Carl Smith

Pasadena

Senior Staff Writer at GOVERNING

Writer at https://t.co/hWCOGB1x48

Articles

AI Program for Ticketing Uninsured Motorists Runs Into Trouble

4 days ago | governing.com | Carl Smith |Jared Brey

Politically connected members of a Mississippi company have fallen out with their Georgia partner in what promised to be a profitable business to snare uninsured motorists with cameras and artificial intelligence. A company that the three Mississippians formed, QJR LLC, is suing its partner in the uninsured motorist ticketing venture, Georgia-based Securix LLC. QJR represents the first initials of its members: Quinton Dickerson, Josh Gregory and Robert Wilkinson.
Washington Becomes Latest State to Increase School Discipline

4 days ago | governing.com | Carl Smith |Jared Brey

While educators say the changes are necessary to address disruptive post-pandemic classroom behavior, the policies are drawing criticism from some student and family advocates. The Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction adopted the updated discipline rules on June 10. New discipline guidelines for public school students will go into effect across Washington state next month.
Oregon Law Lets Physicians Control Decisions About Care

5 days ago | governing.com | Carl Smith

The majority of physicians now work for practices owned by corporations. This has brought new attention to long-standing concerns that financial priorities take precedence in decisions about care. A new law in Oregon preserves physician autonomy in clinics and hospitals they don't own, potentially providing a model for other states to consider. Oregon has crafted a new law meant to ensure physicians working in practices owned by corporations retain control of decisions about treatment.
Sacramento County Aims to End Senior Homelessness in Five Years

1 week ago | governing.com | Carl Smith

Sacramento County wants to eliminate homelessness for all adults 60 and older and for people living with a disability. Sacramento County’s Age and Disability Plan outlines strategies to provide affordable and accessible housing for both older residents and for residents with a disability, the plan stated. To accomplish this, Sacramento County seeks to provide equitable housing opportunities, said county spokesperson Macy Obernuefemann.
What Can Be Done to Shield State and Local Officials From Political Violence?

1 week ago | governing.com | Carl Smith

The assassination of political leaders in Minnesota is a shocking reminder of the worst consequences from a climate of political division. Researchers have documented an increase in threats against public officials in recent years. The great majority of Americans reject political violence. Experts recommend several strategies, including protecting public officials’ home addresses, increasing security measures, and offering mental health help. The killing of Democratic Minnesota state Rep.
The ‘Green New Scam’ Is a Red-State Boon

1 week ago | governing.com | Carl Smith |Jared Brey

While some Republicans have labeled the billions in tax credits a “green new scam,” statistics reviewed by States Newsroom show the jobs and benefits would boost predominantly GOP-leaning states and congressional districts. Now the industry is already slowing amid Trump’s back-and-forth tariff policy and mixed messaging on energy and manufacturing.
Alaska Gov. Slashes Millions From Education Funding

1 week ago | governing.com | Carl Smith |Jabari Simama

The governor’s vetoes fell heaviest on education, as Dunleavy eliminated more than $50 million from the state’s per-student education funding formula and tens of millions intended for major school maintenance projects. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, said lawmakers are not likely to consider a veto override vote until January at the earliest, a schedule that will leave school districts with months of uncertainty. Gov.
What the 'Big Beautiful Bill' Would Mean for Renewable Energy

2 weeks ago | governing.com | Carl Smith

Cuts to energy programs in the House "big beautiful bill" could slow clean energy innovation and deployment, according to a recent report. Impacts on state economies could be significant. Modeling by energy analysts attempts to bring economic consequences into focus. Risks are high in both red and blue states. Cost cutting was a guiding principle for the “big beautiful bill” that squeaked through the House in May and went to the Senate for review.
The Case for Paying Americans to Move Out of Floodplains

2 weeks ago | governing.com | Carl Smith |Girard Miller

When the first major hurricane hits the United States this summer, one thing will be different: There will be no reliable federal funding to help Americans recover. The Trump administration has frozen billions of dollars in disaster relief and slashed staffing at key federal agencies, leaving state and local governments as the last line of defense for the more than 40 million Americans living in flood-prone homes.
Teacher Apprentice Programs Are Spreading Like Wildfire

2 weeks ago | governing.com | Carl Smith

Between lingering pandemic-era stress and retirements, the national shortage of teachers has become a crisis. In recent years, states have implemented apprenticeship programs that cover tuition costs and pay students while they learn. The federally supported program has brought down the cost of an education degree significantly for participants, while creating a model that might extend to school leaders such as principals.