States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
S.D. Education Dept.: Eight South Dakota Elementary Schools Receive Math Improvement Grant
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 7 -- The South Dakota Department of Education issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Eight South Dakota Elementary Schools Receive Math Improvement Grant
Using evidence-based instruction, family engagement, and sustainable professional learning, this grant supports the state's broader effort to strengthen math instruction.
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The South Dakota Department of Education has selected eight elementary schools to participate in the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) project to improve mathematic outcomes for students with disabilities in grades
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 7 -- The South Dakota Department of Education issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Eight South Dakota Elementary Schools Receive Math Improvement Grant
Using evidence-based instruction, family engagement, and sustainable professional learning, this grant supports the state's broader effort to strengthen math instruction.
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The South Dakota Department of Education has selected eight elementary schools to participate in the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) project to improve mathematic outcomes for students with disabilities in gradesPre-K through 5. Using evidence-based instruction, family engagement, and sustainable professional learning, this grant supports the state's broader effort to strengthen math instruction.
"This grant strengthens our commitment to ensuring every student--especially those with disabilities--has access to high-quality math instruction," said Shannon Malone, Director of Learning and Instruction. "By investing in evidence-based practices, coaching, and family engagement, we're building a foundation that will support students long after the grant ends."
Grant funds will support activities such as the development and implementation of math improvement plans, providing professional learning in evidence-based instruction, peer-to-peer coaching, and offering math-focused family engagement opportunities.
Each school will receive approximately $125,000 over five years.
The following elementary schools have been awarded the SPDG:
* O.M. Tiffany Elementary, Aberdeen School District;
* Simmons Elementary, Aberdeen School District;
* L.B. Williams Elementary, Mitchell School District;
* Cleveland Elementary, Sioux Falls School District;
* Hawthorne Elementary, Sioux Falls School District;
* Lowell Elementary, Sioux Falls School District;
* Westside Elementary, Sisseton School District; and
* Winner Elementary, Winner School District.
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Original text here: https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=a972e81c472bf690a497127ba26d43e7
Pa. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Celebrates PA ABLE $200 Million Milestone With CRI, Promotes New Benefit for CRI Employees
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 7 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Treasurer Stacy Garrity Celebrates PA ABLE $200 Million Milestone with CRI, Promotes New Benefit for CRI Employees
Erie, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity marked the achievement of PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program surpassing $200 million in assets during her visit to Community Resources for Independence (CRI), where she announced that the organization will begin offering PA ABLE as an employee benefit. This move expands access to a program
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 7 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Treasurer Stacy Garrity Celebrates PA ABLE $200 Million Milestone with CRI, Promotes New Benefit for CRI Employees
Erie, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity marked the achievement of PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program surpassing $200 million in assets during her visit to Community Resources for Independence (CRI), where she announced that the organization will begin offering PA ABLE as an employee benefit. This move expands access to a programthat helps Pennsylvanians with disabilities save for everyday expenses and long-term goals without jeopardizing critical benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
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"PA ABLE continues to give Pennsylvanians with disabilities greater opportunities to save and plan for the future. I'm thrilled that PA ABLE account owners have over $200 million saved for the future, and it's great to see employers, like CRI, offering the program to its workforce to make a real difference for their employees and their families."
- Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity
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CRI is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing barriers and helping individuals with disabilities live independently through advocacy and skills training, information, referral and transition assistance. By offering PA ABLE as a benefit, CRI is further advancing its mission and strengthening financial empowerment for employees with disabilities.
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"Many of CRI's employees are people with disabilities or have family members with disabilities. The PA-ABLE account is an advantageous opportunity to save money for a wide range of disability-related expenses. CRI is pleased to partner with the PA Treasury to share the advantages of a PA-ABLE account."
- CRI Executive Director, Carl Berry
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Passed in 2014, Federal ABLE legislation authorized states to create tax-advantaged savings programs for individuals with disabilities. Pennsylvania enacted PA ABLE in 2016 through legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker and the first PA ABLE account was opened in 2017.
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"We started the PA ABLE program with the purpose of giving families with a member with disabilities an opportunity to improve their circumstances by saving for the future. This approach is proving effective and popular. The decision to open the program to veterans is timely and consistent with our commitment to the individuals who provided dedicated service to Pennsylvania and our nation. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has put priority on making PA ABLE accessible to more citizens, a highly commendable effort."
- Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20)
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Today, PA ABLE, the fifth largest ABLE program in the country, serves more than 12,000 account owners with assets exceeding $200 million. Account owners have withdrawn more than $76 million to cover qualified disability-related expenses such as housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, education and assistive technology over the life of the program.
While CRI is a non-profit organization, for-profit Pennsylvania employers who make matching contributions to their employees' PA ABLE accounts can take advantage of a state tax credit. The credit is 25 percent of an employer's matching contributions up to $500 per employee per tax year, providing both meaningful support to workers and a financial benefit to the employer.
PA ABLE account owners may contribute up to $20,000 annually, with higher limits available for eligible employed individuals. Contributions of up to $19,000 are deductible from Pennsylvania state income tax, and earnings grow tax-free when used for qualified expenses.
Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE fees six times and expanded outreach efforts statewide. She also supported the federal ABLE Adjustment Act, which increased the age-of-onset eligibility from before age 26 to before age 46 -- making millions more Americans, including one million veterans, eligible to open accounts as of January 2026.
To learn more about eligibility or to open an account, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.
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Original text here: https://www.patreasury.gov/newsroom/archive/2026/03-06-ABLE.html
N.H. Housing: Public Notice Regarding the March Committees of the Board of Directors
BEDFORD, New Hampshire, March 7 -- New Hampshire Housing issued the following news on March 6, 2026:
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Public Notice Regarding the March Committees of the Board of Directors
The following Committees of the Board of Directors of New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority will meet on the following date and times at New Hampshire Housing's office located at 32 Constitution Drive, Bedford, New Hampshire.
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March 17, 2026 ... Finance & Administration Committee ... 9:15 a.m.
March 17, 2026 ... Homeownership Committee ... 11:00 a.m.
March 17, 2026 ... Multifamily Housing Committee ... 12:30
... Show Full Article
BEDFORD, New Hampshire, March 7 -- New Hampshire Housing issued the following news on March 6, 2026:
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Public Notice Regarding the March Committees of the Board of Directors
The following Committees of the Board of Directors of New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority will meet on the following date and times at New Hampshire Housing's office located at 32 Constitution Drive, Bedford, New Hampshire.
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March 17, 2026 ... Finance & Administration Committee ... 9:15 a.m.
March 17, 2026 ... Homeownership Committee ... 11:00 a.m.
March 17, 2026 ... Multifamily Housing Committee ... 12:30p.m.
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Copies of the meeting agendas are available for review upon request.
By: Robert B. Dapice
Executive Director/CEO
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Original text here: https://www.nhhfa.org/public-notice-regarding-the-august-committees-of-the-board-of-directors-2/
Maine Gov. Mills Radio Address: Good-Paying Jobs for Women in Construction and the Trades
AUGUSTA, Maine, March 7 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address on March 6, 2026:
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Good-paying Jobs for Women in Construction and the Trades
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, construction workers have always been in high demand, and we need them now more than ever before. We need construction workers in order to build housing, apartments, and homes -- the things that workers, families and older adults are searching for all the time across Maine.
We need skilled workers to fix our roads and bridges, to improve our infrastructure,
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, March 7 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address on March 6, 2026:
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Good-paying Jobs for Women in Construction and the Trades
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, construction workers have always been in high demand, and we need them now more than ever before. We need construction workers in order to build housing, apartments, and homes -- the things that workers, families and older adults are searching for all the time across Maine.
We need skilled workers to fix our roads and bridges, to improve our infrastructure,and to build out high speed internet, and make our transportation network safe.
We need to expand the construction workforce, and this means recruiting and training more women. Women are underrepresented in this critical industry.
Nationwide, women make up only 11 percent of the construction industry. In Maine, that statistic is a little better, but not by much, where women make up only 15 percent of the construction industry.
I know a little something about being the only woman in the room, as the first woman District Attorney in New England, the first woman Attorney General of Maine, and now the first woman Governor. I didn't run for office to be the first woman in any of those positions, however, I ran because I believed I was the most qualified person for the job. There are qualified women across Maine who belong in fields dominated by men, and I want to knock down the barriers that are keeping them from pursuing good-paying jobs. So, two years ago, I signed an Executive Order to create pathways for more women to join the construction workforce. And this year, I'm proud to have declared March 1-7, 2026 as "Women in Construction Week" in order to reflect on how far we've come.
Since I signed that Executive Order for Women in Construction, my administration has worked with employers, unions, and training partners to get more than 300 women jobs in the trades, and to get more than 400 women into job training programs. These people are earning CDL licenses and other credentials to run heavy equipment and machinery, the things they need to succeed in the evolving construction industry in Maine.
Other women are following in their footsteps. In 2025, more than 300 people participated in pre-apprenticeships, and another 3,800 people took part in our apprenticeship programs, earning money and getting job experience at the same time. Well, more than 1,000 of those people were women.
Maine needs to fix our roads and bridges, to build more homes, to expand high speed internet, and to improve our transportation network. We cannot afford to leave any talented workers on the sidelines. Women are a crucial part of Maine's workforce, and they should be welcomed and embraced in every sector of our economy, including those traditionally dominated by men, including the construction industry and the trades.
So to women across Maine who are interested in a good paying job in the trades, I say: there are opportunities waiting for you.
To celebrate Women in Construction Week, the Maine Department of Labor has created a new Women in Trades page on its website to share the inspiring stories of women in Maine's construction industry, highlighting training opportunities with industry, union, and education partners, promoting networking with women led organizations, and offering resources to employers, and to connect people with job opportunities near them. You can learn more at apprenticeship.maine.gov/women-in-trades.
To businesses in the construction industry across Maine who are looking to hire: there are women waiting to fill the good-paying jobs you offer. Women in Construction Week is the perfect time to recruit those talented individuals to support your businesses.
This is Governor Janet Mills. Thank you for listening.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/radio_address/good-paying-jobs-women-construction-and-trades-2026-03-06
Ga. Lt. Gov. Jones Supports Senate Passage of PAQC Expanded Powers
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 7 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Lt. Governor Burt Jones Supports Senate Passage of PAQC Expanded Powers
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement in support of Senate Bill 605 passing the Senate. Senate Bill 605 is sponsored by Senator Bill Cowsert (R - Athens) and is now headed to the Georgia House for consideration.
"Senate Bill 605 is the kind of bill we all wish we didn't need," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "But Fani Willis's lawfare of President Trump and his allies has highlighted why oversight
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 7 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Lt. Governor Burt Jones Supports Senate Passage of PAQC Expanded Powers
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement in support of Senate Bill 605 passing the Senate. Senate Bill 605 is sponsored by Senator Bill Cowsert (R - Athens) and is now headed to the Georgia House for consideration.
"Senate Bill 605 is the kind of bill we all wish we didn't need," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "But Fani Willis's lawfare of President Trump and his allies has highlighted why oversightby the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission is vital. This bill gives the PAQC the ability to go after DAs who refuse to be transparent, who engage in unprofessional attorney conduct, and who don't take seriously their duties to victims of crimes. I want to commend the Senate Special Committee on Investigations for their hard work to not only highlight Fani Willis's failings, but to bring forward much needed solutions."
Senate Bill 605 expands the role of the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission by giving it the authority to discipline or remove prosecutors who do not comply with the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights and the Georgia Open Records Act, who fail to comply with discovery rules in criminal cases, and who do not follow State Bar rules of professional conduct specific to Georgia prosecutors. This bill builds on the work of Senate Bill 218, which passed earlier this session. That bill gave the PAQC new investigative tools, including the ability to subpoena records kept by prosecutors under investigation.
Please follow this link for additional information on Senate Bill 605: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73715
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Original text here: https://ltgov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-03-06/lt-governor-burt-jones-supports-senate-passage-paqc-expanded-powers
Ga. A.G. Carr Announces Indictment in Counterfeit Coupon Scheme Targeting RaceTrac, Family Dollar, and Parker's Kitchen
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 7 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Carr Announces Indictment in Counterfeit Coupon Scheme Targeting RaceTrac, Family Dollar, and Parker's Kitchen
DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA - Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Organized Retail Crime Unit has obtained a new indictment charging Michael Justin Williams in Douglas County.
As asserted in the indictment, between June 10, 2025, and July 9, 2025, Williams engaged in a pattern of forgeries targeting RaceTrac Inc., Family Dollar Stores, Inc., and The Parker
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 7 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Carr Announces Indictment in Counterfeit Coupon Scheme Targeting RaceTrac, Family Dollar, and Parker's Kitchen
DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA - Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Organized Retail Crime Unit has obtained a new indictment charging Michael Justin Williams in Douglas County.
As asserted in the indictment, between June 10, 2025, and July 9, 2025, Williams engaged in a pattern of forgeries targeting RaceTrac Inc., Family Dollar Stores, Inc., and The ParkerHolding Company, LLC (Parker's Kitchen) locations on 20 separate occasions. This includes stores in Mableton, Lithia Springs, Douglasville, Norcross, Forest Park, Atlanta, McDonough, East Point, Riverdale, Stone Mountain, Bogart, Pooler and Metter.
Specifically, the defendant is alleged to have made, altered, and possessed fraudulent coupons that purported to provide an unauthorized discount of $8 off one pack of Newport cigarettes - reducing the cost to below $2 per pack.
"If we want to remain the No. 1 state for business, then we have to address the rising threat of organized retail crime in our communities," said Carr. "This is a multi-billion-dollar problem for retailers in all industries, and it's leading to increased costs for Georgia consumers. That's exactly why we created Georgia's first statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit, and we will ensure that criminals are held accountable."
This case was investigated by asset protection teams with RaceTrac Inc., Family Dollar Stores Inc., and The Parker Holding Company, LLC, as well as various law enforcement agencies, including the Douglas Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, along with the help of the Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Unit.
Douglas County Indictment
On Feb. 18, 2026, the Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Unit presented evidence to a Douglas County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of Michael Justin Williams. The specific charges against the defendant are listed below.
* 1 count of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 6 counts of Forgery
A copy of the indictment can be found here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/021826-michael-justin-williams-indictmentpdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download). No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
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About the Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Unit
In 2024, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia's first statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit.
The Organized Retail Crime Unit works with retailers and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the criminal networks that are engaged in recurring thefts and acts of violence targeting businesses throughout the state.
Specifically, Georgia businesses are estimated to lose over $3 billion to retail theft annually, including $1.6 billion in stolen goods and $326 million in lost tax revenue, along with 17,000 lost jobs.
The Organized Retail Crime Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his Gang Prosecution Unit, and his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government's burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-03-06/carr-announces-indictment-counterfeit-coupon-scheme-targeting-racetrac
Ariz. State Sen. Hoffman Slams Hobbs' "Partisan" Veto of Charlie Kirk License Plate Bill
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 7 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Senator Hoffman Slams Hobbs' "Partisan" Veto of Charlie Kirk License Plate Bill
Senator Jake Hoffman is condemning Governor Katie Hobbs for vetoing SB 1439, legislation that would have authorized an optional specialty license plate recognizing Charlie Kirk and supporting civic engagement efforts.
In her veto letter, Hobbs claimed the measure "inserts politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan." Senator Hoffman describes Hobbs' reasoning
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 7 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Senator Hoffman Slams Hobbs' "Partisan" Veto of Charlie Kirk License Plate Bill
Senator Jake Hoffman is condemning Governor Katie Hobbs for vetoing SB 1439, legislation that would have authorized an optional specialty license plate recognizing Charlie Kirk and supporting civic engagement efforts.
In her veto letter, Hobbs claimed the measure "inserts politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan." Senator Hoffman describes Hobbs' reasoningas hypocritical and deeply disappointing, particularly following the tragic assassination of Kirk last year.
"Katie Hobbs' grotesque partisanship knows no bounds," said Senator Hoffman. "Even in the wake of a global civil rights leader - an Arizona resident and her own constituent - being assassinated in broad daylight for his defense of the First Amendment, Hobbs couldn't find the human decency to put her far-left extremism aside simply to allow those who wish to honor him to do so. Katie Hobbs will forever be known as a stain on the pages of Arizona's story."
Senator Hoffman notes Hobbs' explanation does not align with how Arizona has historically recognized individuals and causes through state designations and specialty license plates.
"It's absolutely absurd for Hobbs to suddenly claim that honoring someone through a state recognition is 'too political'. Arizona highways, buildings, and memorials have been named after elected officials and public figures for decades. Congressman Ed Pastor, a proud Democrat, has a freeway named in his honor. No one suggested that recognition was inappropriate simply because he held political views," said Senator Hoffman.
Arizona already offers dozens of specialty license plates representing various causes and organizations, all available on a voluntary basis for drivers who wish to support them. SB 1439 simply would have allowed Arizonans the same option to honor a man whose life's work centered on civic engagement and the defense of free speech.
"Charlie Kirk inspired millions of young Americans to engage in their communities, exercise their First Amendment rights, and participate in our democratic system," said Senator Hoffman. "Hobbs' veto sends a chilling message that honoring someone who championed free speech is unacceptable if their views do not align with her political ideology. This was a simple, voluntary way for Arizonans to honor a man whose life's work centered on civic engagement and the peaceful exchange of ideas. Katie Hobbs chose petty politics instead."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senator-hoffman-slams-hobbs-partisan-veto-of-charlie-kirk
