The Council of State Governments

Phones down, pencils up. Pew Research Center found that 72% of high school teachers find cellphones to be a major problem in the classroom. States are taking steps to reduce the usage of cellphones and other electronic devices in schools thanks to large bipartisan support and the backing of teachers. However, students and parents have mixed feelings about these bills. Read more about state approaches to the issue, including thoughts from the South Carolina Board of Education and Louisiana Sen. Beth Mizell: https://lnkd.in/eMnya-aC

This election season, voters can expect to see an uptick in statewide ballot measures. Eight states: Colorado, Louisiana, Maine, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin, proposed 41 statewide ballot measures last year. https://lnkd.in/etS3XRQ5

Behavioral health resources are in high demand, highlighting the growing demand for mental health supports. States are working to enhance access to these services through increased funding, telehealth options, and community-based programs. https://lnkd.in/ejqa7rt5

Mental health matters. States are facing critical shortages in the behavioral health workforce, which are significantly impacting the accessibility and quality of #MentalHealth services. To address this, many states are implementing comprehensive strategies by offering incentives for mental health professionals, expanding training programs and utilizing #telehealth to reach underserved populations. These issues were a focus of the Mental Health Matters: National Task Force on Workforce Mental Health Policy convened by CSG and the National Conference of State Legislatures, in collaboration with the State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED), which is a unique state-federal collaboration funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eStT8XnZ

According to NAMI, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year in the U.S. As a result, access to mental health resources has become a critical policy priority for the states. At CSG, we recognize that no single solution works for every state or every person. For #WorldMentalHealthDay, we celebrate the initiatives nationwide aimed at increasing supports and ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need. Explore our mental health resources here: https://lnkd.in/eke4vKS2

Which states are leading in clean energy initiatives? States like Texas and California stand out for significant investments, while others are emerging as new hubs for clean energy jobs. #CleanEnergy #InflationReductionAct https://lnkd.in/e9maBm27

The 2024 CSG National Conference agenda is live! Here's what you can expect to see sessions about: - Artificial intelligence - Cybersecurity - Democracy and America's 250th - Health care throughout the states Plus so much more. https://lnkd.in/eX2EzWvy

How does your state's average #Medicaid spending compare? The federal government currently covers a large portion of Medicaid expenses; however, changes in funding and increased demands for services could lead to higher expenditures for states. https://lnkd.in/ef5UBVZj

?? There are over 7,000 provisions that limit health care job opportunities based on criminal history according to the latest brief from the CSG Justice Center. With nearly 1.9 million health care jobs being added in the U.S. by 2032 and a shortage of qualified workers to fill them, workers with criminal histories represent a promising pool of talent that are often shut out of job opportunities. This brief explores how including workers with criminal histories can address growing workforce shortages and foster safer, healthier communities. #WorkforceShortage #SecondChanceEmployment #JusticeCenterBrief https://lnkd.in/geZwZvKi

Policymakers nationwide are deciding what role their state will play in governing the development and regulation of #AI. Some states have already spoken. In Texas, HB 2060 (2023) established an AI advisory council consisting of public and elected officials, academics and #technology experts. Connecticut policymakers passed SB 1103 (2023), which requires state agencies to review any use of AI and to ensure the technology does not discriminate against anyone and that it is fiscally responsible. In Illinois, HB 2557 (2019) requires an employer to notify and receive consent from job applicants prior to conducting a video-recorded interview that may be analyzed by AI to determine their fitness for the position. #ArtificialIntelligence systems continue to advance — and show no signs of slowing down. https://lnkd.in/eta7Fj2A