Alan Greenblatt
GOVERNING
St. Louis, MO, United States
Contact Alan
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Past articles by Alan:
How Weak Is Kathy Hochul?
She barely won re-election then her pick for the state's top judge was rejected by the New York Senate Judiciary Committee. Also, don't throw rocks and can states and locals get along? → Read More
The Biggest Issues to Watch in 2023
State coffers are overflowing, but inflation could put a pinch on spending plans and tax cuts. The labor market remains tight just when the demand for more teachers is skyrocketing. And then there are the ongoing culture wars. Welcome to 2023. → Read More
Democrats’ Decade-Long Struggle in Legislatures Will Continue
Republicans have controlled nearly two-thirds of state legislative chambers ever since 2010. Democrats have little chance of breaking that stranglehold in this year’s elections. → Read More
Spending on Gambling, Health and Tax Measures Breaks Records
There are 129 ballot measures in states this November, with issues ranging from dialysis to term limits. → Read More
Abortion and Other Social Issues Dominate Ballot Measures This Year
Voters in a record number of states face abortion-related measures, as well as traditional topics including marijuana and minimum wage. → Read More
How Do You Rebuild Your City When the Downtown's All Gone?
Mayfield was devastated last December when a tornado ripped through Western Kentucky. New homes are starting to spring up, though, and the city's got big plans for reshaping itself. → Read More
States Are Cutting Taxes. Can They Afford It?
Revenues are robust enough to allow for increased spending, and tax cuts on top of it. But current flush conditions might not last long enough to turn permanent cuts into a good idea. → Read More
'A Deadly Mistake': How the U.S. Learned to Stop Worrying About COVID-19
Case counts and deaths have dropped dramatically from their January highs, but politicians and the public are giving up protections even as another wave starts forming. → Read More
Midterms and the Most Powerful Force in American Politics
The president's party almost always loses seats in midterms. Here's why. → Read More
Why Being Governor Is the Best Job in Politics
Serving in the Senate or a presidential cabinet is considered a step up for governors. Except among governors themselves. → Read More
‘God’s Got a New Plan’: Kentucky Towns Begin Recovery After Deadly Tornados
Most of downtown Mayfield was destroyed and dozens of residential blocks have been wiped out. “War zones don’t look this bad,” Gov. Beshear said, but residents were optimistic about rebuilding. → Read More
Why the Recall’s a Real Threat for Gavin Newsom
Republicans can’t wait to vote out California’s governor. Democrats have been less engaged, which points to potential problems for the party in next year’s midterms. → Read More
Can a Segregated City Get Serious About Equity?
The mayor of St. Louis only has weak official powers. Tishaura Jones says she won't let that stop her from reshaping the city. → Read More
Once Again, the Supreme Court Upholds Obamacare
Texas and 19 other states had challenged the Affordable Care Act. For the third time, the nation's highest court upheld it. → Read More
Will States Resist Fresh Billions for Medicaid Expansion?
The stimulus increases the federal matching rate and offers other incentives to encourage holdout states to expand Medicaid. Most of the holdouts will still take a pass. → Read More
How the Feds Became the Leading Patrons of the Arts
The federal government will soon provide $15 billion in aid to arts organizations. Few economic sectors have been hit as hard, but the money is contributing to a renewed sense of optimism. → Read More
Doug Ducey Prepares to Lead Arizona Into the Post-Pandemic World
Given its location and the tax and deregulatory policies the governor has pursued, Arizona looks well-positioned for the economic recovery. The state still suffers one of the highest coronavirus caseloads, however. → Read More
Struggling Counties Get a Boost from Stimulus Windfall
The pandemic and vaccine rollout remain the top priority for counties. Federal stimulus dollars will help with that, along with other responsibilities, including public safety and schools. → Read More
Why Gavin Newsom Is Likely to Survive Recall Threat
A recall campaign against California's governor will succeed in triggering an election. But the governor enjoys deep Democratic loyalty in a state that's overwhelmingly on the party's side. → Read More
Stimulus Solves Most — But Not All — State and Local Budget Problems
Billions in new federal funding come with some strings attached. Nevertheless, the sheer amount will be enough to erase budget shortfalls in states and cities across the country. → Read More