An NCSL news roundup of resources, tailored for state legislatures.

Oct. 5, 2025

In this week's issue: What does the government shutdown mean for states and programs? Protecting state sovereignty in a tumultuous time. School buses are going high tech. And, does your district have flying monkeys?

NCSL is tracking how the shutdown may impact federal funds to states. Federal workers may face the some of the largest effects, and USA Today's map shows the number of federal employees in each state. NPR has a roundup of both national and state-specific effects. And check out news reports of how individual states may be affected: California, Nevada, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland and Alaska.

► NCSL: Federal Government Shutdown: What It Means for States and Programs

► USA Today: Map shows where a government shutdown would impact workers most

► NPR: Here's what a government shutdown could affect around the country

► CalMatters: What a government shutdown will mean for Californians, from Social Security to national parks

► KSANV: Government shutdown could impact thousands in Nevada

► WBZ: How would a government shutdown affect Massachusetts?

► Pensacola News Journal: Thousands of Florida residents would go without pay if government shuts down.

► WHTM: What does no federal, state budget mean for Pennsylvania?

► Lansing State Journal: Who's affected by federal shutdown? Which agencies have the most employees in Michigan

► Fox45 News: As government shutdown looms, Marylanders brace for impact

► Juneau Independent: Alaska makes contingency plans for federal government shutdown that could permanently end jobs, programs

With issues such as health care, education and infrastructure increasingly entangled in federal mandates, legislative leaders are grappling with how to uphold the delicate balance of power that defines American federalism. Four lawmakers shared ideas during a session at NCSL's Legislative Summit.

► NCSL: The Fight for Federalism: Lawmakers Share Strategies to Protect State Sovereignty

► NCSL: The States Decide How Elections Are Run

► NCSL Recorded Webinar: Federalism and Elections 101: The Constitution and Federal Statutes

► NCSL Podcast: Exploring Federalism

Time was, a no-frills school bus picked up children and transported them to their school. And then back again in the afternoon. The epitome of high tech was if the windows opened and closed. Today, live cameras, GPS tracking and navigation may also be on board. Also, a shortage of drivers has opened a market for kids to ride-share to school, reports Stateline. NCSL's school bus safety report covers legislation on cameras and seat belts.

► NCSL: School Bus Safety Report

► NCSL: School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Laws

► Stateline: School systems are remaking the old yellow bus into a high-tech machine

► Stateline: School ride-hailing services may be nudging aside traditional buses

► The Oklahoman: After dangerous crashes, why doesn't Oklahoma require seat belts on buses?

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► Explore the Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker.

►Newborns and Infants | Ways to Ensure Newborns and Their Moms Have Bright Futures

► News Reactor | U.S. Senate Confirms Ted Garrish as DOE’s Nuclear Energy Secretary 

► Family First Plans | Family First State Plans and Enacted Legislation

► Government Shutdown | Capitol to Capitol: Federal Government Shutdown Resources

► Fiscal Front LIne | Dispatches From New Mexico’s Fiscal Front Line

► Talking Elections | Election Conversations: Gretchen Reinemeyer, Arlington County, Va.

► Flying Monkeys? | My District: Is Home to the Oz Museum

► SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

► Address Protections | Address Protections for Public Officials and Employees

NCSL does not necessarily endorse the content or views expressed in these news reports.

Virtual Events

Oct. 14 | SNAP SMARTS: Reducing Error Rates and Understanding Federal Changes*

Oct. 15 | Bill Information Service and NCSL Legislation Database Training*

Oct. 16 | Feeding Growth: The Economic Impact of SNAP on States and Rural Communities

Oct. 23 | State Dollars, Federal Matches: Navigating Wildfire Funding and Forest Resilience

Oct. 28-29 | NCSL Base Camp 2025

Oct. 30 | Piecing Together the Permitting Puzzle: What Congress is Doing to Streamline the Process

Nov. 6 | Waste Not, Want Not: Reducing the Burden of Plastic Waste

Nov. 13 | Navigating the Future of Resource Adequacy

* For legislators and legislative staff only.

 

In-Person Meetings

Nov. 19 | NCSL Capital Forum

 

Professional Development Seminars for Legislative Staff

Oct. 15 | NALFO Professional Development Seminar, Portland, Ore.

Oct. 19 | NLSSA Annual Training Conference, Indianapolis

Oct. 22 | National Seminar on HR Management in State Legislatures, San Jose, Calif.

Nov. 3 | LSPA Professional Development Seminar, Phoenix

Articles from news sources curated in NCSL This Week are provided for information purposes only and do not reflect the views or policies of NCSL.

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