In US first, New Mexico launches free child care for all – this is a headline that immediately grabs your attention. It’s a bold move, and it’s happening in New Mexico. But what does “free child care” really mean? Well, it’s not truly *free* in the sense that no one pays. Instead, the state is using a system of vouchers, funded primarily by revenue generated from oil and gas production. These vouchers will cover the cost of child care services, making it accessible to all families in the state, regardless of income. This is a pretty significant shift, a move towards supporting families and potentially addressing some of the challenges that many parents face when trying to balance work and raising children.… Continue reading
In response to the Trump administration’s withholding of federal funds, primarily in blue states, Democratic legislators are proposing bills to allow states to withhold federal payments in return. These novel bills, introduced in multiple states, target instances where the federal government is deemed delinquent in its funding obligations. While these measures face legal challenges due to the supremacy clause, they represent state-level efforts to counter what is seen as an overreach by the Trump administration. Legal experts note that the financial imbalance between federal and state funding could limit the bills’ effectiveness and potentially lead to further retaliation. Despite these hurdles, some lawmakers see the bills as a necessary assertive response to the federal government’s actions.
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President Trump advocated for a GOP budget bill prioritizing Republican states, asserting that Democratic governors mismanage funds. He specifically criticized governors in New York, Illinois, and California, claiming that aiding them wouldn’t be beneficial. The proposed adjustments aim to direct funds towards states aligned with the Republican party, which Trump believes are key to achieving his “Make America Great Again” agenda. This approach contrasts with a broader, bipartisan approach to state funding.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker