Jan 29, 2021
Stat: $1.24 trillion: The 50-state pension funding gap—the shortfall between what all the states have funded and what they actually owed public employee retirees—as of 2018.
Story: Public employees count on pensions when they retire, but most states haven’t adequately funded their obligations. As of 2018, the...
Jan 22, 2021
Stat: $8 billion: The cost of vehicle collisions with wildlife each year in the U.S.
Story: In America’s West, animal herds follow ancient migration routes that are bisected by roads and highways. In this episode, we hear from Matt Skroch, who leads Pew’s efforts to conserve wildlife corridors, and Jodi Hilty, of...
Jan 15, 2021
Stat: 18%: The percentage of Americans with opioid use disorder who receive medication as part of their treatment.
Story: As the coronavirus pandemic grips the world, the opioid epidemic continues to affect millions of Americans. Several states are developing innovative ways to tackle this public health issue. In this...
Jan 8, 2021
Stat: $850 billion: The damage caused by flood-related disasters in the U.S. since 2000.
Story: Floods are the costliest natural disasters in the United States, but there are ways to prepare for the storms ahead. In this episode of our “States of Innovation” season, we hear from Laura Lightbody, who directs...