Newswatch Economics State-by-State
Alabama
Mayor Woodfin focuses on Cradle to Career, Infrastructure in Budget Surplus Plan | City of Birmingham, Alabama
March 31, 2026 10:54 AM EDT
the City of Birmingham, Alabama
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin’s proposed $31.8 million spending plan to support his Cradle to Career initiative and investments in public infrastructure, neighborhoods, and the city’s human rights legacy received approval from the Birmingham City Council today. The plan will be funded by a surplus from Fiscal Year 2024.
Arizona
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs considers pausing gas tax amid skyrocketing prices
March 31, 2026 04:48 PM EDT
Deseret News.
As of Monday, fuel prices averged $4.68 a gallon in Arizona. That’s up from the $3.31 average a month ago. In Utah, fuel prices linger around $4.195 a gallon, while Californians shelled out the highest per-gallon price at $5.87.
Arkansas
Boozman backs farm aid as Arkansas producers face rising costs
March 31, 2026 05:06 AM EDT
Southwest Times
Arkansas farmers face rising costs, drought and low prices as lawmakers push expanded federal aid to help producers stay afloat this season.
Arkansas
Powell: Fed eyeing energy prices | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
March 31, 2026 03:17 AM EDT
Northwest Arkansas Newspapers.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Monday that it is important to closely monitor inflation amid a spike in energy prices from the Iran war.
Arkansas
Powell: Fed eyeing energy prices | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
March 31, 2026 03:17 AM EDT
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Monday that it is important to closely monitor inflation amid a spike in energy prices from the Iran war.
California
Iran war disrupts fertilizer supply for Northern California farmers
March 30, 2026 11:28 PM EDT
Action News Now.
U.S. farmers face sharply rising fertilizer costs due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing war with Iran, which may lead to higher food prices later this
Colorado
Steamboat-based startup Colter Backcountry approved for state program supporting rural job growth
March 31, 2026 02:07 PM EDT
Steamboat Pilot & Today.
Steamboat Springs-based startup Colter Backcountry has been approved to join Colorado’s Rural Jump-Start Zone Program, a state initiative providing tax breaks and incentives for new or relocating businesses that create jobs in rural communities, according...
Delaware
Delaware paid leave deadline hits for employer reports
March 31, 2026 10:47 PM EDT
WDEL 101.7 FM.
Employers in Delaware with 10 or more eligible employees must submit required hours and wage reports to the Department of Labor by the end of a 90-day grace period on
Florida
Florida Consumers Pull Back on Spending
March 31, 2026 08:00 AM EDT
Florida Realtors
The dip in March was driven by weaker buying plans and growing concern about the national economy, even as views of personal finances held steady, UF found.
Florida
Hunt for next regional Federal Reserve leader comes amid tensions with President Trump
March 31, 2026 06:00 AM EDT
WLRN Public Media.
The next president of the regional Federal Reserve Bank will be voting on interest rates next year. That’s just the highest profile task for the job that’s based in Atlanta but watches over the economy across parts of six states, including all of Florida.
Florida
New Florida housing law draws support and criticism
March 30, 2026 03:17 PM EDT
WCTV.
The law, an extension of Florida’s Live Local Act, fast-tracks permitting and limits what local governments can reject.
Georgia
Georgia and South Carolina governors visit Savannah to discuss growth and resource challenges
March 31, 2026 01:47 PM EDT
WJCL ABC News.
Gov. Brian Kemp and Gov. Henry McMaster hold a rare “fireside chat” at the Environmental Council of States conference
Georgia
Georgia should increase the homestead tax exemption, but do it the right way
March 31, 2026 08:19 AM EDT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Georgia General Assembly should boost the state's homestead tax exemption significantly, but it should not come at the cost of basic public services.
Georgia
Georgia GDP Growth at Near 1-Year High
March 31, 2026 05:38 AM EDT
TradingView, Inc.
Georgia’s economic activity expanded by 8.8% year-on-year in February 2026, accelerating from a 7.9% increase in the previous month.This marks the strongest growth since March 2025, supported by robust performance in information and communication, transport and storage, financial and insurance acti…
Georgia
Gov. Kemp, Gov. McMaster visit Savannah, talk economy and environment
March 30, 2026 06:30 PM EDT
WSAV News 3
The governors of both Georgia and South Carolina teamed up in Savannah on Monday to discuss how the environment impacts their respective states.
Illinois
Illinois business leaders want more funding for child care as facilities close and demand increases
March 31, 2026 04:49 PM EDT
WGLT
Illinois businesses advocated for more funding to child care facilities as demand for services remains high. ReadyNation Illinois came out with a report that Illinois is losing $6.2 billion each year because of the child care crisis.
Illinois
A collaborative effort for downtown - Illinois Times, the capital city's weekly source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture
March 31, 2026 04:35 PM EDT
Times.
City, county and state elected officials are offering bipartisan support for a bill in the Statehouse that would help facilitate an expansion of the BOS Center in downtown Springfield, along with construction of a new hotel. The bill would also create a new governing board to promote business development and tourism in Springfield and Sangamon County.
Illinois
Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes
March 31, 2026 09:25 AM EDT
The Center Square.
(The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at twice the rate of inflation and well above the
Indiana
$65B industrial park planned in Sullivan County - Indianapolis Business Journal
March 31, 2026 03:13 PM EDT
Business Journal.
Heartland Industrial Park announced plans for a 1,000-plus acre light industrial campus to attract tenants in light manufacturing, data centers, logistics and advanced technology.
Iowa
BROOKE BODEN: Iowa is winning on affordability
March 31, 2026 07:15 PM EDT
the City of Indianola, Iowa
Although Iowans have seen a rise in inflation like everyone else across the country, we’re winning when it comes to affordability. Recently, the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute released its report
Iowa
Clear Lake among 4 Iowa towns getting state revitalization grants
March 31, 2026 10:06 AM EDT
KIMT Television.
'Rural communities know where they want to go — they just need the right tools and guidance to get there.'
Iowa
Clarion to receive a $10,000 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority
March 31, 2026 03:42 AM EDT
KQ Radio.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority Monday announced $40,000 in grants through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative to advance growth and revitaliza…
Iowa
Clear Lake receives $10,000 grant to expand affordable housing options
March 30, 2026 03:06 PM EDT
ABC 6 News.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Clear Lake will received a $10,000 grant to expand affordable housing options.
Kansas
Kansas City Fed's Schmid warns oil-driven inflation may persist, risking rates stuck nearer 3% for policymakers - VT Markets
March 31, 2026 08:31 PM EDT
VT Markets
Kansas City Fed’s Schmid warned inflation remains top risk, could stick near 3%, needs firm Fed action.
Kentucky
Gov. Beshear applauds Louisville for boosting economic growth in Kentucky
March 31, 2026 06:37 PM EDT
WLKY-TV.
Gov. Andy Beshear is spotlighting the impact Louisville is having on Kentucky's economic momentum.
Kentucky
Kentucky, West Virginia Angle For Energy Dominance As Affordability Wars Rage - Tampa Free Press
March 31, 2026 05:13 PM EDT
Tampa Free Press.
Two Appalachian states are pushing legislation to introduce nuclear energy to their coal-dominant energy grids. Tampa Free Press
Kentucky
Kentucky Medicaid bill could hit low-income patients hardest
March 30, 2026 09:34 PM EDT
WPSD Local 6
Approximately 450,000 Kentuckians are enrolled in the Medicaid expansion program, which experts say would face significant changes under Kentucky's proposed House Bill 2.
Kentucky
Kentucky's Tax Reforms Continue Economic Progress
March 30, 2026 10:08 AM EDT
bluegrassinstitute
Good tax policy matters now more than ever.
Maine
Maine Climate Council grapples with affordability
March 31, 2026 03:16 PM EDT
The Portland Press Herald.
The council believes inflation anxieties are the primary bottleneck in the state's green transition.
Massachusetts
Business, Labor Groups Clash Over Massachusetts Tax Cut Ballot Questions
March 31, 2026 01:00 PM EDT
The New Boston Post
Supporters and opponents spar over proposed Massachusetts ballot questions to cut the income tax and cap state revenue, with warnings about job growth, budget cuts, and economic stability.
Michigan
Here's where gas is cheapest and most expensive this week in Michigan
March 30, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
MLive Media Group.
Prices have surged $1.10 since February attacks on Iran disrupted global oil supplies, and experts warn the national average could soon push beyond $4 per gallon.
Minnesota
Minnesota Senate committee aims to help small businesses impacted by ICE surge
March 30, 2026 02:43 PM EDT
kaxe
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees that operate a physical location, including licensed home businesses and small farms, would be eligible for aid.
Minnesota
Rural Minnesota faces mixed trends
March 30, 2026 12:19 PM EDT
the Park Rapids Enterprise
"We’re seeing encouraging signs — population stabilization, income growth — but those gains are fragile," said the president/CEO of the Center for Rural Policy and Development.
Mississippi
Mississippi River Reopens as Freight Costs Begin Rising
March 31, 2026 06:00 AM EDT
RFD-TV.
Rising fuel costs will soon increase grain transportation expenses.
Missouri
Missouri bill would require citizenship proof for food stamps, health care
March 30, 2026 07:45 PM EDT
First Alert.
Missouri lawmakers are considering 43 bills on immigration and immigrant rights this year.
Missouri
Missouri House OKs $52.27 Billion Budget, Prioritizing Schools, Safety...
March 30, 2026 10:39 AM EDT
Wayne County Journal-Banner.
Missouri House backs a $52.27B budget that trims spending while fully funding K‑12, bolstering law enforcement and rural roads, and advances bills on economic growth, AI limits, and property rights.
Montana
USDA Invests $1M in Five Projects to Boost Rural Montana Agriculture
March 31, 2026 10:40 PM EDT
Tri-State Livestock News.
(Bozeman, Mont., March 23, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced that the 2026 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) application period is officially open, offering Montana agricultural producers an opportunity to secure funding that...
Nevada
College of Southern Nevada Plans Tech Career Training Centers
March 30, 2026 02:32 PM EDT
Government Technology.
The College of Southern Nevada has partnered with the city of Las Vegas to plan and fund training centers where residents can build marketable skills in fields like advanced manufacturing, technology and construction.
New York
This NY county wants to increase its minimum wage. Will others follow?
March 31, 2026 03:03 PM EDT
The Journal News.
New York's minimum wage has been on an incremental march toward and past $15 an hour since 2016.
New York
JPMorgan announces initiative to boost small business lending by $80 billion
March 31, 2026 10:57 AM EDT
The Baltimore Sun.
Over the next 10 years, JPMorgan intends to make $80 billion in small‑business financing available, delivered directly or in partnership with community development banks and federal programs. The New York-based bank will hire an additional …
New York
New York Fed President: "Uncertainty Over Both Inflation and Growth Slowdown Has Increased" - The Asia Business Daily
March 30, 2026 10:14 PM EDT
Asia Economy
John Williams, President of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, stated on the 30th (local time) that a combination of uncertainties, including the Iran ...
North Carolina
North Carolina faces projected revenue decline, possible $2.8 billion ...
March 31, 2026 02:02 PM EDT
The Johnstonian News
New forecast shows North Carolina on track for a $2.8B budget gap and $360M revenue drop next year, as Gov. Stein warns of possible cuts and urges a pause on tax triggers.
North Carolina
Building on NC's success story: Changing strategies for changing condi...
March 31, 2026 11:56 AM EDT
The Wilson Times.
Gov. Josh Stein warns that preplanned tax cuts could strip billions from North Carolina services, aiding wealthy and out-of-state interests while schools, safety and health care face cuts.
North Carolina
City of Hickory to use NC grant to improve downtown streets
March 30, 2026 11:09 AM EDT
WSOC-TV.
The project is funded in part by an $850,000 state grant from North Carolina’s Rural Downtown Economic Development program.
Ohio
How a proposed bill could help homebound Ohio seniors access food assistance
March 30, 2026 10:18 PM EDT
The State News.
Food banks across Ohio say a proposed bill in Congress could help them get food assistance to homebound seniors.
Ohio
AI Data Center Boom: Vertiv Announces $49M Infrastructure Expansion in Ironton - Scioto Post
March 30, 2026 05:26 PM EDT
Scioto Post.
IRONTON, Ohio — In a transformative move for the Lawrence County economy, Vertiv Corporation announced today a $49.1 million investment to significantly expand its manufacturing footprint in Ironton. The projects are expected to create up to 730 new jobs in the state through 2029 in the global AI data center supply chain. The expansion, a […]
Oklahoma
Fed's Schmid: Can't assume inflation from higher oil prices will be transitory
March 31, 2026 06:22 AM EDT
TMGM.
Jeffrey Schmid, President of the Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of Kansas City, said that inflation is the more salient risk for the Fed. Adding that there is a real risk inflation will get stuck closer to 3% in remarks prepared for delivery to the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Oregon
This Oregon Think-Tank Leader Says Concerns About High Taxes Are Overblown
March 31, 2026 09:20 AM EDT
Willamette Week.
"The evidence is that when you cut taxes for corporations, it doesn’t supercharge the economy."
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Legislative Update: House Passes Paid Leave & Minimum Wage Legislation - NFIB
March 31, 2026 12:56 PM EDT
nfib
Tell the Pennsylvania Senate to stop these bad policies!
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania prepares for record summer of major events, $40M in new funding
March 31, 2026 12:08 PM EDT
Fox Television Stations, LLC.
Pennsylvania is preparing for a historic summer of major events, significant tourism campaigns, and substantial economic impact, supported by new state funding.
Pennsylvania
Pa. Offers New Tax Breaks to Help Workers With Costs - MyChesCo
March 30, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Chester County Press.
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania employers can now receive state tax credits for helping workers cover child care, education, and disability-related expenses under two newly available programs. What This Means for …
Tennessee
Tennessee Senate adopts non-citizen jobs, benefits bills | Chattanooga Times Free Press
March 31, 2026 09:00 PM EDT
Chattanooga Times Free Press
The Tennessee Senate passed two measures Monday designed to keep undocumented immigrants from working for state and local governments and receiving benefits.
Utah
Utah's workforce begins in third grade: Literacy rates and why it matters to Utah businesses
March 31, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Utah Business.
The path to economic success in Utah starts with improving third-grade reading proficiency and early literacy rates among our youngest learners to help strengthen Utah's workforce and businesses.
Virginia
Report: Dominion rates far outpacing inflation
March 31, 2026 11:37 AM EDT
CBS 19 News.
Clean Virginia released its report, “The Path to Affordable Power. Lowering bills for Dominion Energy customers,” on Monday.
Washington
Port Washington TID referendum: What to know ahead of April 7 vote
March 31, 2026 03:37 PM EDT
wuwm
Port Washington voters on April 7 will decide whether they can stop city officials from approving large tax incremental financing districts in future elections.
Washington
Washington State Enacts New Tax On Wealthy
March 31, 2026 06:17 AM EDT
The Wealth Advisor.
Washington State Enacts New Tax On Wealthy
Washington
IMF warns Middle East conflict will lead to higher prices and slower global growth
March 30, 2026 01:32 PM EDT
The Guardian.
Washington-based fund says rising energy and food costs will hit economies worldwide and could leave lasting scars
West Virginia
WTAP+ | Your afternoon headlines for March 31
March 31, 2026 04:06 PM EDT
WTAP-TV.
Here’s a recap of some top headlines from Tuesday, ranging from economic development in Wood County to state policy updates in West Virginia and major transportation work underway in Ohio.
West Virginia
Coalfield farm programs struggle as USDA cut $8.5M in grant funding; cites DEI
March 31, 2026 05:30 AM EDT
The Charleston Gazette-Mail
On March 23, 2026, the USDA canceled $300 million in federal grants — including $8.5 million in West Virginia — impacting WVU and farms in southern coalfields.
Wisconsin
Regional business leaders gather for economic development conference in Sparta
March 31, 2026 05:02 PM EDT
News 8 Now.
SPARTA, Wis. (WKBT) -- Regional business leaders gathered at the 2026 Economic Development & Tourism Spring Conference in Sparta, exploring workforce trends and strategies to sustain community growth across Wisconsin
