From the States
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Trump calls for balanced budget: experts say goal is worthy but at 'odds with fiscal reality'
"Troublingly, America's fiscal imbalances have grown so large that balancing the budget is likely out of reach in the medium term," said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
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DOGE looking at 'aggressive' overhaul at Veterans Affairs, cutting more than 80,000 employees
The VA added staff quickly during the Biden administration as it staffed up to address increased coverage under the PACT Act, a law that expanded VA health care and benefits.
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TX Gov. Abbott: Human Life Protection Act doesn't need amending, women have medical access
While outlawing elective abortions, Abbott and the Texas legislature advanced significant funding to help pregnant mothers and their families.
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PA Sen. Fetterman criticizes Dem responses, saying they only help Trump
“A sad cavalcade of self owns and unhinged petulance,” Fetterman said of his fellow lawmakers’ response. “It only makes Trump look more presidential and restrained.
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TX Gov. Abbott, state legislature, have plans to reduce red tape for small businesses
Small businesses account for “99% of all businesses in the state” and employ nearly half of the entire private-sector workforce in Texas, the report notes.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass facing a recall effort over her wildfire response
Bass’s political strategist dismissed the recall effort against the mayor, telling the LA Times it's “nothing more than another extreme right-wing political stunt designed to divide Los Angeles.
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AZ Senator Kelly introduces bill to fight fentanyl trafficking
The state has a history of dealing with smugglers and making high-profile drug busts. In 2023, Arizona law enforcement agencies seized more than 123 million fentanyl pills and 2,001 kilograms of fentanyl powder.
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FL Gov. DeSantis wants property tax reform, and an end to business rent tax
"Florida remains the only state in America to tax business rent – and while we have reduced the rate of the tax it is time to eliminate it," DeSantis said.
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Education Secretary McMahon: 'Opportunity to perform one final, unforgettable public service'
"The president pledged to make U.S. education the best in the world, return education to the states, and free students from bureaucracy through school choice. I intend to make good on those promises."
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Utah GOP lawmakers back bill to allow state to pay vendors in gold, help Americans beat inflation
Advocates of the measure say if signed into law it would help those who participate have better purchasing power.
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Gov. Newsom orders state employees to return to office, noting custodial staff already in everyday
It’s also unclear what possible penalties for noncompliance with the order might be, and if the order could be a prelude to state layoffs.
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DOGE's cuts at Veteran Affairs called 'dangerous' by Arizona AG
“These moves will not hurt VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries,” said VA Administrator Doug Collins, a Republican. “In fact, veterans are going to notice a change for the better.”
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Illinois’ gun ID card not doing the intended job of reducing violent crime outcomes
After a triple homicide-suicide in Bloomington, a gun rights advocate says Illinois’ Firearm Owners Identification card revocation processes and gun control laws “don’t work.”