States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
West Virginia Co-Leads 23 States in Supreme Court Brief Defending Farmer Facing $2 Million in Federal Fines
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Jan. 10 -- The West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release:
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West Virginia co-leads 23 States in Supreme Court brief defending farmer facing $2 million in federal fines
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is co-leading with Nebraska an amicus brief defending Jeffrey Andrews, a Connecticut farmer who is facing $2 million in federal fines for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). The amicus, or friend of the court, brief was signed by attorneys general from West Virginia, Nebraska and 21 other states and argues
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Jan. 10 -- The West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release:
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West Virginia co-leads 23 States in Supreme Court brief defending farmer facing $2 million in federal fines
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is co-leading with Nebraska an amicus brief defending Jeffrey Andrews, a Connecticut farmer who is facing $2 million in federal fines for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). The amicus, or friend of the court, brief was signed by attorneys general from West Virginia, Nebraska and 21 other states and arguesthat states, not the federal government, should control most water regulation within their borders.
The federal government sued Andrews, alleging he discharged fill material--which they called "pollutants"--into approximately 13.3 acres of wetlands on his property without a required permit.
The brief, filed in Andrews v. United States, argues that federal courts continue to ignore the Supreme Court's clear 2023 ruling in Sackett v. EPA, which strictly limited federal jurisdiction over wetlands under the Clean Water Act. The Court ruled that federal jurisdiction extends only to wetlands with a "continuous surface connection" to navigable waters--meaning wetlands that are "as a practical matter indistinguishable" from traditional navigable rivers, lakes, and streams. The decision was intended to end decades of confusion and restore the state-federal balance Congress originally intended.
"The Supreme Court has spoken three times on this issue, yet lower courts still refuse to respect the constitutional limits on federal power. A farmer shouldn't face $2 million in fines because rainwater temporarily runs across his land. This federal overreach tramples on state sovereignty and costs landowners, businesses, and taxpayers trillions of dollars," Attorney General McCuskey said.
The brief details how federal agencies have repeatedly exceeded their statutory authority over the past 50 years, despite Congress's clear intent to preserve state control over water regulation. Since the Founding, states have held primary responsibility for regulating waters within their borders, and at least 30 states--including West Virginia--have their own comprehensive wetland protection laws.
The states are asking the Supreme Court to hear this case and issue a quick reversal, reminding lower courts that the federal government's power over wetlands is limited to only those waters Congress authorized it to regulate.
This amicus brief follows Attorney General McCuskey's recent leadership of a 20-state coalition that submitted formal comments to the Trump Administration supporting reforms to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition.
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming joined West Virginia and Nebraska in the brief.
Read the brief here (https://ago.wv.gov/media/37681/download?inline).
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Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov/article/west-virginia-co-leads-23-states-supreme-court-brief-defending-farmer-facing-2-million
S.C. Department of Commerce Announces New Marketing and Communications Director
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Jan. 10 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news on Jan. 9, 2026:
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S.C. Department of Commerce announces new Marketing and Communications director
Dorothy Weaver to serve as agency's chief spokesperson
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The South Carolina Department of Commerce today announced that Dorothy Weaver has joined the agency as the director of marketing and communications. Weaver will lead the department's strategic marketing and communications initiatives and serve as the agency's chief spokesperson.
Weaver has more than 25 years of professional experience
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Jan. 10 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news on Jan. 9, 2026:
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S.C. Department of Commerce announces new Marketing and Communications director
Dorothy Weaver to serve as agency's chief spokesperson
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The South Carolina Department of Commerce today announced that Dorothy Weaver has joined the agency as the director of marketing and communications. Weaver will lead the department's strategic marketing and communications initiatives and serve as the agency's chief spokesperson.
Weaver has more than 25 years of professional experiencewith mass communications, advertising, digital messaging and brand strategy across the public and private sectors. Prior to her position at S.C. Commerce, Weaver devoted a decade to communications at the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, serving eight years as the director of strategic communications. In this role, she executed statewide multiplatform campaigns and crisis communication strategies, including the organization's COVID-19 communication response.
Weaver is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, where she earned both a Bachelor of Art in English and a Master of Mass Communications. She is also a South Carolina Certified Public Manager.
"South Carolina has earned an international reputation as a state where companies can build lasting legacies. Dorothy's depth of experience and storytelling expertise will be instrumental in elevating how South Carolina presents itself globally - clearly articulating the state's unique value propositions and competitive strengths," said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
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Original text here: https://www.sccommerce.com/news/sc-department-commerce-announces-new-marketing-and-communications-director-1
New Hampshire Named the Healthiest State in the Nation
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Named the Healthiest State in the Nation
New Hampshire has been ranked the healthiest state in the nation, according to America's Health Rankings, released Thursday by the United Health Foundation. The annual report evaluates states across a broad range of indicators, including social and economic factors, physical environment, clinical care, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Drawing on 99 measures from 31 data sources, the rankings provide a comprehensive snapshot
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Named the Healthiest State in the Nation
New Hampshire has been ranked the healthiest state in the nation, according to America's Health Rankings, released Thursday by the United Health Foundation. The annual report evaluates states across a broad range of indicators, including social and economic factors, physical environment, clinical care, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Drawing on 99 measures from 31 data sources, the rankings provide a comprehensive snapshotof health and well-being nationwide.
"New Hampshire is the healthiest state in the nation because our quality of life is unlike anywhere else," said Governor Kelly Ayotte. "I'm proud we've received yet another #1 ranking and that we continue to lead the country when it comes to health and wellbeing. It's a testament to our dedicated health care workers, our efforts to strengthen mental health, unmatched opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and our commitment to protecting our most vulnerable citizens. I look forward to continuing our work to make health care more affordable and accessible, bring more providers to our state, and deliver an even healthier future for all of New Hampshire."
The ranking builds on a series of recent milestones for the Granite State. Nearly two weeks ago, New Hampshire received more than $204 million for 2026 through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/new-hampshire-awarded-over-204-million-transform-rural-health), the largest award among New England states. New Hampshire also ranks #1 for health care, child wellbeing, and Medicaid mental health services.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/new-hampshire-named-healthiest-state-nation
Md. Housing Dept.: State of Maryland Publishes Housing Production Targets for Jurisdictions
LANHAM, Maryland, Jan. 10 (TNSrpt) -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
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State of Maryland Publishes Housing Production Targets for Jurisdictions
New report highlights levels of housing production needed to address Maryland's statewide housing unit shortage
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NEW CARROLLTON, MD (January 9, 2026) - The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development on December 31 published the 2030 Housing Production Targets for the State of Maryland report, which estimates the number of housing units needed to house
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LANHAM, Maryland, Jan. 10 (TNSrpt) -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
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State of Maryland Publishes Housing Production Targets for Jurisdictions
New report highlights levels of housing production needed to address Maryland's statewide housing unit shortage
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NEW CARROLLTON, MD (January 9, 2026) - The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development on December 31 published the 2030 Housing Production Targets for the State of Maryland report, which estimates the number of housing units needed to houseevery projected Maryland household in 2030. The report also establishes annual housing production benchmarks for jurisdictions that reflect both the severe and urgent need to address the state's housing shortage and a realistic scaling of current production trends.
"Maryland's housing shortage didn't happen overnight, and it won't be solved without clear goals and shared accountability," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "This report puts numbers to what families across the state are feeling every day - that costs are too high and there is not enough housing to meet demand. By setting transparent, achievable housing production targets, we are giving local leaders a common framework to strategize, invest, and work together to make Maryland more affordable for all."
Under the Housing Starts Here Executive Order signed by Governor Moore in September 2025, the Department will publish housing production targets for the state, each county, and each municipality that exercises land use authority every five years. The Department will assess annually the progress of the State and each jurisdiction toward housing production targets.
A lack of available housing for sale and for rent increases housing prices in Maryland and has meaningful consequences for Maryland families, especially low-income households. The report builds on the Department's work to make Maryland more affordable by supporting collaboration between the state and local governments in meeting Maryland's housing needs.
Some key findings from the report include:
* Maryland is projected to need an additional 184,784 housing units to house projected households. At current average permitting rates, the state is on track to produce only half of the needed amount (94,620 units), which would deepen Maryland's severe housing affordability crisis..
* To produce enough housing to house the number of Maryland households in 2030, the state would need to complete 36,957 housing units annually over the next five years, effectively double the current permitting rate.
* While doubling the state's housing permitting rate in the next year is not feasible, doubling it through sustained policy reform over the next five years is both achievable and imperative to address the devastating impact the current lack of housing availability has on Maryland households.
* The statewide housing targets therefore reflect a five-year scaling up of production to approach the need. If the state meets its housing targets by 2030, 84% of estimated 2030 housing units needed will be approved for construction and the vast majority of those units will be occupiable by households in the following 6-36 months.
The report quantifies statewide housing production goals, creating a measurable public objective and making the consequences of housing underproduction apparent to help focus policy and investment decisions toward improving housing availability for Maryland households.
"Access to housing is a critical issue for Maryland families and key to our state's economic competitiveness," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. "I strongly support efforts to expand homeownership opportunities that create generational wealth and economic mobility."
"It's important to note that housing is a critical issue, even for smaller towns and rural areas across the state," said Megan Cook, Mayor of Easton. "The actionable targets laid out by the Governor's office set the goals for our future into motion -- with housing production through 2030 that will help not only low-income families, but also essential community workforce members such as firefighters, teachers, paramedics, and law enforcement."
"Baltimore's Renaissance is here, and we want to make sure all of our residents, especially those in areas that have borne the brunt of disinvestment, feel the benefits," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Generations after the first redlining laws were signed here in Baltimore, building more affordable, high-quality housing is key to undoing the damage of intentional disinvestment."
"I appreciate the state's leadership to work together with counties and cities to establish new housing targets to address the housing affordability and economic needs of Maryland residents. Housing is not just about buildings--it's about people, opportunity, and belonging," said Monique Ashton, Mayor of Rockville. "Access to quality, affordable housing allows families to put down roots, strengthens neighborhoods, and ensures that our seniors have safe places to live. This report reinforces the urgency of addressing our housing shortage so that our state, counties, and cities remain inclusive and can thrive."
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REPORT: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/HousingStartsHere/Documents/housing-starts-here-executive-order-summary.pdf
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2026/01/09/state-of-maryland-publishes-housing-production-targets-for-jurisdictions/
Ga. Gov. Kemp: December Net Tax Revenues Up 3%
ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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The State of Georgia's net tax collections in the month of December totaled $3.44 billion, for an increase of nearly $101 million, or 3%, compared to December 2024, when net tax collections totaled almost $3.34 billion. Year-to-date net tax revenue collections through December totaled nearly $16.72 billion, for an increase of $363.7 million, or 2.2%, compared to December FY 2025, when net tax collections approached $16.36 billion after six months.
The changes within the following tax categories
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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The State of Georgia's net tax collections in the month of December totaled $3.44 billion, for an increase of nearly $101 million, or 3%, compared to December 2024, when net tax collections totaled almost $3.34 billion. Year-to-date net tax revenue collections through December totaled nearly $16.72 billion, for an increase of $363.7 million, or 2.2%, compared to December FY 2025, when net tax collections approached $16.36 billion after six months.
The changes within the following tax categoriesaccount for December's overall net tax revenue increase:
Individual Income Tax: Individual Income Tax collections in December totaled $1.6 billion, for an increase of $108.7 million, or 7.3%, over FY 2025, when Individual Tax revenues totaled roughly $1.49 million for the month.
The following notable components within Individual Income Tax combine for the increase:
* Individual Income Tax refunds issued (net of voided checks) decreased by $22.4 million or 31.3%
* Income Tax Withholding payments increased by $78.6 million, or 5.5%, over December 2024
* Individual Income Tax Return payments decreased by $8.6 million, or 23%, from December 2024
* All other Individual Tax categories, including Estimated Tax payments, were up a combined $16.3 million
Sales and Use Tax: Gross Sales and Use Tax collections totaled $1.61 billion, an increase of $39.3 million, or 2.5%, compared to December 2024. Net Sales and Use Tax increased by $9 million, or 1.2%, compared to December 2024, when net Sales Tax totaled $777 million. The adjusted Sales Tax distribution to local governments totaled $814.4 million, for an increase of $29.6 million, or 3.8%, while Sales Tax refunds increased by $0.6 million.
Corporate Income Tax: Corporate Income Tax collections for the month increased by $11.9 million, or 1.7%, compared to last year, when net Corporate Tax revenues totaled $683.1 million in December 2024.
The following notable components within Corporate Income Tax make up the net decrease:
* Corporate Income Tax refunds issued (net of voids) were down $5.9 million, or 22.8%, from last year
* Corporate Income Tax Return payments decreased by $11.0 million, or 11.9%, from December 2024
* Corporate Income Tax Estimated payments increased by $6.4 million, or 1.5%, over last year
* All other Corporate Tax payments, including Assessment payments, were up a combined $10.5 million
Motor Fuel Taxes: Motor Fuel Tax collections for the month increased by $4.9 million, or 2.6%, compared to the previous fiscal year, when motor fuel tax receipts totaled $186.9 million.
Motor Vehicle - Tag, Title & Fees: Motor Vehicle Tag & Title Fee collections for December decreased by $2.5 million or 7.3%, while Title ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) collections declined by $4.8 million, or 7.3%, from FY 2025.
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Original text here: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-01-09/december-net-tax-revenues-3
DelDOT Recaps 2025 Litter Cleanup Efforts
DOVER, Delaware, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release:
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DelDOT Recaps 2025 Litter Cleanup Efforts
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and its partners collected 82,467 bags of trash in 2025 as part of their ongoing effort to Keep DE Litter Free. The work was performed by DelDOT Maintenance & Operations employees, Adopt-A-Highway/Sponsor-A-Highway efforts, the Work a Day Earn a Pay Program (https://www.goodwillde.org/work-a-day-earn-a-pay/), and with help from the Delaware Department of Correction's (DOC) Inmate Work Program.
The Department
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DOVER, Delaware, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release:
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DelDOT Recaps 2025 Litter Cleanup Efforts
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and its partners collected 82,467 bags of trash in 2025 as part of their ongoing effort to Keep DE Litter Free. The work was performed by DelDOT Maintenance & Operations employees, Adopt-A-Highway/Sponsor-A-Highway efforts, the Work a Day Earn a Pay Program (https://www.goodwillde.org/work-a-day-earn-a-pay/), and with help from the Delaware Department of Correction's (DOC) Inmate Work Program.
The Departmentand its partners also removed 4,977 tires, 5,069 signs, and 196 appliances from the side of roads in Delaware.
"I would like to thank DelDOT and their partners for everything they do to help keep Delaware Beautiful," stated Governor Matt Meyer. "Their efforts are much appreciated, but unfortunately, their work is never done. If we all do our part, together we can truly keep our roadways litter-free," continued Governor Meyer.
"There is never a shortage of litter in the First State, which is sad, because Delaware is such a beautiful place," shared Secretary of Transportation Shante Hastings. "Since the inception of the Keep DE Free initiative, DelDOT, our employees, partners, and volunteers have removed 370,059 bags of trash from our roads. We appreciate the support; however, litter removal is both costly and time-consuming. Please join the effort to help "Keep De Litter Free." Dispose of your trash responsibly," stated Hastings.
To become a part of the Keep DE Litter Free initiative visit governor.delaware.gov or consider sponsoring or adopting a highway.
Through DelDOT's Sponsor-A-Highway (SAH) Program, managed by Litter Removal Service of America, sponsors fund a cleaning crew to remove litter from along a portion of I-95, I-495, I-295, and SR 1. A sign is installed along their sponsored area to recognize their contribution.
Through the Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) Program, individuals, businesses, and organizations agree to sponsor a two-mile section of a State of Delaware-maintained road and hold a minimum of three cleanups per year. As a thank you, DelDOT installs an AAH sign featuring the group's name along their sponsored roadway.
To support either program, please visit DelDOT.gov.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/01/09/deldot-recaps-2025-litter-cleanup-efforts/
Arizona Supreme Court Affirms Attorney General Mayes' Win in Dual-Language Lawsuit
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Arizona Supreme Court Affirms Attorney General Mayes' Win in Dual-Language Lawsuit
This week, the Arizona Supreme Court declined review of Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne's lawsuit against Attorney General Kris Mayes, Governor Katie Hobbs, and ten Arizona school districts over a dual-language learning model, thereby preserving the Attorney General's win from the lower courts.
"This is a great result for the people of Arizona. The Supreme Court's decision confirms that the
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Arizona Supreme Court Affirms Attorney General Mayes' Win in Dual-Language Lawsuit
This week, the Arizona Supreme Court declined review of Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne's lawsuit against Attorney General Kris Mayes, Governor Katie Hobbs, and ten Arizona school districts over a dual-language learning model, thereby preserving the Attorney General's win from the lower courts.
"This is a great result for the people of Arizona. The Supreme Court's decision confirms that theSuperintendent has no authority or standing to sue school districts that are doing their jobs by implementing a structured English immersion model approved by the State Board of Education." said Attorney General Kris Mayes. "My Attorney General Opinion on this issue made clear that the State Board, not the Superintendent, has the authority to approve or modify structured English immersion models. A lot of taxpayer dollars could have been saved if the Superintendent had just followed that opinion."
In 2023, the Superintendent issued a letter to school districts demanding that schools stop instructing English language learner students in a dual-language teaching model even though the State Board had approved the model. Attorney General Mayes issued an opinion explaining that only the State Board of Education has the authority to eliminate a dual-language model, not the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Superintendent responded to the Attorney General opinion with this lawsuit.
By denying review of the lawsuit, the Arizona Supreme Court preserved the lower court's dismissal of the Superintendent's lawsuit on the grounds that Superintendent lacked the authority to sue or standing to sue the Attorney General, Governor, and school districts on this issue.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/arizona-supreme-court-affirms-attorney-general-mayes-win-dual-language-lawsuit
