Carl Smith

Pasadena

Senior Staff Writer at GOVERNING

Writer at https://t.co/hWCOGB1x48

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Articles

Wisconsin's Construction Training Program Could Serve as National Model

1 week ago | governing.com | Carl Smith

The construction industry says it needs nearly 440,000 more workers to meet 2025 construction demand. Apprenticeships are essential to the development of a skilled workforce for the sector. The registered apprenticeship programs in 33 states play an important role in this training. Enrollment in Wisconsin’s registered apprenticeship programs for construction trades increased for the fourth year in a row in 2024. It’s a model for other states, but states alone won’t fill the need.
The Revitalization of Lowell, Mass.

1 week ago | governing.com | Jule Pattison-Gordon |Girard Miller |Carl Smith

Once famous for its textile mills, the city of Lowell hit an economic slump when the factories began shuttering in the early 1900s. The city has made several big pushes to rebuild its economy over the years, recently launching its “third wave” of revitalization efforts. Lowell is easing the way for new development and helping bring tech companies to the city, while advertising its unique character and historic vibes.
State and Local Fiscal Fallout From a Trumpian Economy

1 week ago | governing.com | Girard Miller |Alan Greenblatt |Carl Smith

Washington is reeling from budgetary blitzkrieg. As the White House continues to flood the zone with head-spinning rapid-fire executive orders, intergovernmental grant clawbacks, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) wood-chipping, federal layoffs and flip-flopping global tariff pronouncements, the fallout for state and local budgets is worsening.
Lack of Public Defenders Means Some Defendants Wait Months for Trial

1 week ago | governing.com | Girard Miller |Carl Smith

Unable to afford an attorney and facing a dwindling roster of Yakima County public defenders, Root waited three months for a public defender to represent him for the felony charge. His partner repeatedly asked to lift the order, to no avail, as Root posted bail twice — before landing back in jail for violating the order each time.
Mississippi’s Historic Achievement: Eliminating the Income Tax

1 week ago | governing.com | Alan Greenblatt |Girard Miller |Jared Brey |Carl Smith

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed legislation last month signaling the eventual end of the state’s personal income tax. This historic moment, over a decade in the making, is a massive win for Mississippi workers, families and businesses. With the enactment of House Bill 1, our state is sending a clear message: Mississippi is open for business. Mississippi isn’t alone in this ambition.
Indiana House Passes Bill Cracking Down on State Contracts

2 weeks ago | governing.com | Alan Greenblatt |Carl Smith

Sen. Scott Baldwin’s Senate Bill 5 advanced from the House in a bipartisan 91-1 vote. Only Rep. Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend, was opposed. Baked in the 21-page measure are new rules for contacts awarded by state agencies — including a ban on non-public, no-bid deals — and steeper expectations for vendors paid with taxpayer dollars.
Being a Candidate Without a Party Is a Hard Way to Win

2 weeks ago | governing.com | Alan Greenblatt |Carl Smith |Jabari Simama

This article is part of Governing's Inside Politics newsletter. Sign up here. Being a Candidate Without a Party Is a Hard Way to Win: There’s always a hunger for having more than two choices. According to Gallup, 43 percent of Americans identify as independents, which is 15 percentage points higher than either Democrats or the GOP. Despite the desire for alternatives, however, actually electing independent candidates remains a rare event.
A Rural California District Is a National Model for Reducing Absenteeism

2 weeks ago | governing.com | Carl Smith

Chronic absenteeism and homelessness have both been on the rise since the pandemic. Rates are significantly higher among homeless students, affecting their graduation rates and future prospects. The Paradise, Calif., school district is included in a new report highlighting strategies for addressing this problem that are achieving results. The Paradise, Calif., Unified School District cut its chronic absenteeism rate in half over the past five years.
The Implications for States From a New Kind of Trade Tax

3 weeks ago | governing.com | Girard Miller |Carl Smith |Jared Brey

Most of us have grown weary of tariff talk, jittery stock prices and the multitude of tax proposals emanating from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. The president wants lower taxes for domestic manufacturers plus tariffs to protect American producers, and sees other countries’ value-added taxes as biased against American businesses. But corporate America has made it pretty clear that it won’t underwrite massive new manufacturing facilities based on whiplash, mercurial tariff pronouncements.
A Big Step Toward Protecting Kids From App Stores

4 weeks ago | governing.com | Zina Hutton |Carl Smith

Utah’s 2025 legislative session has just ended. One of the new laws enacted requires online app stores to verify the ages of users trying to download apps, and it’s getting attention outside the state. Other states should recognize the importance of protecting children online and pursue similar efforts. The bill was motivated by concerns about app stores that other regulations don’t address.