are much higher than what they had been led to expect.
Roper: The systematic psychological abuse of our kids
This mass case of child abuse should not be allowed to continue. The people doing this to our kids — activists, teachers, politicians, the media (both entertainment and news) — need to be stopped.
Bernie Sanders won’t rule out questioning Hunter Biden’s past
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders did not rule out the idea of candidates questioning former Vice President Joe Biden’s son as the 2020 election season heats up.
Gov. Sununu, Democratic leaders reach deal for New Hampshire budget with no tax hikes
New Hampshire lawmakers and Republican Gov. Chris Sununu reached a compromise on the state budget after a nearly two-month long stalemate. The House and Senate must approve the deal Wednesday.
Trump has made real progress changing the liberal 9th Circuit
When Trump took office there were 18 Democrat appointees, seven Republican appointees, and four vacancies on that court. As of this writing, there are 16 Democrat appointees and 12 GOP appointees with one vacancy remaining.
Public comments close for new SNAP benefits rule closing eligibility loophole
“With the proposed rule, USDA is on track to correct a problem that has allowed individuals with significant assets – including millionaires – to collect food stamps. The rule would close the loophole that has allowed this, ensuring food stamp resources only go to those who actually qualify and are truly in need.”
Here’s how Bernie Sanders’ wealth tax would aim to raise $4.35 trillion over 10 years
Sanders’ tax would be applied to accumulated wealth instead of just income, which would cut the average billionaire’s wealth in half in 15 years, The New York Times reported citing two economists who helped create the Vermont senator’s plan.