State Governments Research Articles

Gaming after lockdowns: return to the slots

ABSTRACT Australian gaming venues host almost one Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) per 100 adults. To mitigate the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, Australian governments closed gaming venues and imposed reopening restrictions. We examine the impact of these closures and restrictions in Queensland and Victoria. These states differed in their responses to the pandemic, and they both make their gaming revenue data public. We use two alternate predictions to establish how they responded: one without the pandemic and another with the government-imposed restrictions on EGM availability. By comparing these forecasts against actual EGM expenditure, we assess how gaming expenditures recovered after gaming venues re-opened. Our analysis reveals that since March 2020, Queensland expenditure rebounded by 24.9% when accounting for COVID-19 restrictions and 19.4% when comparing expenditure to the no-COVID-19 scenario levels of gambling spending. In Victoria, expenditures were 4.8% higher than the COVID-19 restriction-adjusted forecast but dropped by 5.8% compared to the no-COVID-19 scenario. Given the significance of EGM-related taxes to state revenue, we propose that these changes had differing impacts on the two state government tax receipts. This paper provides insights into the effects of pandemic-related restrictions on gaming behavior and their impacts on state finances.

Unified Digital Ecosystem as a Digital Vision for Senior Citizens: A Case Study from Tamil Nadu, India

India’s elderly population is growing rapidly, placing increasing demands on public services, digital access, and social support systems, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach that integrates policy and technology. This paper proposes a unified digital framework to enhance the accessibility and quality of essential services for senior citizens through improved collaboration between central and state governments. The model includes a centralized digital identity and an integrated services portal, enabling streamlined access to healthcare, nutrition, housing, pensions, mobility, and social engagement. Tamil Nadu is presented as a case study to demonstrate regional adaptability and national scalability. The aim is to promote inclusive, dignified aging while reducing disparities in senior welfare. This work contributes to broader discussions on building resilient, technology-enabled service delivery systems in emerging economies.

Beyond Logging: The Need for Victoria’s State Forests to Contribute to Australia’s 30 × 30 Protection Target

In recognition of the declining state of biodiversity, the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, signed in late 2022, committed countries to the protection of 30% of the Earth’s terrestrial and inland water areas and coastal and marine areas by 2030. Australia has committed to this target at a national level. The majority of public protected areas (e.g., national parks) in Australia are designated and managed by state and territory governments. The state of Victoria in southeastern Australia has a long history of regional assessments of public land to balance conservation (such as the declaration of protected areas), production of natural resources (e.g., timber harvesting, mineral extraction), and recreation, amongst other uses. The decision to phase out native forest timber harvesting on public land in Victoria presents the greatest opportunity in the state’s history to meet its statewide commitments, national commitments, and international targets, by establishing a comprehensive, adequate, and representative protected area system. We critique Victoria’s reliance on non-binding protections, such as Special Protection Zones in state forests over recent decades, and outline the principles and rationale for the expansion of the protected area system in state forests, recognizing that protected areas are part of a broader suite of future land uses for these public forests.

IMPACT OF GST IMPLEMENTATION ON MSMES IN AHMEDABAD AND GANDHINAGAR: CHALLENGES, COMPLIANCE, AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

The Constitution of India allows States to administer their own Sales tax regime. Each State/UT, till 2005, levied varied sales tax, had different taxable bases and list of exemptions etc., under each state’s sales tax laws. This had no uniformity in rates of taxation on the sale of goods. This, in effect, led to various trade distortions due to a “tax war” among States, where each state to attract the transaction and trade would lower the tax rate. Later, in the first decade of this century, states decided to opt for a more efficient VAT taxation regime. The states agreed to adopt VAT in 2005[i]. The successful switch-over to State Value Added Tax system in place of the erstwhile Sales Tax system has established that the value addition-based taxation principle, resulting from providing credit for taxes paid on inputs at each point of transaction of goods and /or supply of services, is the most transparent and efficient indirect tax system. However, VAT was specific to each state, and there would be no crossover of input tax credit across states or between centres and States. There was a need to achieve pan India unification of indirect taxes. This formed the basis for a much broader indirect tax reform attempt to design a comprehensive national-level VAT, also called Goods and Services Tax, covering the entire production-distribution chain, including goods and services, and integrating multiple indirect levies Central and State Governments[ii]. Goods and Services Tax introduced in India from July 2017 and is talked about as the mother of all indirect tax reforms. People cutting across all sections expect this reform as a panacea to all the taxation inefficiencies

The Local News Crisis and Political Scandal

ABSTRACT The local news crisis in the United States has raised concerns about accountability in state and local government. But existing research has provided only indirect evidence that the decline of local news reporting has made it harder for voters to punish poor-performing elected officials. In this paper, I examine local newspaper coverage of state and congressional political scandals from 1990 through 2022. I first show that scandals now receive about 25% of the coverage they once did, a development that is directly related to the decline in newsroom reporting resources. I then show that the volume of scandal reporting is associated with whether officials face sanction for their behavior. When newspapers devote less coverage to a scandal, incumbents are less likely to leave office or receive a lower vote share when they run for reelection. Because scandals get significantly less coverage than they did even a decade ago, it may now be easier for politicians to ride them out and avoid punishment for bad behavior.

Dynamics of the Islamic Justice System in Malaysia: An Analysis of the Differences in State-level Shari'ah Courts

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, but it does not apply Islamic law as a whole or use the khilafah al-Islamiyah legal system. The country's legal system is under the control of the federal government, which has ultimate authority in determining the direction and policy of national law. However, jurisdiction over sharia law remains with the sharia judiciary. In the federalism system applied, each region has its own policy in managing its sharia court.This research was conducted using the library research method with a qualitative approach. The data sources used include books, journals, and articles in Indonesian and English. The collected data were analyzed through content analysis method. The results showed that the difference in the authority of the Syariah Court in Malaysia is reflected in the variety of enakmen references used by each state. This is because, in a federal system, state governments have broader authority to manage and regulate legal affairs in their respective regions.

Animal welfare incidents during and after transport to Australian export slaughterhouses: An evaluation of government reports (2020–2021)

AbstractBackgroundAustralian animals delivered to meat export slaughterhouses are inspected ante‐mortem for welfare problems by a veterinarian, which determines their fitness to enter the slaughter process. Emergency killing, priority slaughter or proceeding to slaughter with other animals are possible outcomes. However, when animals with welfare conditions are detected, the veterinarian or slaughterhouse staff are required to send an incident report to the State government authorities.MethodsWe reviewed 631 incident reports from 2020/2021, obtained from the Australian government following Parliamentary Enquiry.ResultsEmergency killing was the most common response to incidents, especially after long journeys. Pigs had the most incidents, mostly handling issues not requiring emergency killing. Cattle had the second highest and were the subject of the most reports. Lameness was commonly recorded. Delivery to detection took 8–12 hours on average, probably because deliveries late in the day are inspected the following day.ConclusionsIncident reports identified that there were significant welfare problems with farmed animals arriving at meat export slaughterhouses, especially in pigs. Lengthy delays to detection were also identified. Reducing this time to detection would improve welfare, as would ensuring slaughterhouses have a system to monitor all animals at all times.

Socio-Legal Dimensions of Education Policy: RTE Act and NEP 2020

Backed by International Agreements such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, the Right to Education recognized as a human right, RTE plays a vital role in driving personal growth and societal progress. Through the 86th Amendment in 2002 and the enactment of the RTE Act in 2009, the Indian Constitution formally recognized the right of children aged 6 to 14 to receive free and compulsory education. Effective implementation is plagued by factors such as poor infrastructure, lack of teacher training, and socio-economic disparity, despite the robust legal construct. In order to tackle these challenges, initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) promote digitalization, vocational skill enhancement, and a holistic approach to education. The Chapter discusses how NEP 2020 meets constitutional standards and what this implies for federal and state governments. It reviews suggested alterations to accreditation procedures, teacher preparation schools, and the establishment of a National Educational Technology Forum with an eye toward legal ramifications of each. By using varied sources of data such as legislative models and judicial rulings, the study provides a comprehensive legal perspective on education and the potential of this new policy is designed to transform the Indian education structure. Ultimately, these models need to be successfully implemented if education is to realize its promise as an essential constitutional guarantee and a foundation of social advancement, ensuring equity and child empowerment for all.

State of Tribal Education in West Bengal: An Empirical Study on Santal Tribe of Eastern India

The state has initiated several programmes to improve the literacy levels of the tribal people of India. Various state governments have also implemented different schemes and programmes to improve the literacy levels of tribes in their states. Another pertinent issue for tribal people is a vast gender gap in the literacy achievement levels between men and women and boys and girls. It is due to the prevailing state of societal apparatus, economic conditions of the people, area, resource access and political state of affairs. The state of West Bengal has 40 distinct tribal groups, and the Santal tribe is one among them. The state has initiated several schemes to improve education levels, but the desired results concerning tribal education are not satisfactory in West Bengal. This article attempts to discuss the state of tribal education and how far the schemes of education benefitted Santal tribal people to achieve their educational attainment in the study villages of the Bolpur region of West Bengal. Our article primarily depends on empirical data gathered from the Santal tribal community of the Bolpur area of Birbhum district, West Bengal.

Local Government System and Rural-Urban Migration in Nigeria: Issues and Way Forward

This study examined the relationship between the local government system and rural-urban migration in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. In developed countries, the local government system played a crucial role in fostering rural development, reducing socio-economic disparities, and improving infrastructure and social services. However, in Nigeria, the situation was quite different, as many local government areas failed to meet expectations in delivering essential services. This shortfall contributed to persistent rural-urban migration, driven by push and pull factors, which continued to pose significant challenges to local governance and development efforts. To achieve the study’s objectives, a mixed-method research design was adopted, incorporating both primary and secondary data sources to ensure a comprehensive analysis.A total of 198 questionnaires were administered to local government officials, policymakers, and rural migrants, with 80 valid responses retrieved. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with policy analysts, local government officials, and rural migrants to complement the quantitative findings. Secondary data were obtained from historical records, national migration reports, and relevant policy documents. The Push-Pull Theory of Migration provided the theoretical framework, explaining migration decisions based on factors that either drove individuals away from rural areas or attracted them to urban centers. Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze the primary data collected from the field. The findings revealed that weak local governance, inadequate infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities significantly contributed to rural-urban migration in Akwa Ibom State. Conversely, improved local governance, characterized by effective service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic opportunities, mitigated rural exodus and encouraged reverse migration. The study recommended targeted policy interventions by federal and state governments to strengthen local government capacities, promote balanced regional development, and create sustainable economic opportunities in rural areas. These measures are essential to curbed rural-urban migration and fostering inclusive development in Akwa Ibom State.

Impact of social determinants of health on obesity among American Indian and Alaska Native young adults.

We examined the prevalence of obesity among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) young adults and to investigate the association between key social determinants of health (SDOH) and higher body mass index (BMI). We used the Indian Health Service Improving Delivery Data Project from fiscal year 2013. It includes data for 20,698 AIAN young adults aged 18-24 years. We added county-level measures of SDOH from the USDA Food Environment Atlas and the Census as contextual variables. We conducted stratified logistic regressions to understand the relationship between these SDOH indicators and odds of obesity. Thirty-seven percent of our sample was identified as obese (i.e., BMI ≥30). Individuals who lived in counties with lower levels of educational attainment and higher levels of poverty had higher odds of obesity than those who lived in counties with higher education and lower poverty (p < 0.0001). Counties with higher poverty rates had less access to social and environmental resources than the lower poverty rate counties (p < 0.0001). Federal and state governments should increase access to education and economic development opportunities to positively impact health outcomes.

Facilities Management in Public Private Partnerships (PPP) In Nigeria: Conceptual Framework Review

Facilities management (FM) is a discipline which supports an organization in efficient execution of its core business. Construction schemes are usually financially costly, with policymakers of both industrialized and emerging countries implementing Public Private Partnership (PPP) to finance public sector projects for pragmatic purposes. the research aims to review the conceptual framework of Public Private Partnership in Facility Management. For this research, secondary source of data was employed as methods of data collection, different relative articles and journals were review, where qualitative method was used in data analysis. The study reviewed that the key to FM PPP considerations that government and private sector should concentrate on: Strengthening the framework of the PPP policy, Legal and regulatory structure alignment and Guidelines for applying PPP and system procedures. PPP procurement comprises 4 stages that include Public Authority is accountable for the first stage of the PPP programme. The second step of the PPP process deals with project appraisal. The third section of the PPP process includes the marketing and bidding process of the project. Negotiations are the next step of the PPP process,Therefore, there is need for federal government, state government and local government in Nigeria to adopt it which will assist in improving the quality, life span of the public facilities properties, as most of the conditions of these properties are in stage of dilapidated, old stage or are about to be affected by obsolescence.

Privacy versus Transparency: Navigating Public Records Requests and Adversarial Dynamics in a Distributed Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

Public records laws are standard for state and federal governments across the U.S. Such laws rest on the core notion that transparency, enacted through access to governmental documentation, will ensure accountability and minimize governmental corruption. However, these laws can also be exploited to harass or burden government employees, including researchers at public universities. CSCW researchers have both an acute vulnerability to these requests, e.g., due to increasing politicization of topics core to our research agenda, and a unique opportunity to study challenges around public records requests as they intersect with the design and use of collaboration technologies. In this paper, we explore how a large number of public records requests (PRRs) affected the collaborative work of a large, multi-site academic research project. We find that — though participants believed PRRs were a valuable tool for government transparency — they added a complicated new dimension to distributed "work" which blends personal and professional dimensions. We explain how researchers interpreted these requests and adapted their communication techniques in response. We discuss how current technologies for communication and collaboration are unprepared to ensure personal privacy and security within adversarial research environments — and collaborative work environments more broadly. Finally, we highlight the misalignment between long-standing transparency laws and the current design of collaboration technologies and provide recommendations for updating these laws.

Trade wars and tech giants: The U.S.–China policy effect on American technology companies

The tariff policies implemented by the United States government on imported products from China—particularly technology-related goods—have significantly impacted the global technology sector. This study aims to analyze the influence of U.S.–China tariff policies on American technology companies, with a specific focus on changes in production costs and the operational strategies adopted in response. Employing a qualitative approach through case studies and literature review, the research explores how these tariff measures have affected the performance of U.S. tech firms. The findings reveal that the tariffs have led to increased operational costs, resulting in reduced profit margins and heightened stock price volatility. Large corporations with greater resources tend to better withstand these impacts through supply chain diversification and operational efficiency, while smaller firms face greater challenges. On the other hand, these trade policies have also spurred innovation and strategic restructuring within the tech sector, as major firms invest in automation and process optimization. The study offers insights into mitigation strategies that tech companies can adopt to navigate the effects of volatile international trade policies. These findings hold important implications for strategic decision-making in the face of ongoing global trade uncertainties.

A shared mission: On the indispensable partnership between Medicaid and child welfare in state governments, and the promise of research using linked data

A shared mission: On the indispensable partnership between Medicaid and child welfare in state governments, and the promise of research using linked data

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in the US:

This article examines police jurisdictional challenges pertaining to the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women in the United States. Research suggests that Indigenous women in the US go missing at disproportionate rates in terms of total state populations. This elevated representation is further concerning when connected to public mistrust of police that is exemplified in cooperation issues rooted in law enforcement jurisdictional issues. Recently, the United States government has attempted to ameliorate responses to missing and murdered Indigenous women cases through legislation that includes Savanna’s Act, but the need for addressing inequities remains. To illustrate the jurisdictional difficulties for authorities involved in the disappearances of Native women, three death investigations were examined employing a case study approach. Findings revealed that interagency jurisdictional complications created animosity between police and the families involved in two of the cases. The article concludes with a discussion of police jurisdiction in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women cases, and the broader implications for future investigations.

Demand for Crop Insurance in India: Evidence from National Representative Surveys

Over the decades, both the national and state governments in India have implemented various measures to enhance the adoption of crop insurance as it diversifies the risk associated with agricultural income. In 2016, the Government of India commenced Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and restructured the Weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS). Despite the continuous efforts of government agencies and subsidies, the adoption rate is low. Under this backdrop, this study has three objectives: (a) assess the current status of the adoption of crop insurance in India, and in particular, for landholding size, caste and income; (b) map state-wise adoption; and (c) evaluate the adoption rate of PMFBY across the states. This study used data from the 70th (2012–2013) and 77th rounds (2018–2019) of the agricultural household surveys conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), and additional information was gathered from the Agricultural Insurance Company of India and the PMFBY dashboard. The findings are: (a) a meagre percentage of farmers opted for crop insurance even after five decades of its inception, that is, less than 10%; (b) as expected based on previous studies, a low adoption is observed among smallholders and marginalised farming communities; (c) between the two rounds, around one-third of states have shown an improvement in the rate of adoption; (d) the percentage of adoption among the smallholders marginally increased in a few states; (e) a high adoption of PMFBY was noted in seven states; and (f) a lack of institutional capacity to enhance the adoption rate. The following aspects should be looked into for enhancing the adoption rate: improving institutional capacity, incentive mechanisms and basis risks. Further, this study warrants additional studies to identify behavioural biases and policy suggestions. JEL Codes: Q580, Q180, Q120

Harmonisation of Waqf Law: Mitigating the Gap and Minimising the Misconception Towards a New Narrative of Waqf in Malaysia

Waqf, as an integral part of Islamic social finance, falls under the jurisdiction of Islamic law. This paper examines the legal and Sharīʿah developments related to waqf, Islamic finance, and relevant legislation, with a particular focus on harmonizing waqf laws. Legal harmonization serves as a crucial mechanism for addressing misconceptions surrounding waqf regulations. While the interaction between civil and Sharīʿah law presents multiple legal implications, misunderstandings persist not only among non-Muslims but also among Muslim scholars. These misconceptions are particularly evident in matters concerning cash waqf, waqf of immovable properties, istibdal, and waqf muaqqat. A significant challenge in waqf development in Malaysia stems from the lack of understanding of its legal framework, especially when compared to the English concept of trust, endowment, and the division of authority between federal and state governments. These factors have contributed to the slow progression of waqf-related initiatives. Therefore, this study explores the justification, processes, and advancements in waqf harmonization within Malaysia. Using a doctrinal research approach, this study critically analyzes various legal sources, including statutes, academic articles, books, and research papers on waqf and related charitable instruments such as trusts, endowments, and other Islamic social finance products. The findings highlight that legal harmonization, supported by policy reforms, education, and strategic collaborations, is essential for advancing waqf beyond its traditional role as a philanthropic institution. Furthermore, the study reveals that the legal status of Islamic law in Malaysia significantly influences waqf development, particularly regarding the jurisdictional overlap between Sharīʿah and civil courts. Additionally, the formal recognition of waqf through specific legislation has shaped its legal framework, allowing for the incorporation of principles initially unrecognized by the Shāfiʿī school, including cash waqf, waqf of immovable properties, istibdal, and waqf muaqqat. This paper advocates for the standardization of waqf laws across Malaysian states and emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset among waqf administrators to ensure the sustainable and effective management of waqf assets.

독일 돌봄 산업위기에 따른 논쟁적 고찰

This study aims to assess the current state of the care industry in Germany on the 30th anniversary of the introduction of long-term care insurance (LTCI) and to propose practical and policy-oriented directions for the future. Since the establishment of LTCI in 1995, the German society has faced recurring care crises. As care-an essential aspect of human dependency and communal life-has transformed into a formalized industry under the social insurance system, new challenges have emerged. This study critically examines these issues, particularly focusing on the contradiction between the use of public funds for long-term care services and the increasing commercialization of care provision. It questions whether the state and welfare institutions should assume greater public responsibility to ensure the public nature of care services. Germany’s aging population and rising life expectancy have led to a continuous increase in demand for care workers, with approximately 5.7 million people requiring care in 2023. In response, large private operators have come to dominate the care industry, with private equity investors viewing care facilities as attractive and secure investment opportunities. However, these investors prioritize profit margins over the sustainable development of the care sector. In pursuit of higher returns, they implement extensive rationalization measures, streamline operational structures, and concentrate staffing plans, shifting the care market from a demand-driven to a supply-driven system. This profit-oriented approach raises concerns about the erosion of care’s public character. If private providers continue to prioritize profitability over care quality, strengthening the public responsibility of the care sector will become increasingly difficult. To ensure the sustainable development of the care environment, infrastructure investments must be driven by care needs and fundamental care principles rather than investor calculations. This study underscores the necessity of clarifying the responsibilities of the state and local governments and strengthening legal frameworks to safeguard public accountability in response to the growing influence of private actors in the care industry.

Struggle for fair oil royalties in Sabah: the dynamics of federal-state government relations in Malaysia 2003-2018

This study investigates the dynamics of federal-state relations in Malaysia, specifically focusing on Sabah’s efforts to secure increased oil royalties from 2003 to 2018, particularly during the tenure of Chief Minister Musa Aman. Despite the political alignment between the federal government and the Barisan Nasional led state government of Sabah, attempts to raise the oil royalty rate from five percent to 20 percent were ultimately unsuccessful. Employing a qualitative methodology, this research incorporates interviews, official documents, and legislative records, and augments these findings with quantitative data regarding oil production, revenue trends, and socioeconomic indicators. This comprehensive approach assesses the broader implications of the royalty dispute on Sabah’s development. The findings reveal that factors such as federal dominance, institutional constraints, and historical agreements continue to restrict Sabah’s fiscal autonomy. Notably, despite being the largest oil-producing state in Malaysia, Sabah remains the poorest state, underscoring the disconnection between resource generation and regional development. By contextualizing Sabah’s experience within both global and national frameworks, and drawing comparative insights from other oil-producing federal states, including Nigeria, Canada, and Brazil, this study emphasizes how centralized control over oil revenues, coupled with political and constitutional inflexibility, can hinder equitable development. The article advocates for more inclusive federal-state negotiations and encourages a reevaluation of resource sharing mechanisms within Malaysia’s federal system.