Youngkin calls for increased state spending on child care programs

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday that the proposed budget he will soon unveil for the next two fiscal years will include an increase in state spending on early learning and child care programs. The central aim of the proposal is to...

California faces record $68 billion budget deficit, nonpartisan legislative analyst says

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California is facing a record $68 billion budget deficit, state officials announced Thursday, forcing hard choices for Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in his final term as he works to build his national profile. The nation's most populous state — with an...

United Nations bemoans struggles to fund peacekeeping as nations demand withdrawal of missions

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — The United Nations' top peacekeeping official defended the organization's missions worldwide as concerns grow that they've gone into retreat as African leaders demand their withdrawal from Mali to Congo. Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre...

California's nonpartisan legislative analyst says state faces record $68 billion budget deficit

AP Election Brief | What to expect in Houston's mayoral runoff election

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s down to two candidates in the race to lead the nation’s fourth-largest city. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire will face off in Saturday’s runoff election to be the next mayor of Houston. Whitmire and Jackson Lee, both Democrats,...

Minnesota budget surplus grows slightly to $2.4B. But officials warn of potential trouble ahead

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's budget picture remains stable in the near term, with a slightly higher than expected surplus heading into the 2024 legislative session. But there are clouds on the horizon, officials announced Wednesday. An updated forecast from Minnesota...

Mississippi's top lawmakers skip initial budget proposals because of disagreement with governor

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi legislators will begin their session next month without a broad outline from their leaders about how the state should spend money during the year that begins July 1. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee met Wednesday, and members were scheduled...

South Dakota governor proposes tighter spending along with increases for K-12 education

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem outlined her budget vision on Tuesday, emphasizing tighter spending amid rising inflation, while also proposing funding increases for K-12 education, health care providers and state employees. The second-term Republican governor's budget plan through...

Maryland transportation chief proposes $3.3B in budget cuts

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s administration is proposing roughly $3.3 billion in wide-ranging cuts for the state’s six-year transportation spending plan, which is facing inflationary pressures as traditional revenue sources haven't kept up with costs, the state's...

DeSantis wants to cut 1,000 jobs, but asks for $1 million to sue over Florida State's football snub

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis recommended Florida eliminate more than 1,000 state jobs in a spending proposal released Tuesday that cuts the current budget by more $4.6 billion while maintaining popular sales tax holidays. DeSantis is calling for a $114.4...