States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
R.I. Gov. McKee Calls for Passage of $10M Budget Proposal to Support Hospitals Facing a Rise in Uninsured Patients
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, April 4 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Governor McKee Calls for Passage of $10M Budget Proposal to Support Hospitals Facing a Rise in Uninsured Patients
Cost of uncompensated care expected to escalate with Trump Administration's changes to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act affecting health coverage costs
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At an event at Hasbro Children's Hospital, Governor Dan McKee was joined by representatives of local hospitals and the Hospital Association of Rhode Island to highlight his $10 million FY 27 budget
... Show Full Article
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, April 4 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Governor McKee Calls for Passage of $10M Budget Proposal to Support Hospitals Facing a Rise in Uninsured Patients
Cost of uncompensated care expected to escalate with Trump Administration's changes to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act affecting health coverage costs
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At an event at Hasbro Children's Hospital, Governor Dan McKee was joined by representatives of local hospitals and the Hospital Association of Rhode Island to highlight his $10 million FY 27 budgetproposal to support uncompensated hospital care.
Changes by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act have negatively impacted both access to and the affordability of health coverage. As a consequence, the number of insured Rhode Islanders is expected to decrease, while the number of uninsured Rhode Islanders seeking care in emergency rooms is expected to increase. The $10 million in Governor McKee's proposal is designed to help support hospitals as they navigate a surge of uninsured patients, whom, by law, hospitals must treat.
"At a time when access to affordable health coverage is under attack, we must support our hospitals, which are often the first line of defense," said Governor McKee. "My $10 million budget proposal will make a difference to operations at Brown University Health, Care New England, South County Health, Landmark Medical, Westerly Hospital, and CharterCare Health Partners, so that they can continue to provide essential health care to anyone who walks through their doors."
Hospital Association of Rhode Island President Michael Sroczynski said, "When coverage disappears, medical needs do not. People delay care, conditions worsen, and patients ultimately arrive at hospitals with more complex and resource-intensive needs. That's why Governor McKee's proposed $10 million investment to help offset uncompensated care is so important -- it recognizes that when coverage gaps grow, hospitals remain the safety net. We thank the Governor for recognizing the pressures hospitals, healthcare workers, and patients are facing."
"We anticipate uncompensated care will rise in the coming years due to the impacts of HR-1, which, between federal changes to Medicaid and HealthSource RI, may leave thousands of Rhode Islanders without health insurance coverage," said Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest. "When coverage gaps like this happen, people still need care, and hospitals often become a landing spot for these patients. Governor McKee's proposed $10 million investment will make a meaningful difference by helping hospitals stabilize essential services, by protecting access, and by continuing to invest in the staff and capacity that patients depend on."
At the event, Brown University Health President and CEO John Fernandez and RI Hospital Trauma Surgeon Dr. Stephanie Lueckel discussed the value of this $10 million investment.
"Patients who walk through our doors get the health care they need, regardless of their insurance coverage, and that often means providing care at a financial loss to our hospitals," said Brown University Health President and CEO John Fernandez. "The Governor's Uncompensated Care Protection Act is a necessary first step in helping hospitals across the state address this unsustainable situation. Ensuring this support is critical not only for hospital sustainability, but for maintaining high-quality, timely patient care for the communities we serve."
The hospital funding is one of several steps the McKee Administration is taking to provide additional support to hospitals, primary care providers, and other health care organizations. The Governor's recommended FY27 budget includes funding to assist lower-income Rhode Islanders in accessing health coverage through HealthSource RI, to support Medicaid as the state takes over additional operations previously managed by the federal government, and to ensure access to affordable women's reproductive health care.
These latest actions follow the Governor's earlier package of health care supports, which included requiring commercial health insurers to increase funding for primary care reimbursements, regulating a 20% reduction in prior authorization requirements, providing $6.7 million in grants to recruit and retain primary care providers, and expanding the primary care student loan forgiveness program.
Most recently, the Governor and his administration worked with the Attorney General's Office and the General Assembly to finalize the sale of Fatima and Roger Williams Hospitals, ensuring continuity of their critical services for the Rhode Island community. The Governor also worked directly with the union and hospital leadership to resolve the Butler Hospital strike last year.
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-calls-passage-10m-budget-proposal-support-hospitals-facing-rise
N.J. A.G. Davenport Co-Leads Amicus Brief Against Trump Administration's Targeting of Law Firms
TRENTON, New Jersey, April 4 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Davenport Co-Leads Amicus Brief Against Trump Administration's Targeting of Law Firms
Multistate Coalition Asks Court of Appeals to Defend Rule of Law
View Amicus Brief (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-0403_As-Filed-Multistate-Brief-Law-Firm-EO-Appeals.pdf)
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport co-led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in an amicus brief filed today in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals supporting four
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TRENTON, New Jersey, April 4 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Davenport Co-Leads Amicus Brief Against Trump Administration's Targeting of Law Firms
Multistate Coalition Asks Court of Appeals to Defend Rule of Law
View Amicus Brief (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-0403_As-Filed-Multistate-Brief-Law-Firm-EO-Appeals.pdf)
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport co-led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in an amicus brief filed today in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals supporting fourlaw firms that were targeted by President Trump in a series of unprecedented, unconstitutional executive orders in 2025.
The law firms -- Jenner & Block LLP, Perkins Coie LLP, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale LLP, and Susman Godfrey LLP -- are challenging these unconstitutional executive orders, which imposed severe sanctions on the firms in direct retaliation for their work on causes disfavored by the Trump Administration.
"It is darkly ironic, frankly, that during America's 250th anniversary, President Trump is continuing his crusade to rip apart the very foundations of the rule of law embedded in the Constitution," said Attorney General Davenport. "The legal profession depends on attorneys being able to represent clients independent of political pressure. If this isn't true, and law firms can't practice without fear of being punished by the President, what remains of the rule of law? We must fight back."
In March and April 2025, President Trump issued executive orders retaliating against law firms whose advocacy, clients, and personnel he dislikes, for purely political reasons. These orders required federal officials to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at the law firms, to refuse to engage with or hire employees of these firms, and to deny the law firms' personnel entry to federal buildings. The orders also directed federal contractors to disclose any business they do with the law firms so that agencies can terminate any contract with the firms.
Four different district judges have recognized that these executive orders are unconstitutional in several respects, including because they are retaliatory and viewpoint discriminatory in violation of the First Amendment. In particular, the orders seek to punish the law firms for purportedly supporting the President's political opponents, for defending the integrity of the 2020 election, for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and for their expression of other disfavored viewpoints.
As the amici states write, the willingness of lawyers to represent such causes without fear of reprisal is vital for the rule of law, our system of justice, and our democracy. The executive orders threaten this foundational principle, and the Court of Appeals must affirm the district court orders, the brief states.
If the orders are allowed to stand, states and their residents will suffer harm by making it more difficult for many potential clients--especially those who currently rely on pro bono representation--to obtain legal services and vindicate their rights in court. The brief notes several instances where this is already happening.
The amicus brief argues that the administration's unconstitutional actions are a gross abuse of authority and that they threaten the rule of law. A fair and functioning judicial system depends on lawyers being willing to work on controversial cases or represent unpopular clients without fearing retribution by the federal government.
The coalition was led by Attorney General Davenport, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. Joining them are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-davenport-co-leads-amicus-brief-against-trump-administrations-targeting-of-law-firms/
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Joins Groundbreaking Celebration for New Housing in Raymond
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 4 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Joins Groundbreaking Celebration for New Housing in Raymond
Governor Kelly Ayotte today joined local leaders, developers, and community partners for the groundbreaking of Woodside Village, a new 60-unit apartment development that will expand housing opportunities in Raymond and support continued growth across the region.
Over the past year, Governor Ayotte signed the most ambitious set of housing reforms in state history to increase housing supply,
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 4 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Joins Groundbreaking Celebration for New Housing in Raymond
Governor Kelly Ayotte today joined local leaders, developers, and community partners for the groundbreaking of Woodside Village, a new 60-unit apartment development that will expand housing opportunities in Raymond and support continued growth across the region.
Over the past year, Governor Ayotte signed the most ambitious set of housing reforms in state history to increase housing supply,speed up construction, and reduce barriers to development.
These efforts included:
* Cutting outdated regulations
* Streamlining the State permitting process to ensure state government does not unnecessarily delay construction
* Expanding opportunities for accessory dwelling units
* Enabling the conversion of underutilized commercial properties into housing
* Directing state agencies to review land owned by the State that is no longer needed and determine whether it can be responsibly used for housing
Data recently released (https://www.nheconomy.com/news-press/new-hampshire-housing-production-reaches-20-year-h) by the Department of Business and Economic Affairs showed housing construction reached its highest level in 20 years.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-joins-groundbreaking-celebration-new-housing-raymond
Mo. Department of Natural Resources Awards $2.4 Million to Fisk
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 4 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Department of Natural Resources awards $2.4 million to Fisk
City will make drinking water system improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.4 million in financial assistance to the city of Fisk for upgrades to the city's drinking water distribution, storage and supply systems. The city expects the project to be completed by Spring 2026.
The project includes replacement of all 175 of the city's meters and equipping them
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 4 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Department of Natural Resources awards $2.4 million to Fisk
City will make drinking water system improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.4 million in financial assistance to the city of Fisk for upgrades to the city's drinking water distribution, storage and supply systems. The city expects the project to be completed by Spring 2026.
The project includes replacement of all 175 of the city's meters and equipping themwith a cellular automatic meter read system, upgrades to existing treatment facilities and replacing the two existing wells with two new shallow sand wells. With these improvements, the city will be able to offer its citizens safe drinking water for years to come with a modern and well-functioning treatment system.
Project funding consists of a $1.8 million grant and a $603,000 loan, both from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The department estimates its funding will save the city's ratepayers more than $1.8 million in principal and approximately $225,000 in interest over the loan's 20-year term.
"Financial assistance packages like this really help our communities provide safe drinking water to Missourians," said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources.
The department's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems and water storage and supply facilities. The fund also finances system interconnection and consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance a project manager provides throughout the project.
The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.
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Original text here: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-24-million-fisk
Md. A.G. Brown Supports Law Firms Targeted for Retribution by Trump Administration
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 4 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Supports Law Firms Targeted for Retribution by Trump Administration
Coalition Files Brief Backing Challenge of Unconstitutional Executive Orders that Undermine the Rule of Law
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general today in filing an amicus brief supporting law firms challenging unconstitutional executive orders that imposed severe sanctions on the firms in retaliation for doing work disfavored by
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 4 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Supports Law Firms Targeted for Retribution by Trump Administration
Coalition Files Brief Backing Challenge of Unconstitutional Executive Orders that Undermine the Rule of Law
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general today in filing an amicus brief supporting law firms challenging unconstitutional executive orders that imposed severe sanctions on the firms in retaliation for doing work disfavored bythe Trump administration.
"No administration should be able to punish lawyers for representing clients or taking positions it finds inconvenient," said Attorney General Brown. "When the government silences legal advocates, it silences the people who depend on them, and that is a threat that we have a duty to oppose."
In March and April of 2025, President Donald Trump issued executive orders retaliating against law firms whose advocacy, clients, and personnel he dislikes. These orders required federal officials to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at the law firms, to refuse to engage with or hire employees of these firms, and to deny the law firms' personnel entry to federal buildings. The orders also directed federal contractors to disclose any business they do with the law firms so that agencies can terminate any contract with the firms.
Each of the targeted law firms that challenged the executive orders was successful, and now the administration has appealed those decisions. The coalition filed a brief in support of the law firms in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition argue that the administration's unconstitutional actions are a gross abuse of authority, threaten the rule of law, and violate the First Amendment. They note that a fair and functioning judicial system depends on lawyers being willing to work on controversial cases or represent unpopular clients without fearing retribution by the government. The attorneys general further argue that the orders will harm the residents of their states by making it more difficult for many potential clients - especially those who currently rely on pro bono representation - to obtain legal services and vindicate their rights in court.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Supports-Law-Firms-Targeted-for-Retribution-by-Trump-Administration--.aspx
Maine Secretary of State Decision in Challenge to David Corbett Nomination Petitions for York County Sheriff
AUGUSTA, Maine, April 4 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Maine Secretary of State Decision in Challenge to David Corbett nomination petitions for York County Sheriff
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued a decision regarding challenges brought by two Maine voters to the nomination petitions filed by David Corbett as a candidate for the Republican Party nomination for York County Sheriff.
The Secretary of State's Office received two challenges to the nomination of Corbett, each filed on March 23, 2026, pursuant to 21-A M.R.S.A., section
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, April 4 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Maine Secretary of State Decision in Challenge to David Corbett nomination petitions for York County Sheriff
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued a decision regarding challenges brought by two Maine voters to the nomination petitions filed by David Corbett as a candidate for the Republican Party nomination for York County Sheriff.
The Secretary of State's Office received two challenges to the nomination of Corbett, each filed on March 23, 2026, pursuant to 21-A M.R.S.A., section354. Written challenges from Brian Pellerin and Heidi Sampson, each alleging that Mr. Corbett has no recorded history of holding a supervisory position as required by Maine statute 30-A M.R.S. Sec.371-B (3)(E).
A consolidated hearing was held at 9:30 a.m. on March 27 in Augusta with Director of Elections Heidi Peckham serving as the Presiding Officer at the Hearing and Assistant Attorney General Jon Bolton assisting as legal counsel. The hearing was live-streamed to the Department's YouTube page and is still available to view online.
The Secretary, upon review of the proceedings and evidence, determined that Mr. Corbett met the requirements under 30-A M.R.S. Sec.371-B (4) which reads: "Any person who served as a full-time law enforcement officer employed by a municipal police department or a state agency, including the University of Maine System, on or before July 1, 1990 or is serving in the office of sheriff on June 26, 2021 or served prior to that date is deemed to meet the minimum qualifications of subsection 3." The Pellerin and Sampson challenges were therefore denied.
"Based on the proceedings and the evidence before me, I agree with the conclusion and recommendation submitted by the hearings officer that Mr. Corbett met the requirements of the law that allows citizens who served in law enforcement prior to 1990 to run for sheriff even without holding a position of supervisory authority."
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/maine-secretary-state-decision-challenge-david-corbett-nomination-petitions-york-county
Ariz. A.G. Mayes and Secretary of State Fontes Sue Trump Administration Over Unlawful Executive Order Attempting to Exert Federal Control Over Elections
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes and Secretary of State Fontes Sue Trump Administration over Unlawful Executive Order Attempting to Exert Federal Control over Elections
Arizona today joined a coalition of 23 other states suing President Trump in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, challenging his unlawful Executive Order that attempts to interfere with states' constitutional authority to administer elections by restricting voter eligibility and mail voting to
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes and Secretary of State Fontes Sue Trump Administration over Unlawful Executive Order Attempting to Exert Federal Control over Elections
Arizona today joined a coalition of 23 other states suing President Trump in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, challenging his unlawful Executive Order that attempts to interfere with states' constitutional authority to administer elections by restricting voter eligibility and mail voting tolists of voters pre-authorized by the federal government.
"Millions of Independents, Republicans, and Democrats across Arizona have voted by mail for decades," said Attorney General Mayes. "In fact, over 80% of Arizona voters cast their ballots this way election after election. Military families vote by mail. Rural Arizonans vote by mail. Tribal members vote by mail. Donald Trump's executive order targets all of these voters. But the Constitution is absolutely clear: states run their elections. Not the President. And Arizona will not allow the federal government to seize control of our elections."
"The greatest threat to the safety and security of our elections is Donald Trump continuing to lie about them," Secretary of State Adrian Fontes stated. "Arizona's elections are run by Arizonans-our neighbors, our friends, and our family. This latest attack on vote-by-mail and voter privacy, is a direct attack not just on our voters but on our election administrators who work day-in and day-out to keep democracy running. For decades, Arizona's mail-in voting system has operated as the gold standard, serving the vast majority of voters each election season. It is critical that we reject the notion that access and security are mutually exclusive when it comes to running strong elections."
On March 31, President Trump signed an Executive Order attempting to establish a national list of eligible voters and directing the U.S. Postal Service, an independent federal agency, to transmit mail ballots only to those on the list. In the Order, the President threatens states and elections officials with criminal prosecution and the loss of federal funding if they do not comply with his demands. The attorneys general argue that the Order would require states to act contrary to their own voter roll procedures, vote-by-mail systems, and voter registration laws.
State and federal law entitle all eligible voters to cast ballots and have their votes counted in state and federal elections. The states filing this lawsuit permit registered voters to cast their ballots by mail if they meet their state's requirements for doing so. Voters of all parties, in all states, and of every demographic utilize mail-in voting - including the President himself.
In their lawsuit, the coalition explains that the U.S. Constitution gives states the primary authority to administer elections. In contrast, the Constitution does not allow the President to unilaterally impose changes to federal election procedures, particularly without an act of Congress permitting him to do so.
Moreover, the administration of elections is highly complex and requires substantial planning and preparation. The attorneys general argue that the President's Executive Order would require states to upend their existing election administration procedures for upcoming elections and conduct statewide voter education at a dangerously quick pace - potentially within weeks of primary elections and mere months before the beginning of mail voting for the 2026 general election. The coalition argues that such drastic and rapid changes will undoubtedly create confusion, chaos, and distrust in state election systems, all while threatening to disenfranchise eligible voters.
No excuse vote-by-mail was passed in Arizona in 1991, created by a Republican legislature and signed into law by a Republican governor. Arizona then doubled down on our innovative expansion of early voting options in 2007, ensuring that all eligible voters had the ability to automatically and permanently receive their ballot by mail.
The attorneys general allege that the President's Executive Order violates the separation of powers and unlawfully interferes with states' mail voting programs. The coalition asks the court to prevent the federal government from implementing or enforcing the Executive Order.
Joining Attorney General Mayes in filing this lawsuit, which was led by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the Governor of Pennsylvania.
A copy of the complaint is available below.
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Attachments
1. 2026.04.03 - Cal (https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/1.%202026.04.03%20-%20California%20v%20Trump%20-%20Complaint.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-and-secretary-state-fontes-sue-trump-administration-over
