The States

The States Powered by The Center Square is a show that highlights the work of The Center Square reporters from statehouses across the country to Washington D.C. all with an eye towards the impacts of today's news on the taxpayer.

The States is a news podcast hosted by The Center Square, with 252 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

The Center Square hosts The States, a news show with 252 episodes published.

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  Episode #256

  Judge Blocks Connecticut Convertible Pistol Ban + California Billionaires' Tax | The States

  Oct 2, 202640 min

  The U.S. Treasury and IRS have released rules for the federal scholarship tax credit, and a federal judge has blocked Connecticut's Glock-style handgun ban the day before it was set to take effect. Host Greg Bishop covers these stories and November ballot measures across the states on this Oct. 2 episode of The States, powered by The Center Square. Federal scholarship tax credit: Children's Scholarship Fund President and CEO Darla Romfo reacts to the rules for the federal tax credit for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). The credit is worth up to $1,700 for individuals and $3,400 for married couples, and it takes effect Jan. 1. Romfo discusses which states have opted in, how the program could help public school students and responds to concerns raised by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. A public hearing on the rules is set for Dec. 15. Connecticut Glock-style ban blocked: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Connecticut's ban on the sale of convertible pistols, finding the law likely fails a Second Amendment challenge. The case continues. The segment also covers similar bans in California, New York and Maryland, Second Amendment lawsuits filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and California's new 3D printer requirements. California Prop 40 and Prop 42: The Center Square's Madeline Shannon explains Proposition 40, a one-time 5% billionaire tax projected to raise $100 billion, and Proposition 42, which could cancel it if it passes with more votes. 2026 ballot measures: Measures are on the ballot in Nevada, California and North Carolina for Voter ID. In Colorado Amendment 87 would create a graduated income tax; Proposition 136 would cap the income tax rate. In Florida, Amendment 3 would raise the homestead exemption. In Illinois, dozens of local tax referendums, plus county votes on separating the state. America's Talking: Jobs: The U.S. economy added 29,000 jobs in September, and unemployment held at 4.2%. Federal grants: California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 22 other attorneys general oppose a proposed federal grant rule. Louisiana: Treasurer John Fleming referred $12.1 million in school expenditures for further review. Chicago Bears: Gov. Pritzker met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about keeping the team in Illinois. What's on your ballot this November? Has your state opted in to the scholarship tax credit? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for daily state and local news. Get these headlines free in your inbox with The Center Square newsletter at thecentersquare.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #255

  Democrat Candidate Wants to Nationalize Homeowners Insurance + Data Center Debate | The States

  Oct 1, 202650 min

  Louisiana Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jamie Davis joins The States to lay out his platform against U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow. Plus, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson calls data center opposition a "Chinese psyop" as the Senate blocks the Ratepayer Protection Act. Host Greg Bishop covers state and local policy news impacting taxpayers on this Oct. 1 episode, powered by The Center Square. Louisiana Senate race: Jamie Davis is a northeast Louisiana farmer who advanced to the November general election after Sen. Bill Cassidy was eliminated in the May primary. He discusses the farm bill, $6 diesel, SNAP and food aid, homeowners insurance costs and his proposal for a national insurance pool. He also covers his criticism of corporate tax breaks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a data center moratorium and his support for the filibuster. Data centers: The Pennsylvania House Energy Committee advanced a bill requiring data center developers to apply and pay for electric service before seeking zoning approval. Virginia residents questioned Dominion Energy's proposed transmission expansion. A Marquette poll found 74% of Wisconsin respondents say data center costs outweigh benefits. In Louisiana, data center sales tax revenue has driven major payouts to Richland Parish school employees. Chicago parking meters: The Center Square's Jim Talamonti explains the Chicago City Council's 46-3 vote approving the sale of the city's parking meter system to StonePeak, and why critics say the city is repeating mistakes from the 2008 deal. Talamonti also covers Gov. J.B. Pritzker's disclosure of GLP-1 use and his push for Medicaid coverage, and Illinois Medicaid's spending on weight loss drugs. Paid parental leave: Pittsburgh City Council backs an Allegheny County proposal requiring employers to offer paid parental leave. The segment covers how states including Maryland and Virginia are approaching paid leave, and the concerns raised by small business groups. America's Talking: CA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_84d844ef-ca4e-4840-b502-7a6da6441348.html OH: https://www.thecentersquare.com/ohio/article_1bce072f-5440-433a-9659-5d723ba24b2c.html CO: https://www.thecentersquare.com/colorado/article_fd7aee11-5e81-4360-9255-593d36923025.html PA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_cb64259c-cf46-4d6a-800d-f04024929f7d.html Should data centers pay for their own power? Should paid parental leave be mandated, left to states or left to employers? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for daily state and local news. Get these headlines free in your inbox with The Center Square newsletter at thecentersquare.com. #DataCenters #LouisianaSenate #ChicagoParkingMeters #PaidParentalLeave #TheCenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #254

  SCOTUS Gun Ban Case Set for December + Advocate Says History Favors Bans | The States

  Sep 30, 202646 min

  America.gov's AI launch tied to SNAP fraud warnings, a pivotal Supreme Court preview on assault weapons bans, Pennsylvania's data center NDA crackdown, Walmart's personalized pricing pledge, and commercial real estate's looming refinancing crunch on this episode of The States. America.gov launches amid fraud warnings: President Trump unveiled america.gov, an AI-driven portal consolidating tens of thousands of federal databases and services (passport renewals, national park reservations, with document uploads coming in 2027). Trump also signed an executive order renaming "artificial intelligence" to "superintelligence" and secured a safety accord from tech leaders at Meta, xAI, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Separately, LexisNexis Risk Solutions' Heywood Talcove warned AI could supercharge government benefits fraud within six months, citing SNAP fraud now costing $4.30 for every $1 lost — the highest rate on record. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins countered that AI will ultimately help curb SNAP fraud. Supreme Court preview — assault weapons ban case: Everytown Law's Janet Carter previews the Dec. 2 oral arguments in cases challenging Cook County, Illinois, and Connecticut's assault weapons bans. She's "cautiously optimistic" the bans will survive, noting 6 of 7 federal appeals courts have upheld similar prohibitions post-Bruin, and that Republican Senate support for challengers dropped sharply compared to Bruin (5 senators vs. 25). A ruling against the bans could jeopardize similar laws nationwide; a ruling upholding them could prompt more states to act. Decision expected by summer 2027. Pennsylvania legislature: A Senate committee advanced a bill barring state/local governments from signing NDAs with data center developers, following reporting that nearly half of PA municipalities hosting such projects had signed one. The House passed a bill (115-88) opening primaries to unaffiliated voters, sponsored by Rep. Jared Solomon; opponents warn of higher election costs and weakened party influence. Other committee action covered menopause workplace accommodations (drawing sharp floor debate), kratom/synthetic drug regulation, and cosmetology licensure. Legislators return Oct. 5 for six more session days before lame duck. Personalized/AI pricing scrutiny: Following a Consumer Reports investigation showing shoppers paying different prices for identical groceries, Walmart pledged not to use personal shopper data to set individual prices — though it didn't clarify whether that extends to a related patent for cart-based pricing suggestions. Kroger has also updated its data policies. The FTC is weighing a disclosure requirement (not an outright ban) while some states are moving toward flat prohibitions, raising concerns about a state-by-state patchwork for national retailers. Everyday Economics (Chris Krug & Orphe Divounguy): A look at how elevated long-term interest rates are hitting commercial real estate as loans come due — lower building valuations plus higher debt payments are squeezing owners, while cities relying on property tax revenue from now-devalued office buildings (including Chicago towers reportedly down 60-70% in value) face budget strain with no clear winners. Divounguy also explains why broader economic damage from high rates has been delayed: accumulated household savings, record home equity, and companies "hoarding labor" (cutting hours before jobs) using AI-driven productivity gains instead of layoffs. America's Talking headlines: AZ: https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_7fb0575a-3479-45b6-938b-3aa5f0e3f11e.html NY: https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/article_cbbd88f8-fde2-46a7-b75e-805a155fc8c8.html OH: https://www.thecentersquare.com/ohio/article_6fddbcd7-6fcf-4e7e-955b-4d8f174c475d.html Get these and more stories at TheCenterSquare.com. #TheStates #CenterSquare #AI #SupremeCourt #Pennsylvania #CommercialRealEstate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #253

  Detroit Pastor Paid $540,000 by Taxpayer-Funded Nonprofit, 61% of Its Entire Budget | The States

  Sep 29, 202643 min

  Trump's new government AI search engine, a Supreme Court win for voter roll verification, Pennsylvania's AI chatbot and license plate bills, a Detroit pastor's $540K nonprofit salary, and a push for open primaries nationwide on this episode of The States. America.gov AI search engine: The Trump administration launched america.gov, an AI chatbot pulling answers only from official government sources across 29,000 databases.  SAVE database ruling: A 6-3 Supreme Court ruling allows DHS to share its SAVE database (Social Security-linked citizenship data) with state and local election officials to help verify voter rolls — a voluntary tool, not a mandate. Landmark Legal Foundation's Michael O'Neill calls it a win for election integrity, distinct from the stalled Save America Act, which would have made such verification mandatory. He also previews next week's Supreme Court term, including the high-profile Suncor Energy case on whether power plants can be held liable across state lines for climate-related damages (Justice Alito has recused himself). Pennsylvania legislature (11-day session): The House passed a bill banning license plate obscuring, prompting privacy vs. enforcement debate tied to license plate reader technology. A Women's Sports bill has stalled in committee for the 10th+ time since 2025 despite Republican pushback. A bill regulating AI companion chatbots for minors (ages 13-17) passed the House and heads to the Senate, requiring safety protocols and enforcement penalties up to $100,000/day per violation — though one Republican voted no, citing unclear scope and data-collection concerns. Skill games regulation remains unresolved with days left in session. Gov. Shapiro also announced $22.7 million in state funds (part of a $64 million package) for downtown Harrisburg redevelopment. Detroit pastor's taxpayer-funded salary: Investigative reporter Jared Strong details how megachurch pastor Marvin Winans — who publicly admonished a parishioner over a donation shortfall last year — collected a $540,000 salary (61% of program spending) from a taxpayer- and state-grant-funded nonprofit, Perfecting Community Development Corporation, for what IRS filings list as a half-time position. The nonprofit received a $500,000 Michigan state grant in 2024; the state says it has no evidence of misuse. Winans and the governor's office did not respond to requests for comment. Push for open/all-party primaries: The Leadership Now Project's Catalyst Fund, backed by business leaders including Melinda French Gates, is funding centrist candidates and ballot measures — including a Massachusetts all-party primary referendum — aimed at reducing political extremism. Research cited shows mixed results: potential policy benefits (e.g., Louisiana's bipartisan Medicaid expansion) but also lower general-election turnout when a voter's preferred party isn't on the ballot. America's Talking headlines: TX:  https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_a49f247b-bd75-4b6e-b4b1-b52534dd9e18.html GA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_ce0ec938-8a47-4549-a0a2-2a628edd4c29.html IL: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_3c9f35a8-c601-4821-9072-c67a846d4fbc.html MI: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_960e77be-41ef-42c2-831a-5c0cffe5abd0.html Get these and more stories at TheCenterSquare.com. #TheStates #CenterSquare #SupremeCourt #Pennsylvania #ElectionIntegrity #AI Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #252

  IRS Loses Up to $304 Billion a Year to Fraud + Has No Strategy to Stop It | The States

  Sep 28, 202648 min

  Government audit reveals up to $304B in annual tax fraud, diesel export ban debate, school cell phone bans under scrutiny, and Pennsylvania's legislature returns for its final 11 days on this episode of The States. Tax fraud audit: A GAO report estimates the federal government loses $116-$304 billion annually to tax fraud — 17-43% of the total tax gap — with no agency-wide IRS strategy to address it. GAO recommends the IRS designate an anti-fraud oversight entity; the agency hasn't said whether it will. One cited case: a man used duplicate Social Security numbers to fraudulently claim a $3.3M refund, later spending it on a Lamborghini, a yacht down payment, and plastic surgery before receiving nearly 15 years in prison. Diesel export ban debate: With diesel prices near record highs ($6.45/gallon nationally), Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has called for a 90-day export ban to lower domestic prices. Heritage Foundation's Sarah Wagoner argues a ban would offer only slight, short-term relief before prices rebound — since the U.S. imports crude to refine and re-export a third of it, and cutting off exports would push other nations toward Russia or China instead. She recommends permitting reform, repealing the Jones Act, and expanding domestic production instead of a ban. School cell phone bans: Nearly 40 states have proposed restrictions in 2026, with ~20 states plus D.C. implementing bell-to-bell bans, as declining test scores and attention concerns drive policy. Some schools (like Fresno's Hoover High) report academic gains after restrictions, but experts including Pacific Research Institute's Lance Izumi caution bans aren't a "silver bullet" for deeper, longer-term academic decline. Pennsylvania legislature returns: Lawmakers face 11 days to act before a lame-duck period, with major items including: skill games regulation (70,000+ machines statewide facing uncertainty), data center policy (Gov. Shapiro reversing his earlier pro-development stance toward stricter guidelines), and a House vote on open primaries that would let 1M+ unaffiliated voters participate. Separately, a state Department of Health rule expanding vaccination-tracking and infectious disease authority was quietly withdrawn after 10,000+ public comments, most critical. A House hearing also examined Flock Safety's license plate reading technology, with the company's rep confirming no facial recognition is used. Everyday Economics (Chris Krug & Orphe Divounguy): Divounguy breaks down the Fed's unanimous 25-basis-point rate hike and dot-plot signaling another hike with no 2027 cuts — a move he questions given weak consumer pricing power. He argues current inflation is primarily an energy-driven story, not a wage-price spiral risk, as consumers increasingly trade down to cheaper retailers and smaller homes. America's Talking: CA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_c968344a-dd15-4554-bee7-0161275781ae.html NJ: https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_jersey/article_51e334ce-017d-4307-a7ea-dca5f490b5c9.html Alaska: https://www.thecentersquare.com/alaska/article_986a2a0a-1d13-4ed3-b780-a64557c76124.html Illinois: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_345ab58b-8494-43c2-a912-5939b3ce71c2.html Get these and more stories at TheCenterSquare.com. #TheStates #CenterSquare #TaxFraud #DieselPrices #Pennsylvania  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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