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Friday, May 16, 2025

All civic learning topics for this day

Today's Topics

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States Confront Budget Squeeze Amid Slowing Revenues and Rising Pension Costs

Fiscal PolicyState Finance

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
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Push to Eliminate Federal Community College Funding

Public PolicyGovernment& 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
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