📅
Friday, May 16, 2025
All civic learning topics for this day
Today's Topics
💸
States face budget squeeze as revenues slow and pensions rise
Economy
After years of pandemic‑era surpluses, states face a sharp slowdown. NASBO reports general‑fund growth of just 3.2%, Moody’s stripped the U.S. of its AAA rating, and capital‑gains tax receipts have cratered—leaving California and New York with multibillion‑dollar gaps. Rainy‑day funds are shrinking for the first time in a decade, while under‑funded pensions like Illinois TRS slipped below the 60% “critical” line.
5-10 min
Quiz available
Start Quiz
🎓
Education Department zeros out TRIO and GEAR UP college access
GovernmentLegislative Process& 1 more
Trump administration proposed eliminating major federal programs supporting community college students in May 2025, including GEAR UP preparation programs and work-study opportunities. The cuts threaten pathways to middle-class careers for working families.
5-10 min
Quiz available
Start Quiz