States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Rep. Chris Lopez Selected to Join 2025 Western Legislative Academy Leadership Program
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 24 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Rep. Chris Lopez Selected to Join 2025 Western Legislative Academy Leadership Program
Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez was selected to participate in the 2025 Western Legislative Academy, marking the program's 25 th anniversary year. The competitive leadership program is hosted by The Council of State Governments West and is open to lawmakers in their first four years of service.
The Western Legislative Academy brings together legislators from across the western United
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 24 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Rep. Chris Lopez Selected to Join 2025 Western Legislative Academy Leadership Program
Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez was selected to participate in the 2025 Western Legislative Academy, marking the program's 25 th anniversary year. The competitive leadership program is hosted by The Council of State Governments West and is open to lawmakers in their first four years of service.
The Western Legislative Academy brings together legislators from across the western UnitedStates for focused training on lawmaking, communications, ethics, negotiation, and consensus building. Participants are chosen by the CSG West Executive Committee based on public service record and interest in strengthening the legislative process and institutions.
The 2025 academy was held December 16-19 in Colorado. Fifty-two legislators were selected from more than 100 applicants.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Western Legislative Academy during its 25th anniversary year and to learn alongside legislators from across the West," Representative Lopez said. "The candid conversations on leadership, communication, and problem-solving were especially useful. I'm returning with lessons I can apply as I work to deliver results for rural Arizona and protect taxpayers."
CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving state legislators and legislative staff in Western states and Pacific Island governments. It is the western regional office of The Council of State Governments, founded in 1933 to support effective state governance.
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Chris Lopez is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 16, which includes portions of Pinal and Pima Counties.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/251222LOPEZ.pdf
N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli: NYC Facing Larger Budget Gaps Amid Slowing Economic Growth and Rising Costs
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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DiNapoli: NYC Facing Larger Budget Gaps Amid Slowing Economic Growth and Rising Costs
City Should Look for Cost Savings, Prepare for Federal Uncertainty
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New York City's budget gaps may reach as high as $10 billion in FY 2027 and grow to $13.6 billion by FY 2029, based on risks including slowing economic growth, rising costs and the restructuring of the funding relationship between the federal government, states and their localities, according to a
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ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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DiNapoli: NYC Facing Larger Budget Gaps Amid Slowing Economic Growth and Rising Costs
City Should Look for Cost Savings, Prepare for Federal Uncertainty
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New York City's budget gaps may reach as high as $10 billion in FY 2027 and grow to $13.6 billion by FY 2029, based on risks including slowing economic growth, rising costs and the restructuring of the funding relationship between the federal government, states and their localities, according to areport released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli on the updated financial plan released by the city in November (November Plan).
"In recent years, New York City has used better-than-projected revenues to balance its budgets, but this revenue trend may be coming to a close," DiNapoli said. "If the city faces even a mild recession, it is unlikely tax revenues alone would be able to close budget gaps. The city should look to identify new efficiencies to generate additional savings if the need arises, as well as prepare for potential federal funding cuts down the road."
Uncertainty from Washington
New York City modified its FY 2026 budget to $118.2 billion, $2.3 billion higher than at adoption. However, this total excludes $3.8 billion of FY 2026 expenses that were prepaid in FY 2025. After adjusting for all surplus transfers and prepayments, the November Plan assumes the city will spend $122 billion in FY 2025. While the plan shows that FY 2026 remains balanced, the city did not take significant steps to prepare for or provide clarity on the fiscal challenges it faces nearing the middle of the fiscal year - electing not to set aside additional reserves.
While personal income tax (PIT) revenues remain robust, business tax collections - which had well exceeded expectations in recent years and saw projections increased last year - are now expected to be $378 million lower than the city's projections at budget adoption. Preliminary employment figures also suggest the city may have lost jobs entering this fiscal year, an issue that impacts the collection of tax revenues and can cause increased demand for social services.
DiNapoli's report notes that total projected revenues for the city in FY 2026 include more than $28 billion in state and federal categorical grants, largely for education and social services. While these sources of funding may not be significantly impacted in the current fiscal year, they are at risk of being altered in the coming years based on recent choices made in Washington.
The November Plan largely adjusted spending in the current year only, adding some funding for under-budgeted items and state and federally supported social services programs. The city did add funding in the out-years for additional police officers. In tandem with slightly better short-term revenue projections, out-year gaps were left little changed.
Underestimated Budget Gaps
The city's stated out-year gaps now total a combined $17.3 billion from FY 2027 to FY 2029. Measured as a share of revenues the city collects on its own, the out-year gaps average 6.3%. Existing budget contingency items to manage cost overruns totaling $1.45 billion in each fiscal year could be used to narrow the gaps to an average of 4.7% of revenues, if they are not necessary to fund other unanticipated spending.
However, DiNapoli's office anticipates the published out-year gaps are understated because the city assumes an unlikely decline in costs for social services, education, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subsidies, and overtime costs. Trends in the provision of social services, such as public and rental assistance, as well as overtime, suggest these costs will continue to rise. In addition, the city's expense projections for MTA subsidies do not align with the authority's projections. Facing widening gaps, the city should be transparent about how it will control costs or align its budget with historical trends in recurring program areas to more accurately forecast actual costs going forward.
In addition to federal risks that could directly impact the city's budget, payments to individuals, households and other entities reliant on federal grants and contracts, including the city's semi-autonomous agencies (New York City Health + Hospitals, the New York City Housing Authority and the City University of New York) may impact demand and revenue sources for city services. Federal policy on tariffs and immigration could also hurt local economic activities, given the city's role as a center for global commerce and a magnet for international talent.
To prepare for possible impacts to federal, state and locally derived revenues, DiNapoli recommends that the city identify funding sources for new discretionary spending. New cost saving actions would also help make resources available for changes to the city's spending priorities. In recent years, where more substantial savings programs were necessary to balance the city's budget, staffing reductions from changes to hiring policies and continued attrition have adversely impacted some city services. Adoption of these approaches may help reduce the impact of staffing or service cuts.
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Report
Review of the Financial Plan of the City of New York (https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/reports/osdc/pdf/report-18-2026.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/12/dinapoli-nyc-facing-larger-budget-gaps-amid-slowing-economic-growth-and-rising-costs
Md. Agriculture Dept. Announces Revised EVSE Charger Registration Updates
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Dec. 24 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Department Announces Revised EVSE Charger Registration Updates
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the registration deadline for EVSE chargers in the State of Maryland has been extended to July 1, 2026. This decision has been made to allow ample time for stakeholder engagement and the implementation of necessary amendments that will ensure the program effectively meets the evolving needs of the industry and the community.
In conjunction with the
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Dec. 24 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Department Announces Revised EVSE Charger Registration Updates
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the registration deadline for EVSE chargers in the State of Maryland has been extended to July 1, 2026. This decision has been made to allow ample time for stakeholder engagement and the implementation of necessary amendments that will ensure the program effectively meets the evolving needs of the industry and the community.
In conjunction with thedeadline extension, the department is also clarifying and introducing several key exceptions and definitions regarding the registration of charging equipment.
The following categories of charging equipment are not required to be registered under the program:
* Private Residence Chargers: Charging equipment located at private residences and exclusively used for personal purposes. These chargers are explicitly not considered commercially available.
* Single Fleet Chargers: Chargers used exclusively to fuel a private or proprietary fleet of vehicles, where no commercial transactions for charging occur with outside parties.
* Multi-Family Dwelling (MFD) Resident Chargers: Chargers installed on the property of a multi-family housing community may be exempt if all the following requirements are strictly met:
- The equipment is physically installed on the property of the housing development.
- The charger is not located on a public street, in a public parking lot, or within a public parking garage.
- The charger is secured and cannot be accessed by the general public, including casual visitors or non-residents of the community.
- The equipment is designated and used exclusively for the residents of the community.
- Permanent signage must be clearly posted at the charging location stating, "Not a Public Charger - Residential Use Only."
- The charging location and equipment must be explicitly removed from being listed on any publicly available electric vehicle charging network websites or applications.
- If MFD chargers are listed on public websites as an available location, or if any fees (beyond the cost of electricity) are assessed for their use, they will be required to register.
* Free Chargers: Any charging station where the vehicle operator incurs absolutely no cost or fee of any kind for the charging session. "Free" means free. If a fee of any kind is established--even if nominal--registration will be required. Any established fee must be in addition to the kilowatt-hour dispensed to fuel the vehicle.
* Workplace Chargers - Private Use: Chargers intended for the exclusive use of a company's fleet and/or its employees are exempt, provided the following conditions are met:
- The chargers are strictly available for fleet and employee charging purposes only.
- The charging area is in a restricted area, such as behind a secure fence or within a controlled-access building, and is not accessible to the general public.
- The chargers are not listed or made available on any public electric vehicle charging networks or platforms.
"The decision to extend the registration deadline to July 1, 2026 will allow the department to facilitate more extensive and meaningful dialogue with the electric vehicle charging industry, local governments, and the community at large," said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. "This extended timeline will allow us to incorporate critical feedback and make the necessary formal amendments to the program's structure and regulations, ensuring the program is effective, fair, and supportive of the state's electric vehicle adoption goals while meeting the practical needs of all stakeholders."
For more information about the EVSE charger program please visit mda.maryland.gov.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2025/12/23/department-announces-revised-evse-charger-registration-updates/
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Housing Finance Bond Rating Upgrade
LANHAM, Maryland, Dec. 24 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Housing Finance Bond Rating Upgrade
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development received an upgraded credit rating status from Moody's Investor Service, a major credit rating agency, on the Community Development Administration's Housing Revenue Bonds.
Moody's upgraded to Aa1 from an Aa2 rating on CDA's Housing Revenue Bonds and affirmed the VMIG 1 superior credit
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LANHAM, Maryland, Dec. 24 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Housing Finance Bond Rating Upgrade
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development received an upgraded credit rating status from Moody's Investor Service, a major credit rating agency, on the Community Development Administration's Housing Revenue Bonds.
Moody's upgraded to Aa1 from an Aa2 rating on CDA's Housing Revenue Bonds and affirmed the VMIG 1 superior creditquality rating on all outstanding short-term debt. The upgrade to Aa1 from a previous Aa2 rating is a testament to the Administration's Housing Revenue Bonds strong financial performance and reduced perceived risk for bond investors.
"This upgrade is the result of continued sound financial stewardship from our Department's finance teams in our mission to create more affordable housing in Maryland," said Secretary Jake Day. "The hard work and solid financial reputation of the Department means more homes will be created for Maryland families on all income levels at a more affordable cost."
The Housing Revenue Bonds program was created by the Department to finance construction and permanent financing for rental housing developments for people of limited incomes in the State of Maryland. In the same announcement, Moody's also gave a Aa1 rating to the $7.42 million Maryland Community Development Administration Housing Revenue Bonds Series 2025 D (Non-AMT) bond issuance.
Moody's status upgrade, announced earlier this fall, comes at a time when the Department is supporting more housing creation in Maryland.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Department financed 3,997 newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated units through its Community Development Administration - an increase of more than 1,000 additional units from FY2024's total of 2,949. The Department's $1.64 billion in project investments also surpassed the previous year's $1.2 billion in commitments.
To learn more about the work of the Department's Community Development Administration, visit dhcd.maryland.gov.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2025/12/22/maryland-department-of-housing-and-community-development-announces-housing-finance-bond-rating-upgrade/
KPPC Advanced Chemicals Breaks Ground on U.S. Ultrapure Chemical Manufacturing Campus in Casa Grande
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 24 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority posted the following news from KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc.:
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KPPC Advanced Chemicals Breaks Ground On U.S. Ultrapure Chemical Manufacturing Campus In Casa Grande
Representing $120 million investment, the campus will create 200 new jobs
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CASA GRANDE, AZ (December 22, 2025) -- KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc., a member of the Kanto Group, broke ground on December 19 on its new U.S. Arizona Plant (UAP), a next-generation ultrapure chemical manufacturing campus located at the Sonoran Valley Industrial Park in Casa Grande, Arizona.
This
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 24 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority posted the following news from KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc.:
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KPPC Advanced Chemicals Breaks Ground On U.S. Ultrapure Chemical Manufacturing Campus In Casa Grande
Representing $120 million investment, the campus will create 200 new jobs
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CASA GRANDE, AZ (December 22, 2025) -- KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc., a member of the Kanto Group, broke ground on December 19 on its new U.S. Arizona Plant (UAP), a next-generation ultrapure chemical manufacturing campus located at the Sonoran Valley Industrial Park in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Thisinvestment marks a major step forward in strengthening the United States semiconductor supply chain and expanding domestic production of ultra high-purity chemicals required for leading-edge chip manufacturing.
"This investment strengthens Arizona's rapidly expanding, world-class semiconductor ecosystem by bringing the essential manufacturing of ultrapure chemicals to the heart of where they are needed," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Best of all, it will create approximately 200 high-quality, full-time jobs for Arizonans, and collaborate with our community colleges to prepare our workforce for advanced roles. Projects like this one are key to building a resilient, localized materials network right here in Arizona."
"The Arizona plant marks an important milestone in KANTO-PPC's global expansion. By establishing this site, we strengthen our ability to serve customers across North America with the quality, reliability, and speed demanded by the world's most advanced semiconductor manufacturers," said Jerry Lu, Chairman & CEO of Kanto-PPC.
With an initial Phase 1 investment of over $120 million, the UAP facility will produce ultrapure chemicals and proprietary functional chemicals used throughout semiconductor fabrication, wafer cleaning, etching, CMP, photolithography, and advanced packaging. Production is anticipated to begin in late 2027.
KPPC expects the Casa Grande site to grow into a full semiconductor chemical campus, with total investment projected to reach approximately $500 million by 2035.
Upon startup, the UAP facility will supply TSMC, Intel, Micron, and other world-class chipmakers across the United States with high-purity materials required for the next generation of logic and memory technologies.
The project reflects KPPC's strategy of co-locating manufacturing capacity near critical customer fabs to reduce logistical risk, enable rapid response, and create resilient, localized supply chain infrastructure required for U.S. semiconductor competitiveness.
The United States has emphasized the importance of robust, domestic semiconductor ecosystems, including materials, equipment and supporting infrastructure. KPPC's decision to build in Arizona aligns with national priorities related to manufacturing reshoring, enhancing the U.S. supply chain and empowering "Made in America" high-tech production.
The Casa Grande facility is engineered to meet or exceed international safety, reliability and quality standards, supporting the uptime and purity required for the most advanced semiconductor nodes.
The project underscores KPPC's confidence in Arizona's rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem, supported by local leaders, workforce partners, and state and regional economic development organizations.
"Arizona has emerged as North America's premier semiconductor hub-home to the most advanced chip processing technology in the country," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "KPPC's new campus represents a vital ecosystem addition and showcases the expansive supply chain growth taking place across the state."
"As the U.S. prioritizes the onshoring of semiconductor production, increasing the capacity of vital supply chain elements is essential to the continued growth of the industry," said Christine Mackay, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council. "The addition of KPPC in Pinal County fortifies the importance of Greater Phoenix as the heart of domestic semiconductor manufacturing."
Phase 1 of the project will create approximately 80 highly skilled jobs, growing to 200 full-time positions at full build-out. The construction phase will also generate hundreds of contractor and supplier opportunities across Pinal County and Greater Phoenix.
KPPC plans to partner with regional workforce programs, community colleges, and technical institutes to support long-term talent development in chemical operations, laboratory analysis, maintenance engineering, and semiconductor manufacturing support.
View a rendering of the Casa Grande campus HERE (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ckMY2BoiPdtDZYKeP3xmIC7i8jy-6GwZ/view?usp=sharing).
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About KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc.
KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of KANTO-PPC, a global leader in electronic-grade wet chemicals for semiconductor and advanced packaging applications. KANTO-PPC is a member of the Kanto Group, the world's No. 1 semiconductor wet chemical supplier (Linx Consulting, 2025 SPCC), serving fabs across Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Europe, and the United States.
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.
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Original text here: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2025/12/kanto-ppc-groundbreaking/
Governor Murphy Announces Over $22 Million in Funding to Protect and Grow Reproductive Health Care Access
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 24 -- Gov. Phil Murphy, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
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Governor Murphy Announces Over $22 Million in Funding to Protect and Grow Reproductive Health Care Access
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Against Anti-Choice Extremism by the Trump Administration, New Jersey Stands for Reproductive Freedom
TRENTON - Governor Phil Murphy today announced the allocation of $22.325 million through the Reproductive Health Access Fund (RHAF) to protect and expand reproductive health care services across New Jersey. Part of a broader strategy to counter escalating threats by the Trump Administration
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 24 -- Gov. Phil Murphy, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
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Governor Murphy Announces Over $22 Million in Funding to Protect and Grow Reproductive Health Care Access
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Against Anti-Choice Extremism by the Trump Administration, New Jersey Stands for Reproductive Freedom
TRENTON - Governor Phil Murphy today announced the allocation of $22.325 million through the Reproductive Health Access Fund (RHAF) to protect and expand reproductive health care services across New Jersey. Part of a broader strategy to counter escalating threats by the Trump Administrationto reproductive rights, the funding will support family planning providers, grow the reproductive health workforce, and safeguard essential medications.
"Since the onset of my Administration, we have made it a priority to not only empower choice in the reproductive decision-making process, but also to strengthen our reproductive health care delivery system. Through strategic investments and targeted initiatives, we are working to provide safety-net family planning services, upgrade facilities, and grow the reproductive health care workforce," said Governor Murphy. "While states across the nation move to restrict access to reproductive health care services and changing federal policies by the Trump Administration jeopardize the accessibility and affordability of health care access, New Jersey is determined to navigate emerging challenges to continue the positive momentum we have built over the past eight years."
For Fiscal Year 2026, the Murphy Administration is strategically using the Reproductive Health Access Fund to ensure direct care continues to be delivered to vulnerable populations, grow the reproductive health care workforce, and invest in the State's reproductive health care infrastructure to serve more patients. This includes:
* $8 million in support to reproductive health care providers targeted by the federal government to subsidize care for low-income patients;
* $5.5 million to enable physical and technological facility upgrades at family planning clinics;
* $1 million to make security improvements at reproductive health facilities;
* $3 million through the Primary Care Practitioners Loan Redemption Program, with priority given to providers offering reproductive health services in historically medically underserved communities;
* $2 million to continue expanding clinical training programs in partnership with Rutgers University to upskill and train health care professionals;
* $1 million to fund recruitment incentives to attract specialized out-of-state providers, building on a Choose NJ campaign this spring;
* $650,000 to support outreach and public education efforts to help patients navigate care;
* $500,000 will be dispersed through direct care partners to continue assembling strategic stockpiles of medications and related supplies to supplement the over six-month supply of mifepristone on hand in the event of federal or judicial disruptions; and
* The remainder ($675,000 of Fiscal Year 2026 funds) will be held in contingency to allow rapid response to emerging threats.
"This funding is about one thing: Making sure New Jerseyans can still see their doctor and get the care they need," said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. "Left unchecked, drastic federal cuts to essential health care providers will strip away access to wellness exams, STI testing, contraception access, and breast and cervical screenings from everyday New Jerseyans. The Reproductive Health Access Fund protects essential care that keeps people healthy."
"A robust supply of trained health care professionals throughout New Jersey is critical to ensuring residents can obtain the reproductive health services they need," said New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) Executive Director Margo Chaly, Esq. "By offering student loan redemption to providers in exchange for serving medically underserved communities, our State is working to provide equitable access to reproductive health care for all New Jerseyans. The HESAA team will continue to support statewide efforts to bolster key workforces on behalf of those who call our state home."
"Under Governor Murphy's leadership, New Jersey continues to set a standard for reproductive health care across our nation," said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. "As other states continue to impose draconian penalties on patients and health care professionals who seek or provide abortion care, our state is taking meaningful action to facilitate unobstructed access to vital reproductive services for all."
"Protecting access to care also means protecting the professionals and places that make that care possible," said New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Laurie Doran. "As part of this investment through the Reproductive Health Access Fund, facilities will be better positioned to strengthen their security posture, reduce vulnerabilities, and enhance readiness for a range of potential threats. This support helps create a safer environment for patients and staff and reinforces the continuity of essential services across New Jersey."
"The New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority (NJHCFFA) fully supports the initiatives this funding will provide, such as improving maternal, child, and reproductive health care," said New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority (NJHCFFA) Executive Director Frank Troy. "It is completely in line with our mission, which is to ensure that all health care organizations have access to financial resources to improve the health and welfare of the State's citizens."
"We applaud the ongoing support and unwavering commitment of Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature for continuing to prioritize funding that safeguards and advances reproductive rights across our state. At a time when access to reproductive healthcare is being dismantled in many states, New Jersey continues to lead the way by prioritizing accessibility, equity, and personal autonomy for all," said Jenifer Groves, President & CEO, New Jersey Family Planning League. "We commend the Murphy Administration for ensuring that all New Jerseyans have access to safe and effective reproductive healthcare services and supplies. We look forward to continuing our partnership with legislative leaders and advocates to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare for everyone in New Jersey."
"On behalf of the two Planned Parenthood affiliates, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey and Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey, we want to thank Governor Murphy once again for his leadership on protecting reproductive health care and the State Legislature for appropriating these funds," said Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. "As the Trump Administration and the Federal Government continue their attacks on sexual and reproductive health care providers and patients, we are proud to be in a state that stands up for everyone's right to access lifesaving, essential reproductive health care services, no matter what."
Continuing the Murphy Administration's Commitment to Reproductive Freedom
The RHAF allocation advances the Murphy Administration's comprehensive strategy to protect and expand access to reproductive health care. Among the first acts of Governor Murphy upon taking office in 2018 was to restore state family planning funding that had been annually eliminated by the prior administration. Since then, the Murphy Administration has taken significant legislative, regulatory, funding, and legal actions to uplift reproductive freedom. Notably, in January 2022, before the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision in June 2022, Governor Murphy signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, codifying the right to reproductive choice in state law.
The Murphy Administration has made reproductive health care more affordable through strategies like insurance coverage requirements and convenient access to contraceptives in pharmacies. Alongside enacting protections for providers and patients for care administered in New Jersey, the State has expanded scopes of practice, trained providers, and invested in security and physical infrastructure for care delivery.
Since 2018, the Murphy Administration has invested $268 million in family planning services and reproductive health programs. The RHAF was created through the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act to enable the State of New Jersey to nimbly address threats to reproductive freedom and continue expanding access to services. This fund supplements annual dedicated funding for the State family planning program, as well as investments in state-based insurance coverage.
Administered through the New Jersey Family Planning League, the State family planning program serves about 153,000 individuals across every county each year. These 17 clinics with over 60 service sites deliver person-centered family planning services, including contraception management, STI screening, and comprehensive reproductive health care.
Addressing Evolving Threats to Reproductive Health Care Access
Through these Fiscal Year 2026 investments, New Jersey will remain a safe haven for reproductive freedom. The Murphy Administration prioritized the largest portion of the RHAF - $8 million - to support continuation of safety-net care for uninsured and underinsured patients delivered by reproductive health care providers who are targeted by recent federal policy changes.
Most notably, President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act aims to block Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide from receiving payment from Medicaid for health care services that they provide, including routine and preventive care, health screenings, contraceptives, and family planning services. In New Jersey, roughly 44,000 Medicaid members receive their reproductive health care at Planned Parenthood health centers operated by Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey.
The State of New Jersey is participating in ongoing litigation, monitoring potential changes to federal funding, and preparing for proposed federal regulatory changes impacting access and affordability of reproductive health care services. New Jersey has joined multistate coalitions to defend reproductive rights at the federal level and against extremists, and to protect access to evidence-based reproductive health care, including mifepristone and Title X services. New Jersey's family planning network currently receives $8.55 million annually through the federal Title X program, which covers contraception, STI testing, life-saving cancer screenings, and other health care for uninsured and underinsured individuals. President Trump's proposed budget eliminates Title X funding, which could result in significant disruptions to care, reduced access to contraceptives, and preventive care services. The federal Department of Health and Human Services is considering federal rule changes that could restrict or eliminate access to 340b drug pricing that provides discounted medications to safety-net clinics.
To learn more about the Murphy Administration's commitment to reproductive freedom as well as to find quality and affordable services, visit New Jersey's Reproductive Health Information Hub.
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Original text here: https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562025/approved/20251224a.shtml
Colo. Agriculture Dept.: Small Grants, Big Impact - Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 24 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Small Grants, Big Impact: Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Urban Agriculture Program is opening its first funding opportunity for urban producers in Colorado. The Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program is accepting applications from urban agriculture operations seeking to complete small-scale projects crucial to expanding urban production, implementing conservation practices, educating community members, and addressing
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DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 24 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Small Grants, Big Impact: Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Urban Agriculture Program is opening its first funding opportunity for urban producers in Colorado. The Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program is accepting applications from urban agriculture operations seeking to complete small-scale projects crucial to expanding urban production, implementing conservation practices, educating community members, and addressingother common challenges.
"Urban producers play a critical role in resilient local food systems across Colorado," said Evanne Caviness, Director of CDA's Conservation Services Division. "Farming in an urban interface poses unique challenges to urban producers, and here at CDA, we recognize the importance of investing in their innovation and resilience."
For the purpose of this grant program, urban agriculture means the cultivation and distribution of farm products in and around urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, specifically to serve the local community. These operations can also be a tool for education, community engagement, and raising awareness about agriculture and food production.
Urban growers throughout the state of Colorado are encouraged to apply, including any producer whose primary market includes community members and/or businesses local to their operation. Operations do not need to be based in a major metropolitan area to be considered.
A total of $20,000 is available for projects that support Colorado's urban farms through actionable improvements, capacity building, and community engagement. Grant awards may not exceed $5,000 for a single entity application. Applications are due by January 26, 2026.
The Urban Agriculture program staff will host an informational webinar about the microgrant on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 9 am. You can find the registration link and other information about how to apply on the Urban Agriculture Program webpage.
Urban agriculture is an area of focus for CDA as part of the agency's Strategic Plan. It falls into multiple strategic directions, such as Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience, People and Community, as well as Market and Economic Productivity.
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Original text here: https://ag.colorado.gov/press-release/small-grants-big-impact-funding-available-to-strengthen-local-food-systems
