The Pew Charitable Trusts

The food stamp program has been facing the threat of deep reductions that would cut off benefits for millions in states all over the country. But a stalemate in Congress may stave off the pain. more

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter. more

Banks paid states $25 billion for subprime mortgage lending, but similar private student lending practices might not yield the same result. more

This report answers major questions about who borrowers are demographically; how people borrow; how much they spend; why they use payday loans; what other options they have; and whether state regulations reduce borrowing or simply drive borrowers online.

A lack of government transparency and a focus on federal budget woes have masked state budget crisis, leaving them largely unaddressed, according to a report released Wednesday. Without major change, the report warns, soaring costs of Medicaid and shrinking tax collections will only worsen the problem. more