Newswatch Economics State-by-State
Alaska
Opinion: Alaska's healthcare crisis starts with the price of care
June 22, 2026 05:21 PM EDT
the Anchorage Daily News
Lower costs will require confronting the structural forces that keep medical bills so high.
Alaska
Minimum Wage Hike to $14 Arrives on July 1 - Alaska Business Magazine
June 22, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
Alaska Business Magazine.
Minimum wage earners get a raise, effective July 1. A ballot measure increases the hourly rate to $14, on the way to $15 per hour by 2027.
Arizona
State Data Center Policy: Governors Restrict Tax Exemptions
June 22, 2026 02:13 PM EDT
multistate
Texas, Arizona, Illinois governors restrict data center tax incentives over energy costs. Virginia debates impact fees. Analysis of state data center policy shifts.
Arkansas
Changing development patterns impossible without financing, Northwest Arkansas work session concludes | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
June 22, 2026 06:49 PM EDT
Northwest Arkansas Newspapers.
SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas must change its development patterns, which cannot change without more willingness to finance innovative projects, which could depend on whether Issue 3 passes in November, speakers at a working session on regional growth contended Monday.
Arkansas
Proposal to allow multi-story manufactured homes raises concerns about safety, affordability | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
June 20, 2026 08:45 PM EDT
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
A federal rule proposed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development could allow for multi-story manufactured homes to be produced cheaper, but questions about safety and affordability haven't been answered yet.
California
California lawmakers consider strict controls on data centers
June 22, 2026 06:49 PM EDT
Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc
As debate ramps up nationwide over the impacts of data centers, California legislators may impose strict controls on how new ones would operate in the state and who would pay to power them. The legislation comes as the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and high-capacity cloud computing is accelerating data center development nationwide.
Colorado
Trump's tax cut law will cut into Colorado's budget next year, but not as much as previously expected
June 22, 2026 06:47 PM EDT
Summit Daily News.
Colorado lawmakers could be looking at a smaller budget gap in 2027 when they return for their annual legislative session, according to a recent update from state economists. The forecast, presented on June 18 to...
Colorado
Colorado chamber: 2026 legislative session marked 'significant progress' for business
June 22, 2026 04:52 PM EDT
Colorado Politics.
This article explores how the legislative session marked a "significant progress" for business, according to the state chamber.
Connecticut
Letter: SNAP is a valuable anti-poverty tool
June 20, 2026 06:41 AM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
Letter writer responds to recent editorial on Connecticut's SNAP policies and federal reforms.
Delaware
Indiana Considers Changes to Childcare Licensing Regulations — Muncie Journal
June 22, 2026 10:15 AM EDT
Muncie Journal.
By Emma Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—Long before a child walks into a kindergarten classroom, someone helped prepare them for that moment. Someone taught them how to share, solve problems, follow routines, communicate their needs, and build confidence outside the walls of their home. Someone noticed when they were struggling, celebrated when they succeeded, and helped lay the foundation for future learning. For thousands of children across Delaware County that someone was an early childhood educator. Today, Indiana is considering changes to childcare licensing regulations that would lower qualification requirements for childcare leaders and educators while reducing professional standards that have long...
Florida
Florida's unemployment rate holds steady in May
June 22, 2026 01:57 PM EDT
the South Florida Sun Sentinel
An upward trend in the state’s unemployment rate paused in May, with hiring by small businesses considered “flat.” The Department of Commerce posted a 4.8% jobless rate for the state.
Florida
Iran conflict dims Florida growth outlook
June 22, 2026 12:37 PM EDT
The Center Square.
(The Center Square) – Florida’s short-term economic outlook has taken a “severe shift” due to the U.S. conflict with Iran, according to a new report.
Florida
A new report shows Florida families must earn over $106,000 to afford basic needs
June 22, 2026 11:07 AM EDT
WMNF 88.5 FM.
The ALICE report shows the number of households that earn above the federal poverty level but less than the basic cost of living.
Georgia
Why is Georgia Suspending its Gas Tax Now
June 22, 2026 03:27 PM EDT
Kavout Corporation
Georgia is suspending its gas tax and issuing income tax rebates to ease consumer burden from the oil shock. Drivers will save over 30 cents per gallon for 60 days. However, global price volatility may limit the actual household savings.
Georgia
Georgia legislators fight over local taxes
June 22, 2026 02:41 PM EDT
The Bond Buyer.
Democrats have, at least temporarily, blocked measures that would have led to local sales tax increase referendums.
Georgia
Everyday Economics: A new chair, a shorter statement, a Fed that stopped talking cuts • The Georgia Virtue
June 22, 2026 07:55 AM EDT
The Georgia Virtue.
The week ahead: New home sales on Wednesday and the Fed's favorite inflation gauge on Thursday - National Politics
Georgia
Property tax relief proposal could appear on November ballots across Georgia
June 22, 2026 07:30 AM EDT
WSB Radio
Republican state lawmakers are pushing to place property tax relief measures on local ballots across Georgia this November.
Hawaii
Hawaii Shifts Tourism Strategy to Higher Visitor Spending
June 22, 2026 07:11 AM EDT
The Traveler.
Hawaii tourism planners are prioritizing visitor spending over sheer arrival numbers as the islands balance economic recovery, wildfire impacts, and long‑running quality‑of‑life concerns.
Idaho
Early learning funding remains a challenge for Idaho providers, families
June 21, 2026 09:32 AM EDT
Idaho Education News.
Rising costs and shrinking assistance as a result of further possible changes worry childcare leaders, who say enrollment declines can make it harder to sustain programs.
Idaho
As water crisis deepens, Idaho producers look to farm bill for relief
June 21, 2026 06:50 AM EDT
KSL Newsradio.
As the federal farm bill advances to the U.S. Senate, farmers in eastern Idaho are dealing with one of the worst water shortages in decades and rising commodity prices.
Illinois
CSP's Center Store Forum opens with focus on consumer spending amid economic uncertainty
June 22, 2026 03:05 PM EDT
CSP Daily News.
3-day event featuring convenience retailers, suppliers and other industry experts runs through Wednesday in Lombard, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois Unemployment Remains Steady
June 22, 2026 12:36 AM EDT
Decatur Radio.
Illinois' unemployment rate held steady in May, according to the state Department of Employment Security. Offi...
Illinois
Illinois Unemployment Holds At 5.1% In May; Payrolls Rise Slightly
June 20, 2026 07:37 AM EDT
WFIW Radio.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports the state's unemployment rate held steady at 5.1...
Indiana
Working hard but falling short: New report reveals over 1 million Indiana households can't afford the basics - WBIW
June 22, 2026 07:56 AM EDT
WBIW News.
INDIANA — More than one-third of Indiana households are locked in a quiet financial crisis. Despite being employed, an increasing number of Hoosiers earn less...
Iowa
New business coming to Newton, Independence expansion with state tax credits - Radio Iowa
June 22, 2026 05:15 PM EDT
Radio Iowa
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board is giving two businesses economic incentives with the promise of creating 65 new jobs. IEDA spokesperson Kanan Kappleman says Pries Enterprises, which makes aluminum parts, will get more than $1.3 million in tax credits. “They plan to expand their facility in independence with a new 124,000 square foot building. […]
Kansas
Farm Family Living Costs Add Pressure to Margins
June 22, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
RFD-TV
David Widmar of Agricultural Economic Insights says Kansas Farm Management Association data show that family living costs jumped 12 percent over two years.
Kentucky
America's Rural Future: Eastern Kentucky site visits highlight locally led recovery, Main Street reinvestment, and civic institutions anchoring a region in transition | Brookings
June 22, 2026 10:33 AM EDT
The Brookings Institution
Brookings-AEI Commission on U.S. Rural Prosperity visited Eastern Kentucky, where locally led recovery, Main Street reinvestment, and civic institutions are reshaping the region.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts employers cut 2,900 jobs in May after gains in previous two months - The Boston Globe
June 22, 2026 04:37 PM EDT
The Boston Globe
After two months of robust hiring, the state's employers cut jobs last month, led by losses in construction, restaurants, and hotels.
Michigan
Michigan to erase $74M in medical debt; Genesee County among areas to benefit
June 22, 2026 02:21 PM EDT
WNEM TV5
Genesee County is one of the areas where $3,199,329 in debt is being forgiven for 2,460 people.
Michigan
Report: Large Data Centers Can Add to Tax Base
June 22, 2026 09:04 AM EDT
DBusiness Magazine.
Citizens Research Council of Michigan has released a comprehensive evaluation of data centers and their ongoing development in Michigan. Data centers have become a central topic in public policy, politics, […]
Missouri
Missouri opens SuN Bucks applications for summer food assistance | Jefferson City News-Tribune
June 21, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
The News Tribune.
Families across Missouri can now apply for SuN Bucks, a summer food assistance program that provides eligible children with a one-time benefit to help cover meal costs while school is out.
Nebraska
Nebraska law aimed to address housing shortage with community improvement districts
June 22, 2026 06:48 PM EDT
KETV Omaha.
Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1114 into law, creating community improvement districts to help lower housing costs and support development in Nebraska.
Nebraska
NU Board of Regents passed a 'modest' 4.25% tuition increase systemwide to combat inflation costs
June 21, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
The Gateway.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents considered and voted for a 4.25% tuition increase across all four campuses on Thursday, June 18.
Nevada
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
June 22, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
CBS News
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
New Hampshire
NH's Business: Summer employment in NH declined over last decade, except with construction
June 21, 2026 09:02 AM EDT
WMUR-TV
Fred Kocher sits down with Ben Reynolds with the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute to talk about summer employment growth and decreases across the state.
New Jersey
NJEDA OKs first award to Warren firm under Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program | ROI-NJ
June 22, 2026 09:50 AM EDT
ROI-NJ.
The NJEDA Board said it approved the first tax credit award under the Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program.
New Jersey
NJ workers fear impact of Medicaid, SNAP cuts, says United Way CEO
June 22, 2026 04:20 AM EDT
NorthJersey.com.
New Jersey's ALICE households (workers who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed) fear Medicaid and SNAP cuts, United Way executives say.
New Mexico
Some Santa Fe industries feel effects as residents wrangle with inflation
June 21, 2026 12:45 AM EDT
The Santa Fe New Mexican.
As consumer prices rise and consumer confidence plummets, New Mexico residents and business owners alike are feeling the distressing impacts.
New York
NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Small Business Services Announce New Job Training Opportunities for New Yorkers Through “Made in NY” Media Academy – The City University of New York
June 22, 2026 07:23 PM EDT
cuny
The NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and NYC Small Business Services (SBS) proudly announce the
New York
Stefanik delivers funding for Upstate New York, North Country
June 21, 2026 10:15 AM EDT
Oneida Dispatch.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has delivered approximately $4M in Northern Border Regional Commission funding for New York’s 21st Congressional District through NBRC’s Catalyst and Timber for Transit Programs.
North Carolina
US teens struggle to land summer jobs as hiring slows sharply
June 22, 2026 05:26 PM EDT
Qatar Tribune
<p>Agencies</p><p>Jaelyn Chester will wait your tables or stock your shelves. She’ll wash your dishes or scrub your toilets. If only someone would give the 17-year-old a chance.</p><p>“I’ve been looking everywhere,” says Chester, an A+ student, high school basketball star and aspiring engineer who has blanketed her community with dozens of applications. “I’m not unemployed because I’m incompetent. I’m unemployed because nobody’s hiring.” The summer job, a rite-of-passage for generations of American teenagers, isn’t so easy to come by.</p><p>About one-third of 16- to 19-year-olds in the U.S. were employed last summer, federal data show, down from a peak of about 60% in the late 1970s. Experts’ pessimistic forecasts are combining with reports from frustrated jobless young people around the country to form a seasonal outlook far from bathed in sunshine.</p><p>“The opportunities for workers at the start of the career ladder started to dry up,” says Nicole Bachaud, an economist for ZipRecruiter, saying teens are among the labor market’s “most marginalized groups.” Without a job, Chester worries her summer will be ruined. She wonders how she’ll fill her tank with gas and what she’ll do if she wants to go to a concert. A trip to look at colleges in North Carolina with some friends would be destined to be canceled. So her hunt continues.</p><p>Chester keeps copies of her resume in her car and has a 30-second spiel memorized when she decides to pop into a restaurant or store and try to talk with a manager. She and her friends help ready one another when they set out on their job hunt, trading tips and professional-looking clothes from their closets. Positions that once sounded awful to her, like dishwashing, no longer seem so.</p><p>“At this point,” says the teen from Lake Mary, Florida, “it would be hard to say no to anything.” Analyzing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas found the number of jobs secured by teens fell 25% last summer from the year prior. The firm says inflation, oil prices and cautious hiring are likely to lead to even fewer jobs this year, resulting in the lowest summer hiring total for teens since the federal government began tracking it in 1948.</p><p>Teens most commonly work in food preparation and serving jobs and sales, according to BLS data. But Jaune Little, director of recruiting services at the human resources company Insperity, says some entry-level jobs have been eliminated and teens now compete with more experienced candidates for the remaining ones.</p><p>“A lot of the entry-level roles that once existed simply do not any longer,” Little says. “Those that do exist are on leaner teams that have less ability and desire to develop and train someone. In many instances, they are prioritizing more skilled workers even if they are overqualified.” Max Stephenson began looking for a job last year after graduating from high school. Nothing turned up all summer. Once she began at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, she got a work study position in the cafeteria, still keeping an eye out for a more permanent gig.</p><p>Now, school’s out again, and Stephenson is again jobless.</p><p>The 19-year-old from Little Rock, Arkansas, lost track of how many jobs she’s applied for, but thinks it’s somewhere between 50 and 100. She can’t help thinking it’s tougher than previous generations had it to find work paying around the minimum wage.</p><p>“I thought it would be much easier than it’s been,” Stephenson says. “Old people say, ‘Just walk in there and give them a firm handshake.’ That doesn’t work so well now.” A 2022 report by Pew Research Center found summer employment of teens fell during the early 2000s dot-com bubble, and dropped even more during and after the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009. White teens are more likely to have a job than teens from any other racial group, Pew found.</p><p>Across demographics, though, teens are reporting difficult job searches, taking to Reddit and TikTok with rants about phantom postings, managers who ghost them and applications that go nowhere.</p><p>It’s a struggle Connor Vukelich knows well.</p><p>After he turned 16, he applied anywhere he could find in a 30-mile radius of his home near Vancouver, Washington. No offers followed and Vukelich’s friends were similarly coming up empty-handed.</p><p>“There’s all these ‘We’re Hiring’ signs but no one’s actually hiring,” Vukelich says. “What’s going on? Why can’t any of us find jobs?” When his search turned fruitless, he ended up working on his parents’ lavender farm. But the frustration of the experience led Vukelich – who is now 20 and a student at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University – to launch Poppin’ Jobs, an employment search site launched this year and aimed at teens and 20-somethings.</p><p>Vukelich believes artificial intelligence is robbing teens of some potential jobs and that laws to boost the minimum wage in some states have pitted first-time job-seekers against more experienced candidates.</p><p>“They don’t see the value in hiring someone without any experience,” he says of employers, “they’re not as willing to give someone that shot.” Some teen applicants find painful job searches eventually pay off. Demie Njea, a 16-year-old from Lexington, Kentucky, started applying for jobs once she turned 14, her state’s legal working age. A search centered on fast food spots and stores turned to one that included jobs as a janitor, daycare worker and more.</p><p>Nothing went anywhere the first summer. Or the second. Njea estimates she applied for more than 100 jobs in all. She started wondering if she’d ever get a first job.</p><p>Finally, an offer came and Njea started working at Sonic. She is thrilled. But when a friend who turned 15 started applying for work, Njea had to be honest.</p><p>“I had to calmly put her down and say, ‘You’re not going to get it,’” Njea says. “It’s just not going to happen.”</p>
North Carolina
As SNAP funding shrinks, a poor North Carolina county faces difficult choices
June 22, 2026 08:24 AM EDT
wfae
In Bladen County, where more than 20% of residents live in poverty, officials say looming cuts in federal SNAP administrative funding are stressing county finances. Local leaders are asking the state for help.
Ohio
Medicaid cuts could cost Ohio 51,000 jobs by 2029, study estimates
June 22, 2026 09:38 PM EDT
WOIO 19 News
Medicaid cuts could cost Ohio 51,000 jobs by 2029, study estimates
Ohio
Ohio program to help pay electric bills this summer
June 22, 2026 03:16 PM EDT
The Marion Star.
Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program offers help with electric bills and cooling costs from July 1 through Sept. 30 for eligible households.
Ohio
Ohio has lost about 1M acres of farmland. State gives $1M for counties to make land use plans
June 21, 2026 11:21 PM EDT
WYSO
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is offering 22 counties about $25,000 to $50,000 each to craft land use plans.
Oklahoma
H-2A Labor: An Opportunity for Beef Cattle and Dairy Farms? - Oklahoma Farm Report
June 22, 2026 09:55 AM EDT
Oklahoma Farm Report.
Finding reliable workers has become increasingly difficult for U.S. farmers, especially for physically demanding agricultural jobs (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2023). The pool of domestic workers willing to take these jobs continues to shrink, even as wages have increased. In response, many farms have turned to the H-2A program. Between 2015 and 2024, the number of
Oklahoma
Oklahoma inflation pressures hit consumers unevenly
June 20, 2026 06:15 AM EDT
The Oklahoman
Inflation has hit Oklahomans unevenly- the wealthy absorb costs while low and middle incomes cut groceries as gas costs rise.
Oregon
Oregon Expands Affordable Housing Effort as Klamath Falls Project Opens, Offering a Glimpse of Progress for Southern Oregon
June 22, 2026 09:10 AM EDT
The Grants Pass Daily Courier.
For years, Oregon's housing shortage has ranked among the state's most persistent public policy challenges, influencing everything from workforce availability
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Roundup: DCED announces $30M investment from Nokia to expand semiconductor production
June 22, 2026 08:38 PM EDT
The Times Leader.
<p>Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger this week announced the Commonwealth has secured a $30 million investment from Nokia of America Corporation to expand its photonic semiconductor advanced test and packaging (ATP) operations in Lehigh County.</p>
South Carolina
Ontario, South Carolina Sign Economic Cooperation Pact to Expand Trade and Investment
June 22, 2026 08:32 AM EDT
Canadian Press.
Agreement targets growth in energy, manufacturing, critical minerals and advanced technologies GREENVILLE, S.C. — Ontario Premier Doug Ford and South
Tennessee
Tennessee Explains Economic Development Grant Program
June 20, 2026 12:12 PM EDT
Big Country News Connection
Kim Jarrett's interview with Tennessee Deputy Governor and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter.
Texas
Gov. Abbott announces guidelines for state agencies
June 22, 2026 03:46 PM EDT
KXAN News
As Texas continues to see growth in high-demand jobs, Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced a series of recommendations for four state agencies aimed at helping more Texans enter the workforce.
Texas
Gov. Abbott orders Texas agencies to expand trade and workforce training
June 22, 2026 03:27 PM EDT
Fox Television Stations, LLC.
Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered an immediate expansion of workforce training and trade programs across four Texas agencies to help connect more residents with high-demand, skilled jobs.
Texas
State of Texas adds more than 17,000 jobs in May 2026
June 22, 2026 03:22 PM EDT
KAUZ-TV
Texas has reached a total of 14,419,200 nonfarm jobs after adding 17,800 positions in May 2026.
Utah
Utah unemployment rate decreases slightly, remains below national average
June 21, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
St. George News.
Utah's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate shows a decrease of one-tenth of a percentage point when comparing May with April, and the state's overall rate remains below the national average.
Vermont
Vermont legislative session review: What was accomplished?
June 22, 2026 06:40 PM EDT
WCAX-TV
Vermont lawmakers are debating their accomplishments three weeks after the session ended, with housing and taxes among the key issues. So what got done?
Vermont
Amanda Janoo seeks Vermont governorship to create 'wellbeing economy'
June 22, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
The Colchester Sun.
Vermont is facing multiple challenges demanding attention from all different angles. Amanda Janoo said it is up to the state to help curb those costs and help its citizens. But in order to do so, state leadership needs to change how it thinks.
Virginia
Column: For rural Virginia, data centers are more than technology
June 22, 2026 06:05 PM EDT
Daily Press.
Without Virginia’s tax incentives, projects, jobs and revenue could flow to other states, IBEW Local 80’s Dennis Floyd writes in a guest column.
Wyoming
Lawmakers call for answers from Wyoming Business Council
June 22, 2026 06:34 PM EDT
Wyoming News.
CHEYENNE — The future of Wyoming’s primary economic development agency remains a point of deep contention as state lawmakers move forward with a sweeping effort to reform, and in some
Wyoming
Lawmakers mull solutions to rising healthcare costs
June 22, 2026 02:00 PM EDT
Gillette News Record.
CHEYENNE — Wyoming lawmakers and health care leaders gathered last week for the debut of the Legislature’s Health Insurance Affordability Task Force, a group charged with untangling the complexities of
