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  The Ledger State Fiscal Resources Property Tax Reforms May Increase Fiscal Strains Local governments depend on property taxes for predictable revenue to  fund essential services  such as schools, libraries, hospitals, and parks. So when states enact property tax cuts—for example, to address  current public frustration  over the cost of living—the effects can be felt far and wide. This  difficult trade-off shouldn't go unnoticed  by officials as property tax reform movements gain steam throughout the states. WHERE AND WHY Disasters Will Keep Coming—and Costing States When it comes to managing floods, wildfires, and other disasters, states are facing a  new reality . Why? Not only are these events getting  more frequent and severe , officials are now facing many  emerging budget constraints —all while the level of  federal disaster support  remains uncertain. But it's  not all gloom and doom . States can get ahead of the n...

  STATE OF THE UNION TONIGHT 4 key stats President Donald Trump's  State of the Union  address tonight—and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's Democratic response—will cover a lot of ground. Our experts predict that  affordability concerns, the housing shortage, energy demand,  and  substance use  may be in the spotlight. To help you watch smartly, we've put together some quick background on each. 1. 92% of Americans are concerned about the price of food, goods The share of Americans who are very (dark beige) or somewhat (tan) concerned about economic issues. PEW RESEARCH CENTER Several economic issues once again top  Americans' list of key policy concerns,  according to Pew Research Center. That includes  the cost of food and other consumer goods,  which 92% of U.S. adults say they are very or somewhat concerned about. But affordability isn't just causing concern around the kitchen table. Economic worry is  common in stateh...