state lawmakers

Illinois and Chicago face structural budget deficits due to insufficient tax revenue growth relative to rising service costs. The state's 2027 budget reduces public service spending by 1.1% after inflation, while Chicago projects a $700–$780 million shortfall next year with revenue growing slower than costs over 30 years. A task force recommends long-term reforms to address these fiscal challenges.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) will build a new dental school and acquire the Altria building with nearly $700 million in state funding.

State lawmakers in Virginia seek to cover the cost of demolishing the Richmond Coliseum. Additional headlines include updates on a firearm industry accountability law, rising measles cases, and funding challenges for a middle school technical workforce program.

California lawmakers propose a $356 billion budget to reject or delay social service cuts suggested by Gov. Gavin Newsom, focusing on healthcare, childcare, and education funding. The plan includes delaying healthcare premium increases for undocumented immigrants and preserving child care slots, while differing from Newsom on Medi-Cal asset tests and school funding.

President Donald Trump attempted to block state-level AI regulations through an executive order directing federal agencies to challenge burdensome state laws and restrict funding for states with AI legislation. Despite these efforts, states are advancing targeted AI regulations focusing on issues like AI interactions with children, employer use, and developer accountability, though initial broader measures were previously vetoed or abandoned.

An East Texas county judge is urging state lawmakers to assist locals in addressing the spread of data centers. A grassroots movement in Angelina County protested a proposed AI data center in Lufkin on June 9, 2026.

Philadelphia Councilmember Isaiah Thomas advocates for replacing the mayor-appointed school board with an elected one, requiring state legislation, voter approval, and power shifts. The proposal follows backlash against 17 school closures and highlights tensions over funding and governance.

Michigan State's president resigned, blaming trustees who in turn blamed each other, leading to calls from state lawmakers for a board overhaul due to the resulting conflict.

Pennsylvania faces rising energy demand due to data centers, leading to higher electricity bills as utilities struggle to build new capacity. Medium-sized solar installations are proposed as a potential solution to alleviate pressure on the energy grid.

California's Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards expire on Thursday, marking the final day to use remaining funds from a 2022 inflation relief program. The state issued 16.8 million payments, including 7.2 million direct deposits and 9.6 million debit cards, between October 2022 and January 2023.