The Pew Charitable Trusts

One of my favorite things about working with state policymakers is their focus on solutions—even when they approach those problems from very different perspectives. So, I’m looking forward to the National Conference of State Legislatures' Legislative Summit next week in Chicago, where, on the 27th, I’ll moderate a conversation on how public leaders can turn disagreement into productive dialogue. During the panel discussion, we'll hear from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton about leading in polarized times, finding common ground, and serving the public. During Pew's 20-plus-year relationship with NCSL, I’ve seen firsthand how rigorous data, practical research, and a willingness to listen can help leaders move from debate to action. We’ve also had the privilege of working with Disagree Better, a supporter of the event, to highlight the importance of civil political discourse in a strong republic. Will you be at the summit? Let me know below—I’d love to see you there.

As more Americans take on debt to cover basic living expenses, debt lawsuits are surging across the country—and the consequences can be serious. For example, a man struggling with medical bills after his wife’s death unknowingly agreed to give a hospital $23,000 from the future sale of his home. And a Michigan woman had 25% of her wages garnished for more than 8 weeks over an old utility bill she didn't know she owed. So, how can courts and states level the playing field as more people struggle? They can start by: 🔎 Ensuring every debt claim is valid. ⚖️ Making it easier for people to participate in their cases. 💵 Providing protections so people can still put food on the table while facing a debt claim. https://lnkd.in/e32k9sga

5 in 6 adults in the U.S. want government and business to do more to ensure chemical safety, according to a The Pew Charitable Trusts survey earlier this year. https://lnkd.in/efP6iscK  I'm headed to the National Conference of State Legislatures' Annual Summit in Chicago next week to learn more about some of the ways states are working to reduce Americans' exposure to harmful chemicals and discuss what Pew is doing on this issue. I'd love to connect with you if you're planning to be there too. ✔️ Swing by Pew's booth (#4011) during my office hours on Tuesday, July 28, 2-4 p.m. https://lnkd.in/eyf6qW5t ✔️ Sign up for a 1:1 meeting with me and other Pew experts (in person or virtual): https://lnkd.in/edr4dmkB ✔️ Message me here on LinkedIn.

5 in 6 adults in the U.S. want government and business to do more to ensure chemical safety, according to a The Pew Charitable Trusts survey earlier this year. https://lnkd.in/efP6iscK  I'm headed to the National Conference of State Legislatures' Annual Summit in Chicago next week to learn more about some of the ways states are working to reduce Americans' exposure to harmful chemicals and discuss what Pew is doing on this issue. I'd love to connect with you if you're planning to be there too. ✔️ Swing by Pew's booth (#4011) during my office hours on Tuesday, July 28, 2-4 p.m. https://lnkd.in/eyf6qW5t ✔️ Sign up for a 1:1 meeting with me and other Pew experts (in person or virtual): https://lnkd.in/edr4dmkB ✔️ Message me here on LinkedIn.

"It’s kind of like a fiscal bomb with a delayed fuse. In many ways, 2027 could be the actual manifestation of a lot of the really dramatic changes that some people were expecting to see sooner." That's University of Chicago's public finance professor Justin Marlowe summing up the budgetary balancing act that states must do as several issues converge at once: 💵 The pressure to provide affordability relief, leading to tax cuts in some places and new taxes to fund key services elsewhere. 💵 A tricky revenue picture, with slower and less predictable growth leading to projections that don't always pan out. 💵 Billions more in costs to states, including from inflation and federal changes to tax, Medicaid, and SNAP policies. All of this means states will face some big tradeoffs as the fiscal outlook gets more complex. But it's not all doom and gloom, Pew's Liz Farmer explains. In many states, tax collections are meeting or exceeding expectations. And reserves are still stronger than pre-pandemic levels, giving states a temporary buffer as they hash out longer-term strategies. https://lnkd.in/ebUNtQvc

Although nearly the entire surface of the Moon has been mapped, the deep sea remains one of the least understood places on our planet—with scientists estimating that we’ve seen less than 0.01% of it. We are still discovering the life this environment holds and the role it plays in maintaining a healthy ocean. Yet a group of companies are pursuing deep-sea mining—a new, extractive industry—before we fully understand the risks it could pose to fragile ecosystems we’re only beginning to understand. This #InternationalMoonDay, the choice is clear: Pause deep-sea mining before irreversible harm is done to the habitat these otherworldly creatures call home.

13 states got at least 40% of their revenue from federal funds in fiscal year 2024 (the most recent available data). Was yours one of them? Get the answer—and see how federal funding trends have changed over the years: https://lnkd.in/gjaYt2fs

Available 24/7 by call, text, or chat, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects people with trained counselors through a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers. Four years after launching, 988 continues to strengthen the nation’s crisis care system, helping ensure people can access compassionate, confidential support when they need it most. #988Lifeline #MentalHealth