More than $250 million down, another $530 million to go.
That’s how much of a projected $783 million state budget hole the Colorado legislature filled by the time a special session called to address the impact of the federal tax bill ended Tuesday afternoon — and the larger amount that still remains. Erasing the rest of the red ink will fall to Gov. Jared Polis, who plans to rebalance this year’s budget in the coming days through a mix of cuts to state funding and a big dip into the rainy-day fund.
Over six days, the legislature’s majority Democrats fulfilled their part of a plan worked out with the governor’s office: to pass legislation that is expected to generate enough revenue to close about a third of the shortfall projected for the state’s budget in the current fiscal year, which began July 1. They ended tax breaks and found other ways to offset declining state income tax revenue, while leaving spending cuts largely for Polis to decide.
“What we did here in this special session is soften the blow,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, a Greenwood Village Democrat who chairs the legislature’s budget committee. “But when the federal government cuts $1.2 billion in revenue from the state with a stroke of a pen, after we’ve already cut $1.2 billion (from the budget) in the regular session, that’s a tough deficit to come back from in a way that doesn’t impact the people of Colorado.”
The special session ended with 11 bills going to Polis for final approval. Five sought to fill the budget gap, largely by ending tax incentives for businesses and high-income earners.
The single largest revenue-raising measure, House Bill 1004, will auction off tax credits that can be claimed in future tax years for a discount. Backers expected that bill to bring in an additional $100 million to state coffers this year, at the expense of about $125 million in future years.
Together, those measures add up to $253 million in revenue to reduce the projected deficit — money that Democrats say represents averted cuts to Medicaid, schools and hospitals.
“Colorado legislators stepped up and helped protect children’s food access and minimized the devastating cost increases to health insurance premiums across the state, to the best of our ability,” Polis, who signed two of the new bills earlier Tuesday, said in a statement.
The legislature’s Joint Budget Committee expects to meet Thursday to hear Polis’ plan to address the remaining $500 million or so, including mid-year spending cuts.
As part of his call for a special session on Aug. 6, Polis announced a statewide hiring freeze. He said in an interview before the session started that he hoped to avoid cuts to K-12 education, but he has left all other options on the table, including Medicaid program spending.
The plan also factors in a significant use of reserves to offset some of the remaining gap.
Partisan debates
Over the past week, Republicans fought the Democrats’ bills, but strong Democratic majorities in both legislative chambers all but preordained the outcome.
“Not only did we increase taxes, we’re balancing the budget on the back of small businesses,” said Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Brighton Republican on the budget committee.
One of the bills heading to Polis would erase a fee paid by the state to businesses for collecting sales taxes — an outdated subsidy, according to Democrats, and an unnecessary new burden now put on businesses, according to Republicans.
Republicans said before the session that they’d likely challenge several bills in court over allegations that they violate provisions in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights that require voter approval for tax increases. Kirkmeyer and Rep. Rick Taggart, a Grand Junction Republican who’s also on the budget committee, said bills going to the governor that would eliminate some tax credits and allow the sale of tax credits against future collections seemed particularly vulnerable to a challenge under TABOR.
Debate throughout the special session took a distinctly partisan edge. Democrats laid the cuts on congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump and called the federal tax bill a de facto theft of benefits from the poorest Coloradans to benefit the wealthiest.
Republicans countered that the federal bill delivered much-needed tax cuts, and they said Democrats sought to yank those away instead of cutting partisan priorities.
Legislators begin to gather in the Senate Chambers before the start of another day of the special legislative session at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Aug. 26, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Bills on wolves, artificial intelligence
Other bills passed sought to respond to different aspects of the federal bill, formerly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” as well as other priorities.
Lawmakers stripped general fund money away from the voter-approved program to reintroduce wolves in the state, though releases are expected to continue this winter. They tweaked ballot language for a measure about taxes for universal school meals to allow that money to go to general food assistance, as well, if voters approve it in November.
The legislature also approved a bill allowing state Medicaid program to pay Planned Parenthood for services provided, after the federal government specifically barred federal money from going to the organization.
Polis included in his call of the session that lawmakers address concerns swirling around the state’s first-in-the-nation regulations of artificial intelligence after a similar effort in the spring blew up. The rules now in law go into effect in February.
After days of bruising negotiations, lawmakers punted on any new changes and delayed the existing rules from going into effect until the end of June — giving them time to resume the debate during the next regular legislative session in January.
This week, we’re revisiting some of our all-time favorite stories about gardening in New York City. Cultivating plants in the Big Apple comes with challenges—yards tend to be small and shady, and privacy is rare—but if you have the patience, these urban gardens can produce some big-time magic. Behold…
Most renters, especially if they’re not planning a long stay, prefer not to spend too much time or money fixing up someone else’s property. But what if they still want a nice outdoor space? We asked Brooklyn-based garden designer Brook Klausing for recommendations for finessing a space that you don’t own. Not only has he done it for clients of his company, Brook Landscape, he also has plenty of personal experience, having fixed up several rental gardens for himself.
To start, Brook suggests, figure out what your goal is and how much time you’re willing to commit. Maybe you only have a year’s lease, and just want a weekend project. Or maybe you plan to be there a few years, and you’d love to spend the summer playing in the garden because you enjoy the process. Either way, don’t get overly enthusiastic and embark on something you won’t finish. Assess your own ambition and organize a project that’s right for you.
His other directive: Go big. “Don’t get distracted at the nursery and pick up a lot of random small things just because they’re cute,” he advises. Better to start with strong moves to organize the space.
Read on for 10 more rental garden tips from Brook:
Photography courtesy of Brook Klausing except where noted.
1. Accentuate the positive.
Above: Take note of what’s great about the space and find a way to accentuate it. With judicious editing, Brook created focal points in a backyard garden.
“If there’s a great view or a tree you’re really into (even if it’s in your neighbor’s yard), clear out any weeds or shrubs that are in the way and position your seating and enhancements to maximize the sight lines.” By the same token, identify what you don’t love in the space and remove or, if that’s not possible, downplay the distraction. (See below for suggestions on dealing with ugly walls and fences.)
2. Prune boldly.
Above: A smoke bush (at L) is a visual focal point in a backyard garden designed by Brook Landscapes.
The first round of bills from the Colorado legislature’s latest special session is heading to Gov. Jared Polis’ desk after receiving final approval from lawmakers Sunday. But work on several key bills remains.
The other priority bills for the Democratic majority continued to move along, though they hadn’t yet crossed the finish line. Lawmakers are still debating nearly all of the bills aimed specifically at eating into the $783 million deficit facing the state following the passage of the federal tax and spending bill.
Those bills include proposals to raise money by ending tax incentives for large insurance companies, selling tax credits for future tax years at a discount, permanently ending a tax write-off for high-income people and businesses, and ending a credit that goes to retailers for collecting sales tax.
“Every dollar we give away through an outdated vendor discount is a dollar we take away from kids in classrooms, from seniors who need health care, from working families who depend on Medicaid and SNAP,” said Sen. Cathy Kipp, a Fort Collins Democrat, referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Republicans argued at length against most of the bills. They argued the state should cut spending, not seek more tax money, to respond to the federal tax bill.
“We are not fixing the budget with any of these bills,” Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Brighton Republican, said. “In fact, all we’re doing is making it harder for small businesses to survive.”
Meanwhile, the fight around how to change Colorado’s first-in-the-nation artificial intelligence regulations dragged on.
Senate Bill 4, which would require more disclosure from AI companies and tighter rules to prevent discrimination, progressed to a debate among the full Senate after narrowly passing a key committee vote 4-3 Sunday afternoon.
Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, who has made AI regulations a signature of his time in office, amended the measure to tweak some disclosure requirements and delay the regulations by three months. He also changed the committee makeup ahead of the vote, making it more favorable to his proposal.
The change moves the bill closer to the position of Polis and other opponents of the bill, who favor a flat delay over worries that existing regulations would be too onerous. Other negotiations about the bill continued into the evening.
“I worry we are rushing through something in this extraordinary session that will cause us to potentially pass some legislation that has a lot of unintended consequences,” Sen. Judy Amabile, a Boulder Democrat, who voted against the bill in committee on Sunday. “And I have been hearing that from people all over this building, just losing their minds and not being able to agree.”
A second, competing bill concerning AI regulations had been amended earlier in the special session to simply delay the February regulations from kicking in until October 2026. That measure, House Bill 1008, was slated for a hearing by the full House, but the body had not reconvened by 7 p.m. Sunday.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Administrators at the University of Colorado’s campus in Colorado Springs thought they stood a solid chance of dodging the Trump administration’s offensive on higher education.
Located on a picturesque bluff with a stunning view of Pikes Peak, the school is far removed from the Ivy League colleges that have drawn President Donald Trump’s ire. Most of its students are commuters, getting degrees while holding down full-time jobs. Students and faculty alike describe the university, which is in a conservative part of a blue state, as politically subdued, if not apolitical.
That optimism was misplaced.
An Associated Press review of thousands of pages of emails from school officials, as well as interviews with students and professors, reveals that school leaders, teachers and students soon found themselves in the Republican administration’s crosshairs, forcing them to navigate what they described as an unprecedented and haphazard degree of change.
Whether Washington has downsized government departments, clawed back or launched investigations into diversity programs or campus antisemitism, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs has confronted many of the same challenges as elite universities across the nation.
The school lost three major federal grants and found itself under investigation by Trump’s Education Department. In the hopes of avoiding that scrutiny, the university renamed websites and job titles, all while dealing with pressure from students, faculty and staff who wanted the school to take a more combative stance.
“Uncertainty is compounding,” the school’s chancellor told faculty at a February meeting, according to minutes of the session. “And the speed of which orders are coming has been a bit of a shock.”
The college declined to make any administrators available to be interviewed. A spokesman asked the AP to make clear that any professors or students interviewed in this story were speaking for themselves and not the institution. Several faculty members also asked for anonymity, either because they did not have tenure or they did not want to call unnecessary attention to themselves and their scholarship in the current political environment.
“Like our colleagues across higher education, we’ve spent considerable time working to understand the new directives from the federal government,” the chancellor, Jennifer Sobanet, said in a statement provided to the AP.
Students said they have been able to sense the stress being felt by school administrators and professors.
“We have administrators that are feeling pressure, because we want to maintain our funding here. It’s been tense,” said Ava Knox, a rising junior who covers the university administration for the school newspaper.
Faculty, she added, “want to be very careful about how they’re conducting their research and about how they’re addressing the student population. They are also beholden to this new set of kind of ever-changing guidelines and stipulations by the federal government.”
A White House spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
Misplaced optimism
Shortly after Trump won a second term in November, UCCS leaders were trying to gather information on the Republican’s plans. In December, Sobanet met the newly elected Republican congressman who represented the school’s district, a conservative one that Trump won with 53% of the vote. In her meeting notes obtained by the AP, the chancellor sketched out a scenario in which the college might avoid the drastic cuts and havoc under the incoming administration.
“Research dollars –- hard to pull back grant dollars but Trump tried to pull back some last time. The money goes through Congress,” Sobanet wrote in notes prepared for the meeting. “Grant money will likely stay but just change how they are worded and what it will fund.”
Sobanet also observed that dismantling the federal Education Department would require congressional authorization. That was unlikely, she suggested, given the U.S. Senate’s composition.
Like many others, she did not fully anticipate how aggressively Trump would seek to transform the federal government.
Conservatives’ desire to revamp higher education began well before Trump took office.
They have long complained that universities have become bastions of liberal indoctrination and raucous protests. In 2023, Republicans in Congress had a contentious hearing with several Ivy League university leaders. Shortly after, the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania resigned. During the presidential campaign last fall, Trump criticized campus protests about Gaza, as well as what he said was a liberal bias in classrooms.
His new administration opened investigations into alleged antisemitism at several universities. It froze more than $400 million in research grants and contracts at Columbia, along with more than $2.6 billion at Harvard. Columbia reached an agreement last month to pay $220 million to resolve the investigation.
When Harvard filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s actions, his administration tried to block the school from enrolling international students. The Trump administration has also threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
Northwestern University, Penn, Princeton and Cornell have seen big chunks of funding cut over how they dealt with protests about Israel’s war in Gaza or over the schools’ support for transgender athletes.
Trump’s decision to target the wealthiest, most prestigious institutions provided some comfort to administrators at the approximately 4,000 other colleges and universities in the country.
Most higher education students in the United States are educated at regional public universities or community colleges. Such schools have not typically drawn attention from culture warriors.
Students and professors at UCCS hoped Trump’s crackdown would bypass the school and others like it.
“You’ve got everyone — liberals, conservatives, middle of the road,” said Jeffrey Scholes, a professor in the philosophy department. “You just don’t see the kind of unrest and polarization that you see at other campuses.”
The purse strings
The federal government has lots of leverage over higher education. It provides about $60 billion a year to universities for research. In addition, a majority of students in the U.S. need grants and loans from various federal programs to help pay tuition and living expenses.
This budget year, UCCS got about $19 million in research funding from a combination of federal, state and private sources. Though that is a relatively small portion of the school’s overall $369 million budget, the college has made a push in recent years to bolster its campus research program by taking advantage of grant money from government agencies such as the U.S. Defense Department and National Institutes for Health. The widespread federal grant cut could derail those efforts.
School officials were dismayed when the Trump administration terminated research grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Defense Department and the National Science Foundation, emails show. The grants funded programs in civics, cultural preservation and boosting women in technology fields.
School administrators scrambled to contact federal officials to learn if other grants were on the chopping block, but they struggled to find answers, the records show.
School officials repeatedly sought out the assistance of federal officials only to learn those officials were not sure what was happening as the Trump administration halted grant payments, fired thousands of employees and shuttered agencies.
“The sky is falling” at NIH, a university official reported in notes on a call in which the school’s lobbyists were providing reports of what was happening in Washington.
There are also concerns about other changes in Washington that will affect how students pay for college, according to interviews with faculty and education policy experts.
While only Congress can fully abolish the U.S. Department of Education, the Trump administration has tried to dramatically cut back its staff and parcel out many of its functions to other agencies. The administration laid off nearly 1,400 employees, and problems have been reported in the systems that handle student loans. Management of student loans is expected to shift to another agency entirely.
In addition, an early version of a major funding bill in Congress included major cuts to tuition grants. Though that provision did not make it into the law, Congress did cap loans for students seeking graduate degrees. That policy could have ripple effects in the coming years on institutions such as UCCS that rely on tuition dollars for their operating expenses.
DEI and transgender issues hit campus
To force change on campus, the Trump administration has begun investigations targeting diversity programs and efforts to combat antisemitism.
The Education Department, for example, opened an investigation in March targeting a Ph.D. scholarship program that partnered with 45 universities, including UCCS, to expand opportunities to women and nonwhites in graduate education. The administration alleged the program was only open to certain nonwhite students and amounted to racial discrimination.
“Sorry to be the bearer of bad news UCCS is included on the list” of schools being investigated, wrote Annie Larson, assistant vice president of federal relations and outreach for the entire University of Colorado system.
“Oh wow, this is surprising,” wrote back Hillary Fouts, dean of the graduate school at UCCS.
UCCS also struggled with how to handle executive orders, particularly those on transgender issues.
In response to an order that aimed to revoke funds to schools that allowed transwomen to play women’s sports, UCCS began a review of its athletic programs. It determined it had no transgender athletes, the records show. University officials were also relieved to discover that only one school in their athletic conference was affected by the order, and UCCS rarely if ever had matches or games against that school.
“We do not have any students impacted by this and don’t compete against any teams that we are aware of that will be impacted by this,” wrote the vice chancellor for student affairs to colleagues.
Avoiding the spotlight
The attacks led UCCS to take preemptive actions and to self-censor in the hopes of saving programs and avoiding the Trump administration’s spotlight.
Emails show that the school’s legal counsel began looking at all the university’s websites and evaluating whether any scholarships might need to be reworded. The university changed the web address of its diversity initiatives from www.diversity.uccs.edu to www.belonging.uccs.edu.
And the administrator responsible for the university’s division of Inclusive Culture & Belonging got a new job title in January: director of strategic initiatives. University professors said the school debated whether to rename the Women’s and Ethnic Studies department to avoid drawing attention from Trump but so far the department has not been renamed.
Along the same lines, UCCS administrators have sought to avoid getting dragged into controversies, a frequent occurrence in the first Trump administration. UCCS officials attended a presentation from the education consulting firm EAB, which encouraged schools not to react to every news cycle. That could be a challenge because some students and faculty are seeking vocal resistance on issues from climate change to immigration.
Soon after Trump was sworn in, for example, a staff member in UCCS’s sustainability program began pushing the entire University of Colorado system to condemn Trump’s withdrawal from an international agreement to tackle climate change. It was the type of statement universities had issued without thinking twice in past administrations.
In an email, UCCS’s top public relations executive warned his boss: “There is a growing sentiment among the thought leadership in higher ed that campus leaders not take a public stance on major issues unless they impact their campus community.”
—
AP Education Writer Collin Binkley in Washington contributed to this report.
As local government careens from one corruption scandal to the next, the city and county of Los Angeles each charged forward this election season with ballot measures to try to crack down on unethical behavior by public officials.
The city wants to bolster its nearly 35-year-old ethics commission with Charter Amendment ER, which would give the watchdog body a minimum yearly budget of $7 million.
The county, meanwhile, wants to create its first ethics commission with Measure G.
The county ethics commission, along with an office of ethics compliance, would come with no set budget. But according to a Thursday county analysis reviewed by The Times, the ethics reforms in Measure G could cost as much as $21.9 million a year, with salaries and employee benefits making up most of the price.
If voters approve Measure G on Nov. 5, a task force would be set up to determine the shape of the ethics commission — for example, how many members it should have.
The cost estimate has left supporters and detractors with sticker shock.
“That is so absurd,” said Rob Quan, an organizer with Unrig LA, which has advocated for measures to eliminate corruption in the city and county. “I’m baffled by this.”
“We’re not even in the right ballpark,” said Quan, who previously told the county supervisors that he thought the ethics reforms in Measure G were “half-baked.”
“If the city could do it for $7 million, why is it going to cost so much more than the county?” said political science professor Fernando Guerra, director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles. at Loyola Marymount University.
But Guerra, who co-wrote the ballot argument in favor of Measure G, said he still thought the ethics reform package was a no-brainer for a county with a budget of $49 billion.
“Even if it’s that amount, that’s so cheap for what you’re going to get,” added Guerra. “It’s a drop in the bucket.”
The five county supervisors are divided on Measure G, which in addition to creating an ethics commission would nearly double the size of the Board of Supervisors and bring on an elected executive who would act as a quasi-mayor.
Supervisors Hilda Solis, Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath pushed for the measure, arguing it would make the county more responsive to its 10 million constituents. Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Holly Mitchell said it was misguided, with too vague a price tag.
Everyone, however, said they could get on board with the idea of an ethics commission. Last month, the board voted unanimously to ask county lawyers to look at what it would cost to carry out the ethics reforms — regardless of whether Measure G passed.
That preliminary report, returned last week, put the yearly cost at between $16.8 million with 73 employees and $21.9 million with 93 employees.
“Wow, that is a big staff,” said David Tristan, head of the city’s ethics commission, which has a budget of $6.3 million and employs 45 people. “I’d love to have that budget.”
About 13% of the yearly cost would go to services and supplies, while the rest would pay for staff, according to the county report.
The report does not include a cost for setting up the commission. The auditor’s office previously said that one-time costs to implement all of the proposals in Measure G — which would include expanding the board — would be about $8 million.
The Yes on Measure G campaign lambasted the county’s report as rushed and simplistic, “meant to dissuade voters before a critical election.”
“Measure G is historic and it’s no secret that special interests and long-time bureaucrats are scared of real accountability and reform,” said campaign chair Morgan Miller.
A majority of the supervisors said they still wanted to move forward.
“The cost estimate provided in this report seems high and I wonder how they landed on this number,” Hahn said. “But we can’t afford not to do this.”
Barger and Mitchell, who have opposed Measure G, similarly said they saw the need for an ethics commission, though Barger called the cost range “concerning given our county’s fiscal forecast” and Mitchell said she would look for places to make “cost-efficient adjustments.”
For those already skeptical that the commission would do much to root out corruption, the high cost was further proof that it was a bad idea.
“What can they cut? Firefighters? Child welfare workers? The sheriff’s budget? I don’t see them proposing to cut their salaries,” said former Los Angeles City Councilmember Ruth Galanter. “If they have that much money lying around in the county budget, they should all be fired, for crying out loud.”
Galanter, who held office from 1987 to 2003, vehemently opposed the city’s ethics commission when it was created in 1990, convinced it would do little to squash corruption.
Following the corruption-related convictions of two former city council members, a former deputy mayor and a former city commissioner, Galanter said her fears were borne out. She suspects the same will be true for the county’s attempt.
“What an incredible waste of time and money this ethics things is,” said Galanter. “It does not produce more ethical elected officials. What’s the point?”
If Measure G passes, the county would need to create the independent ethics commission and the office of ethics compliance by 2026. The commission would be responsible for investigating misconduct by county employees and updating county rules regarding conflicts of interest and lobbying, among other duties. The office of ethics compliance, led by an ethics compliance officer, would provide support to the commission.
The language in the ballot measure prohibits the county from raising taxes to pay for the changes.
Horvath, who spearheaded the measure, said there is enough money in the county budget to pay for the reforms, since the county could tap staff who are already doing similar ethics-related work in the executive office, the Registrar-Recorder and the Auditor Controller’s office.
“Nothing is more important than safeguards against corruption,” she said. “The staff and funding already exist in our current form of government.”
Sean McMorris, who specializes in ethics and accountability issues for the advocacy group California Common Cause, said the price tag doesn’t faze him. A robust ethics commission is expensive, he said, which is why only bigger cities typically create them.
He’s more concerned about what shape the commission will take. Many of the details around the ethics commission are meant to be hammered out once voters have already approved the measure, he said.
“It’s just like, wait and see,” he said. “It makes me nervous.”
Getting a dog is a dream for many, but the cost of ownership can be a real hurdle. Between food, grooming, healthcare, and other essentials, costs can add up quickly. However, some breeds are not only budget-friendly to acquire but are also low-maintenance, making them ideal for pet parents looking for a loyal companion without breaking the bank. Here’s a rundown of 11 dog breeds that are affordable to maintain, yet offer endless love, companionship, and joy.
Beagle
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Beagles are friendly, medium-sized dogs known for their intelligence and gentle nature. They generally have minimal health issues, require standard grooming, and are relatively low-cost when it comes to food due to their manageable size. Beagles are also great for families and adapt well to various living environments.
Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, which automatically lowers their food and maintenance costs. Their short coats make grooming simple and inexpensive. Plus, their petite size makes them well-suited for apartment living, saving you on space requirements.
Dachshund
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This playful breed is known for its loyalty and low grooming needs. Dachshunds are a low-cost option for pet owners as they are generally healthy, require minimal grooming, and thrive on moderate amounts of food. With their energetic and loving nature, they make great companions for those on a budget.
Pug
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Pugs are friendly, affectionate, and small, meaning they don’t require a lot of food. They need only minimal grooming, and their adaptable nature makes them great for both city and suburban environments. While some Pugs may have health issues due to their unique build, regular checkups can help maintain their health without major expenses.
Rat Terrier
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Rat Terriers are small, sturdy dogs that are great for people looking for an active but low-maintenance breed. Their short coats require minimal grooming, and they are generally healthy, making them affordable to own. These dogs also don’t eat a lot and tend to be energetic and friendly, perfect for families on a budget.
Boston Terrier
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Boston Terriers are known for their friendly and charming personalities. They are generally healthy, require minimal grooming, and have a relatively low food intake due to their small size. These dogs are perfect for apartment living and are budget-friendly in terms of both time and money.
Jack Russell Terrier
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Jack Russells are small, energetic dogs that don’t require a lot of grooming or food. Their health issues are typically minimal, making vet costs manageable. With their playful and lively nature, they make excellent companions for active owners on a budget.
Greyhound
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Although they are larger, Greyhounds are known for their low-maintenance coats and generally good health. They don’t need a lot of food compared to other large breeds and are known to be gentle and laid-back. Greyhounds are a great choice for people looking for a budget-friendly, affectionate companion.
American Hairless Terrier
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This breed requires almost no grooming due to its lack of fur, making it very low-cost to maintain. American Hairless Terriers are healthy and require minimal vet care. With their energetic and playful nature, they’re perfect for people who want a low-cost, unique companion.
Border Collie
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Border Collies are highly intelligent and trainable dogs with relatively low grooming needs. They’re generally healthy, meaning vet costs remain affordable. These dogs do well in active households, and their food costs stay reasonable as they are a medium-sized breed.
Mixed Breeds
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Mixed-breed dogs can be some of the most budget-friendly options due to their genetic diversity, which often reduces the risk of inherited health issues. Mixed breeds are readily available at shelters and rescue organizations, which often cover initial veterinary expenses, making adoption affordable.
Affordable Companions That Won’t Break the Bank
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Owning a dog doesn’t have to strain your finances. With careful selection, you can find a breed that fits both your budget and lifestyle. The dogs on this list are not only affordable but also bring immense joy and companionship, proving that a fulfilling pet experience can be cost-effective. From smaller breeds like Chihuahuas to gentle giants like Greyhounds, there’s a budget-friendly dog breed for everyone. Just remember: the most affordable dog is the one that fits your lifestyle, health needs, and space, so you and your furry friend can enjoy many happy years together!
SEPTA general manager and CEO Leslie Richards will leave her job at the end of November in the midst of the public transportation system’s push for more state funding as it faces a projected $240 million budget deficit in the coming fiscal year.
Richards, who joined SEPTA in 2019, said Thursday she plans to expand her role teaching at the University of Pennsylvania and pursue other opportunities to serve the region. In May, she and SEPTA’s board agreed to a new contract that would have kept Richards as general manager and CEO for four more years and included a 21% raise, increasing her salary from $350,000 to $425,000. SEPTA officials did not say whether the authority’s budget issues played a role in the unexpected change in leadership.
SEPTA Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer will serve as interim general manager during a nationwide search to hire Richards’ replacement.
“Leslie has been a dedicated public servant for nearly 20 years, and at SEPTA she has been a true champion for public transit and for our region as a whole,” SEPTA board chair Kenneth Lawrence said. “She faced extraordinary challenges over the last five years, and we deeply appreciate her service to the cause of public transit.”
Richards came to SEPTA after serving as secretary of PennDOT for former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. Within months of stepping into the role, the COVID-19 pandemic upended public transportation systems nationwide. Ridership plummeted, revenue declined and SEPTA saw an uptick in violent crime.
SEPTA became reliant on federal pandemic relief funding for its budget, and since that assistance has ended, it has warned state lawmakers that the annual budget deficits it faces could result in service cuts and fare increases as soon as next year. In the absence of new funding for the coming years, SEPTA might need to slash up to 20% of its service and hike fares by as much as 30%, SEPTA officials said earlier this year.
In the state budget passed in August, SEPTA received $51 million in one-time additional funding, an amount that falls far short of what’s needed to maintain service, officials said. Gov. Josh Shapiro had proposed a five-year plan that would have boosted statewide public transportation funding by $1.5 billion, largely using revenue from taxes on skill game terminals that are abundant in businesses across the state.
City Council sent a letter signed by all its members to Shapiro in August, urging him to push for another plan to allocate an additional $282 million for public transit in Pennsylvania, including $161 million for SEPTA. Negotiations in Harrisburg did not produce a deal before the end of the legislative session this month.
Republican lawmakers have questioned whether there is a stable funding source for the public transit package. Debate over Shapiro’s proposal broke down because of disagreements about how to regulate and tax skill games, which could be revisited next year and remains one of the most likely revenue sources for an eventual deal.
SEPTA has taken a series of interim steps to shore up revenue and chip away at the deficit. Parking fees are being reinstated at all Regional Rail lots and a proposal is under consideration to end fare discounts for riders who use SEPTA Key cards and other contactless payment methods on buses, subways, trolleys and Regional Rail trains. SEPTA also plans to install more fare gates designed to prevent fare evasion at more subway stations next year.
SEPTA also has enacted a partial hiring freeze and ended non-essential employee travel, in addition to shutting down ticket offices at 10 Regional Rail stations.
During Richards’ tenure with SEPTA, her key initiatives have included redesigning the system’s bus routes, modernizing trolley operations and revamping Regional Rail schedules to better serve riders.
SEPTA also has had its safety record fall under scrutiny. After multiple crashes involving SEPTA buses and trolleys last year, the Federal Transit Administration ordered SEPTA in July to undertake steps to address safety issues. A review of SEPTA’s operations found that it had “a deteriorating safety record” and a persistent shortage of transit workers, leading to fatigue among its operators.
SEPTA’s ridership has returned to about 75% of pre-pandemic levels as of October. The authority also reported Thursday that there has been a 34% decrease in serious crimes on the system through the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Congressional leaders announced an agreement Sunday on a short-term spending bill that will fund federal agencies for about three months, averting a possible partial government shutdown when the new budget year begins Oct. 1 and pushing final decisions until after the November election.
FILE – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., walks to a meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)(AP/Jose Luis Magana)
FILE – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., walks to a meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)(AP/Jose Luis Magana)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders announced an agreement Sunday on a short-term spending bill that will fund federal agencies for about three months, averting a possible partial government shutdown when the new budget year begins Oct. 1 and pushing final decisions until after the November election.
Lawmakers have struggled to get to this point as the current budget year winds to a close at month’s end. At the urging of the most conservative members of his conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had linked temporary funding with a mandate that would have compelled states to require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.
But Johnson could not get all Republicans on board even as the party’s presidential nominee, Donald Trump, insisted on that package. Trump said Republican lawmakers should not support a stop-gap measure without the voting requirement, but the bill went down to defeat anyway, with 14 Republicans opposing it.
Bipartisan negotiations began in earnest shortly after that, with leadership agreeing to extend funding into mid-December. That gives the current Congress the ability to fashion a full-year spending bill after the Nov. 5 election, rather than push that responsibility to the next Congress and president.
In a letter to Republican colleagues, Johnson said the budget measure would be “very narrow, bare-bones” and include “only the extensions that are absolutely necessary.”
“While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances,” Johnson wrote. “As history has taught and current polling affirms, shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice.”
Rep. Tom Cole, the House Appropriations Committee chairman, had said on Friday that talks were going well.
“So far, nothing has come up that we can’t deal with,” said Cole, R-Okla. “Most people don’t want a government shutdown and they don’t want that to interfere with the election. So nobody is like, ‘I’ve got to have this or we’re walking.’ It’s just not that way.”
Johnson’s earlier effort had no chance in the Democratic-controlled Senate and was opposed by the White House, but it did give the speaker a chance to show Trump and conservatives within his conference that he fought for their request.
The final result — government funding effectively on autopilot — was what many had predicted. With the election just weeks away, few lawmakers in either party had any appetite for the brinksmanship that often leads to a shutdown.
Now a bipartisan majority is expected to push the short-term measure over the finish line. Temporary spending bills generally fund agencies at current levels, but some additional money was included to bolster the Secret Service, replenish a disaster relief fund and aid with the presidential transition, among other things.
Dragon’s Den cast: Wes Hall, Michele Romanow, Arlene Dickinson, Brian Scudamore and Manjit Minhas.
Who is your money hero?
One of my fellow “dragons,” Wes Hall, who I got to know a little bit this year, during filming. I’m so inspired with how he spends money. He’s very different from me in the sense that he’s got the fancy cars and the big mansion and so on. I drive my Ford pickup truck and I have a modest home. But I’m inspired by how he puts charity first. He takes care of other people before he takes care of himself. He grew up in Jamaica. He didn’t have a lot, but he says, “This is about helping others.” He’s made it, and I think that’s what money is all about.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love traveling. I love eating. For example, this summer, I went to France with my family. It was just a combination of family, friends, great food, some wine, practicing my French. That ties in everything I love.
My wife and three kids—we were in Paris as a base, we went down to Cap Ferret, which is just south of Bordeaux—a beautiful little peninsula, beach town. We hung out in Lille for a little bit to watch the Olympic basketball. We spent time in Bordeaux and went to some wineries. Paris is such a well-travelled place, so we had dinners with different friends and their families who were in town. I just I love that country.
What’s your first memory about money?
My dad, who’s a liver transplant surgeon, is not an entrepreneur or a business person. But he taught me early on to be purposeful with money. What am I doing with even the cheques I would get from aunts, uncles and grandparents for the holidays? He had me write thank-you notes, which no kid likes to do. I had to tell them how I was using the money they gave me.
My dad really hammered into me to save that money for education. And I did, but it was really ironic, because here I am, a high school dropout, a university dropout. But I valued learning about money from my dad and just being wise with how I spend it and being purposeful.
But one of my early memories was when I saved up my life savings as an eight-year-old and bought a brand-new bike. A couple of days later, I put a big basket on it so I could deliver newspapers more efficiently. I put that prized bike to work. I learned from my dad that money was about investment—a purposeful investment.
There’s also a frugal side of me that thinks, “Do I really need that?” Fancy cars wouldn’t bring me joy. Would I rent a Ferrari for a day on the coast of Italy? Heck, yeah. Would I ever buy one? No. And he got me to think about the value of money and what you can do with it.
If money were no object, what would you be doing right now?
Nothing different. I have the dream job. I am so excited to be a “dragon” and to help inspire others, give some wisdom, shared learnings to the pitchers on Dragon’s Den. I love building and growing my companies. Not to make more money, but to grow opportunities and possibilities for other people, and for the freedom to travel and spend time with family and friends, which I love to do.
NORTH ANDOVER — As the school district works to recover from a deficit of more than $3 million, officials have some breathing room with the budget.
Interim Superintendent Pam Lathrop provided an update on the fiscal 2025 budget to the School Committee on Thursday.
North Andover Public Schools’ starting budget for the year was $62 million, including $13.9 million for special education and $52.9 million for salaries. But the initial figure did not include encumbered salaries, reducing the budget significantly.
While the district has $4.7 million remaining in its budget, encumbered costs are expected to total $4 million this year. It leaves the district with wiggle room of potentially $667,000 left over, Lathrop said.
“It is challenging to look at that number, but we know we had financial issues and it is hard to recover from a financial deficit of where we were,” Lathrop said. “We are mindful of the money and tracking it very carefully.”
“This is positive,” she added.
Former Superintendent Gregg Gilligan resigned in August after being on paid administrative leave since April. In the spring, he informed the Select Board that the school district faced a $3.12 million deficit for fiscal 2024.
Gilligan attributed the deficit to “major hits” such as special education increases, homeless student transportation costs, and a lack of elementary and secondary school emergency relief funding.
For fiscal 2025, Lathrop said there are costs such as staff salaries for hourly positions that have not been encumbered yet. But these are costs the district is projected to incur this year.
The hourly pay is for substitute teachers, long-term substitute teachers, noon attendants and athletic coaches. Academic stipends, out-of-district tuition, tuition reimbursement, custodial overtime, teaching assistants’ stipends and special education and regular transportation are other areas for which the district would need to set aside money.
The district looked at data from the last few years to determine the projected costs for this year. Combined, the district estimates it will spend about $4 million to cover those costs.
“We believe this largely shows what we will have to spend on things in the district,” Lathrop said. “This is good data for us moving forward.”
Lathrop added that it is a positive knowing where the district has to spend money or the areas for which to reserve money.
The 2025 budget does not include any grants or Title I, II and III federal funding that the district would receive over the course of the year. Only one grant – for special education tuition – is in the budget now.
The district receives the title grants each year from the Department of Education. School officials are also seeking other competitive grants.
The district would have to purse a transfer of $1.5 million for special education. Lathrop said they have the money to fund the special education program, but it has to be taken from another budget line.
The district wants school officials to be able to see where money is being spent. A new feature for each North Andover school this year is for its officials to have a substitute teaching budget they can track. Schools are watching their own budgets to see how they are using the district’s allotment for costs associated with substitutes.
Lathrop said there is still a “soft freeze” on the budget where principals and other school officials can only purchase essential items. This may affect how the fiscal 2026 budget is set up to help schools receive items they could not purchase this year.
“We know that we had some issues and we are seeing that now,” Lathrop said. “Our budget wasn’t what it needed to be, but we have the funds to be able to handle it.”
BOSTON — Backers of the state’s “millionaires tax” are accusing the Healey administration of defying the will of voters by tapping into proceeds from the tax to close out the previous fiscal year budget.
A supplemental budget filed by Gov. Maura Healey aimed at closing out the previous fiscal year budget calls for spending $225 million in “millionaires tax” proceeds to cover costs for grants to child care programs, universal free school meals, transportation service expansions and other items.
But the Massachusetts Teachers Association, a chief proponent of the tax, is blasting the proposal to use the money this way, saying the funding needs should have been covered by other revenue sources.
“Fair Share funds must be used to build upon the existing spending for public education and transportation, and not become dollars lost on balance sheets,” MTA President Max Page said in a statement. “Gov. Healey’s supplemental budget proposal defies the will of the voters and the spirit of Fair Share, which is raising money to grow our public education and transportation systems.”
Voters approved the so-called Fair Share proposal in the 2022 elections, setting a new 4% surtax on people with incomes above $1 million a year. The state collected more than $2.1 billion from the tax in the previous year, exceeding projections by budget writers.
A spokesman for the state’s Executive Office of Administration and Finance defended the governor’s proposal, saying the spending is in line with the intent of the voter-approved tax and the state budget.
“Our administration has consistently demonstrated our commitment to fulfilling the will of the voters who approved the Fair Share surtax to support our education and transportation systems,” the agency said in a statement. “The supplemental budget filed by the Governor maintains that commitment by proposing to use a limited amount of surplus surtax for education and transportation programs like universal school meals and child care provider grants.”
The approach, the agency said, “aligns with how surtax revenue was budgeted in Fiscal Year 2025 and is necessary to close Fiscal Year 2024 in balance.”
Healey’s $714 million supplemental spending plan, which requires legislative approval, seeks to close funding gaps for public health, substance use treatment and education, and fund collective bargaining agreements with labor unions.
It also calls for overhauling how Massachusetts approves renewable energy infrastructure projects, which has also drawn criticism from lawmakers who view it as an end-run around a stalled clean energy bill.
The issue of how billions of dollars in proceeds from the tax will be spent by the state government was a key issue in the debate over the proposal.
A chief criticism was claims by tax proponents that the money will be devoted exclusively to transportation and education spending were misleading.
A 2022 report by Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis ahead of the tax’s approval by voters warned that while the plan clearly stated the money must be devoted to education and transportation, not all the surtax revenue is likely to be spent in those areas.
“The problem is fungibility, or the ease with which lawmakers can shift money between programs,” the report’s authors wrote. “There is nothing illegal or untoward about this approach; it’s a common part of legislative horse-trading.”
The report estimates that for every dollar raised by the surtax, spending on the stated earmarks is likely to increase by 30 cents to 70 cents, with the remainder being “diverted to other areas of the budget,” they wrote.
It also noted that revenue from the tax would be “highly volatile” and is likely to rise or fall sharply, depending on the economic conditions. The number of people paying the tax will increase gradually over time, the report noted.
Supporters say taxing the rich means more money to improve neglected public schools, expand child care options, and fix potholed roads and crumbling bridges.
Opponents argue the tax is hurting businesses and driving away corporate investment and job creators, while putting a drag on the state’s economy as it recovers from residual impacts of the pandemic.
Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.
The big headline of Denver’s budget this year is that the city will have to tighten its belt, as consumer spending and softening sales tax revenue is slowing growth for cities across the country.
Mayor Mike Johnston released his 2025 budget Thursday. In case you don’t have time to read a nearly 800 page document, here are the key takeaways from the proposal.
The budget is tighter than usual this year.
Denver’s 2025 budget will see its slowest growth since 2011 and the first reduction in full-time employees in a decade, not including the pandemic.
Next year’s budget is growing by just 0.6 percent. In comparison, the city projected 4 percent revenue growth for 2024, the current budget year.
“Keeping our growth at this size involved several tough decisions,” said Nicole Doheny, chief financial officer for the city.
There would not be furloughs or layoffs under this proposal. To save costs, the mayor’s office is leaving open vacant positions, reducing spending on supplies and making use of city reserves.
Denver has about $14 million more in pandemic recovery money to spend as well.
Spending on homelessness and new immigrants is decreasing.
The city is spending a lot less on homelessness programs, compared to last year. But 2024 was an unusual year for that spending, since the city made major one-time purchases of things like hotels to use as shelter. Those were paid for with a mix of federal and local money..
Funding for Johnston’s homelessness program, All In Mile High, is decreasing from $141 million in 2024 to $57.7 million in 2025. Johnston said the focus will be on funding for the city’s programs, rather than on capital costs like buying property.
In a press conference Thursday, Johnston called it “one of the lowest carrying costs for homelessness resolution in the country.”
But some anti-homelessness programs are also seeing cuts. Funding for rental assistance is decreasing, from $30 million to $20 million, even as evictions reach record-breaking levels. Last year, nonprofits, advocates and a group of city council members made rental assistance one of the top sticking points of Johnston’s 2024 budget, securing an additional $13.5 million for renters facing eviction.
As the number of new immigrants arriving in the city has decreased, that funding is dropping as well, from $90 million in 2024 to $12.5 million in 2025. That was one of Denver’s biggest unexpected costs in 2023 and early 2024.
Since new immigrants started arriving at the end of 2022, the city has received some state and federal reimbursements for supporting immigrants. But when Republicans in Congress killed a bipartisan immigration reform bill earlier this year, it left more of the cost to the city, and Johnston imposed budget cuts in response.
Johnston is still focused on growing Denver’s police force.
Similar to last year’s budget, the 2025 budget includes funding for 168 new police recruits, plus 24 new firefighters and 60 new sheriff’s deputies. And like last year, Johnston said the goal is for new police recruits to outpace retirements in order to grow the force. Denver Police has struggled with understaffing in the past few years.
Denver’s police alternative, STAR, is getting a bump. The program, which sends mental health responders and paramedics to nonviolent calls, would get $6.9 million, up from $6.2 million in 2024.
Growing STAR is something some council members and advocates have asked for in the past. Last year, a group of council members tried to repurpose nearly $4 million of police funding for STAR, but that amendment failed amid questions about whether the program could spend all the money at its current capacity.
STAR has room to grow. It responded to more than 7,000 calls in 2023, its highest response rate since it started in 2020. But staff said 15,000 calls were eligible for STAR responses — they just didn’t have the resources.
City employees would get raises under the proposed budget.
Johnston is proposing an average 4 percent merit raise for employees.
Johnston said that’s in response to the many emergencies staff have responded to, including COVID-19, homelessness and the spike in new immigrants.
“Our city employees over the last four years have seen more days of emergency operation than the city of Denver saw the previous 40 years before that,” Johnston said. “I think it’s important to both invest in those employees, support them and retain them.”
The city didn’t immediately respond to a question about the cost of raises.
City council and homeless advocates got a few wins.
Johnston responded to calls from some city council members and homelessness advocates to improve the availability of emergency shelters during cold weather. Council members Shontel Lewis and Sarah Parady introduced legislation in November that got shelved at the time. But on Thursday, Johnston said he would implement a key change from their proposal.
The city is budgeting $1.2 million to open cold-weather shelters when the temperature drops to 25 degrees, instead of waiting for temperatures to go as low as 20 degrees, which is the current policy. The shelters will also stay open for 24 hours, rather than just 12-hour stints. The city expects that move will increase the number of days those shelters are open from 40 days to 80 days per season.
To open the new cold-weather shelters, the city is shutting down and converting its immigrant shelters. The number of new immigrants arriving in the city has dropped sharply since last winter.
Denver also will start an Office of Community Engagement at a cost of $200,000, something city council has been researching for the past few years and has proposed in past budgeting cycles. The office will specialize in neighborhood outreach.
And businesses that will be affected by downtown construction will also get more money for support, with an added $2.5 million for businesses affected by 16th Street Mall and Colfax Avenue projects.
Denver Health is still in trouble.
One of Colorado’s only safety net hospitals is facing a major funding crisis. Costs of care for patients — many of whom lack insurance — have skyrocketed, while money from the city and private insurance has stayed relatively flat for many years.
Supporters of the hospital are running a ballot measure that would add a 0.34 percent sales tax to raise about $64 million for Denver Health. Without it, CEO Donna Lynne has said the hospital might need to cut services.
We don’t yet know if the tax hike will pass this November.
Meanwhile, the city is promising an increase to its own contribution. Johnston touted a 3 percent increase in the city’s budget for the hospital at his press conference Thursday. But Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne said that basically amounts to an adjustment for inflation. She was hoping for $30 million in emergency funding for the hospital in case the ballot measure doesn’t pass.
“This is literally inflation for a minuscule part of our budget,” she said. “We lose money on almost all the services we provide to the city.”
What’s next for the budget?
Next, different departments will come to city council to explain their plans for the next budget year. That will happen between Sept. 16 and 20, and it’s a good chance to find out what different city agencies are up to — you can find that schedule here.
In October, council will have a chance to make recommendations to the mayor, who must release his final budget draft by Oct. 21.
On Oct. 28, the public can weigh in on the budget at city council’s public hearing. Also, throughout October, city council can pass amendments to the budget. Those amendments must be approved by the mayor or overridden if Johnston chooses to veto them instead.
City council must vote on the final budget by Nov. 12. Here’s the full schedule.
Colorado voters are set to weigh in on ballot questions related to abortion rights, veterinary services, mountain lion trophy hunting and an overhaul of the state’s election system in November.
The deadline to finalize the state’s ballot is coming Friday, but all of the citizen initiatives — meaning ballot questions pursued by members of the public, rather than the legislature — were finalized late last week. State election officials certified that the final ones had received enough petition signatures after clearing earlier regulatory hurdles.
Nine ballot measures from the public have been approved. But two of those — the property tax-related initiatives 50 and 108 — are both set to be withdrawn by sponsors as part of negotiations with the governor’s office and the state legislature, which on Thursday passed another property tax relief bill at the end of a special session.
All week, we’re republishing some of our favorite Garden Visits that have a personal connection to our writers. No public gardens here, no vast estates, no professionally designed landscapes—just the backyards, vegetable patches, and flower beds that remind our writers of home. This story by Gardenista founder Michelle Slatalla is from 2017.
Whether it’s a new patio or a complete garden overhaul, any landscaping project can quickly outgrow its budget unless you plan ahead. I speak from experience.
In the six years since I moved into my house on a small lot (0.15 acres in downtown Mill Valley, California), I’ve changed nearly every aspect of the outdoor space, from the backyard to the front garden. The upgrades included a new patio, garden beds, paths, a gate, and a privacy hedge. Every step of the way, there were decisions to make on where to splurge and where to save.
As with most budgets, mine required more saving than splurging. Here are the top 10 ways I saved money on landscape design without cutting corners.
Photography by Matthew Williams for Gardenista.
1. Don’t toss; transform.
Above: My backyard gate is a repurposed vintage iron trellis, which we discovered leaning against the facade soon after we moved to the house and began to liberate the garden from years of overgrowth.
“Don’t toss; transform” is a lesson I learned from my friend Jean Victor, who wrote the chapter on Expert Advice: Garden Design in our Gardenista book: “Avoid the temptation to rip out and discard everything in your existing landscape,” Jean recommends. “Repurpose bricks from a planter for a new pathway; use old fence pickets to make a gate; dig up hardy perennials and move them to a new bed.”
2. Embrace the slippery slope.
Above: Rather than trying to change the grade of my sloping front garden, I planted perennials and grasses that would accentuate the lay of the land.
Looking for a lightweight yet powerful multifunctional keyboard? The Epomaker TH40 is the perfect option. Its compact and versatile design can fully meet these needs.
NEW YORK, August 23, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Epomaker TH40 is a portable, wireless, 40% ultra-compact versatile featured mechanical keyboard. It comes with an advanced gasket design and versatile tri-mode connectivity. It is fully programmable by VIA, an online programming software. This is a mini, portable, and smart keyboard, designed for keyboard enthusiasts and users who need to carry a keyboard with them.
Highly Portable Thanks to its use of ABS plastic as the outer casing material, the TH40 keyboard weighs only about 0.5 kg. Its compact 40% layout further reduces its dimensions to just 258 x 97 x 35 mm. This ultra-compact design, combined with its lightweight construction, allows the TH40 to be easily slipped into any type of backpack or briefcase, saving users from overburden. This level of portability makes the TH40 a perfect option for people from various industries using it in nearly any setting.
Versatility in Customization Epomaker TH40 is designed with the theme of an exceptionally compact and portable mechanical keyboard with no compromise on the versatility of the TH40. Equipped with a hot-swap PCB in Gasket structure, the Epomaker TH40 combines its versatility in customization with an unparalleled typing experience. Epomaker TH40 is compatible with VIA for customization, featuring four switchable layers. As known by all, VIA is the most widely used software for keyboard enthusiasts to set up a unique keyboard of their own. Though in 40% layout, its customizability with VIA allows users to go for this keyboard with no concern. As a team composed of a group of keyboard enthusiasts, Epomaker always keeps their keyboard in line with the trend. The Epomaker TH40 is no exception.
Tri-mode Connectivity with 3000mAh Battery Epomaker TH40 is a triple-mode mechanical keyboard, including wired USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4G wireless connectivity. Being available in a wireless connection helps maximize the usability on the desk without cable mass, considering the mini layout of the keyboard. For Bluetooth connection, the keyboard can connect to up to three devices and can be easily switched with a single press. The TH40 is equipped with a 3000mAh battery. The 3000mAh high-capacity battery ensures that the keyboard can be used for extended periods without interruption and saves users from worrying about battery usage. Moreover, its multi-system compatibility ensures users can effortlessly switch between Windows and Mac systems.
Pricing and Availability Epomaker TH40 is priced at $79.99 on the EPOMAKER official website. The keyboard is also available for purchase in EPOMAKER’s Amazon store and AliExpress Store.
“You can make them the way you want instead of trying to fit into the box that the app has given you,” she said.
Are budgeting apps secure?
Meanwhile, Fry says she doesn’t often recommend her clients use budgeting apps because of security reasons and instead encourages them to record expenses manually.
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when choosing a financial app that uses, links to and even stores sensitive banking and credit card data.
Traditionally, when people sought financial help, people would go see an adviser and talk money in private and would know that information is safe with the professional, said Robert Falzon, head of engineering at cybersecurity firm Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.
“With using apps online, we’re doing the same thing but there is no expectation of safety,” he added.
Data theft often tops the list of concerns among budgeting app users, but Falzon said there are ways to work with these apps safely.
Using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication can help prevent breaches right from the start, he said. Using bank-provided budgeting apps that are local to Canada, or tools from reputable organizations, can also help avoid vulnerabilities.
Other safety tips include using apps that have encryption and a robust security protocol, Falzon said. Making sure there’s security software on mobile devices and that people are not using public Wi-Fi to access their banks or financial apps.
Lizzy is a trained chef, food writer, and recipe developer for print and digital outlets including Insider, Real Simple, and the Chicago Tribune. She has a culinary degree from Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and a BA from Amherst College. She lives in New York City, where she runs, eats, and explores as much as possible.
FILE – A Morehouse College student lines up before the school commencement, May 19, 2024, in Atlanta. With graduation season over, many college grads are embarking on summer internships or their first full-time jobs.(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
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With graduation season over, many college grads are embarking on summer internships or their first full-time jobs. Navigating your finances when you start adult life can be challenging, from understanding your health insurance and benefits to managing a budget.
Finding a job is often the first hurdle, so if you’ve accomplished that, take a moment to be proud of yourself.
“Once you do get that first job, pat yourself on the back,” said Nick Holeman, director of financial planning for Betterment, a financial advisory company.
Here are recommendations from experts about how to do that:
Pay attention to onboarding instructions
Getting your first job is exciting, but the onboarding process can feel overwhelming. When you start a new job, most companies offer guidance about benefits such as your 401(k) and health insurance. It’s a lot of information, but it’s important not to ignore it, Holeman said.
One key thing to focus on is your employer-sponsored retirement plan. While many companies automatically enroll you, Holeman recommends you save more than the typical 2% to 3%. Automatic enrollment allows your employer to take a set amount from your paycheck to allocate to a retirement investment account. You can choose to opt out or increase the amount you contribute.
“Because you’re automatically enrolled doesn’t mean you can’t go in and increase how much you’re contributing,” he said. “And that’s a great way to build those automatic savings habits that around going to take you throughout the rest of your career.”
Figure out your health insurance
Some recent grads might stay on their parents’ health insurance while others might enroll in an employers’ health insurance plan. But if your job doesn’t offer health insurance, experts recommend you enroll in the Affordable Care Act.
“You shouldn’t go uninsured if you are going to be working for an employer that doesn’t offer health insurance,” said Louise Norris, health policy analyst for healthinsurance.org.
While you’re navigating the ACA’s marketplace, you must take into consideration your budget, health, and availability of doctors in your area. If your employer offers several health insurance plans, Norris recommends learning the details of the plans, such as your deductible, co-pays and use policy.
If you’re generally healthy and don’t go to the doctor often, Holeman recommends you choose a high-deductible health plan, because it will allow you to save money in a health savings account, also known as an HSA. An HSA lets you set aside pre-tax money to pay for medical expenses, which can help you cut out-of-pocket costs when you visit the doctor.
Save for emergencies
Emergencies are tough to prepare for because you never know when they will happen and how expensive they will be. However, it’s a good practice to have an emergency fund that will alleviate some of the financial burden if something goes wrong.
“Think of your emergency fund as a ‘break glass in case of emergency,’” said Holeman, who recommended that you keep your emergency savings in a separate bank account.
Emergency fund amounts vary depending on each person’s circumstances but Holeman recommends that you save three to six months of expenses. This is an ideal scenario, but any amount of savings can be helpful in case of an emergency.
Manage your credit card usage
Credit cards can help build your credit score and develop good borrowing habits, but if not used carefully, they can also get you in a lot of debt.
If you’re taking out your first credit card, Holeman recommends that you choose something that you can keep for a long time, since an important factor in your credit score is the length of your credit history. Holeman recommends your first credit card is one that doesn’t have a yearly fee and is easy to maintain.
If you’ve had a credit card before, remember that to maintain a good credit score and not fall into credit card debt, you must pay off your balance on time every month. It’s best if you use your credit card to pay for things you can already afford, recommended Steve Pilloff, associate professor of finance at Costello College of Business at George Mason University.
“Use it as a way to make payments rather than a way to borrow money. Focus on the card and not the credit,” Pilloff said.
Adjust your budget
Budgeting is a key component of your financial life, whether you’re trying to save for your emergency fund or pay down debt.
Budgets change along with your finances, so when you land that first full-time position and maybe move to a new city, you need to change your budget to reflect your current financial reality, Pilloff said.
If you’re using your budget to find ways to cut costs, Holeman recommends you focus on big expenses, such as rent or transportation costs, rather than small ones such as coffee or shopping. If you have debt, Holeman also recommends you first focus on paying off high-interest debt. If you don’t have debt, focusing on building an emergency fund and saving for short-term goals is also a great place to start setting goals for yourself.
Budgeting is not a one-time process. In order to achieve your financial goals, you have to continuously assess and adjust, Pilloff said.
With apps like YNAB and EveryDollar, you can access and easily modify your budget at any time. However, the best way to stick to a budget is finding the format that best works for you, whether that’s an Excel sheet or a notebook.
Summer is peak travel season for Canadians, with July the most popular time for a getaway, according to a recent Deloitte poll.
But if budget worries are casting a cloud over your vacation fantasies, experts say it’s possible to ease that anxiety. Whether you’re adventuring close to home or taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip, here are some tips to ensure summer fun doesn’t break the bank.
How to save on a staycation
Staycations allow you to eliminate some of the biggest expenses associated with travel, such as airfare and hotel stays. But unless you plan to spend the entire time reading on the deck, you’ll want a budget that allows for fun outings.
Paul Seipp, BMO’s regional president for the prairies central region, encourages exploring local attractions and experiences, keeping a special lookout for ones that don’t cost anything. Festivals, fireworks, outdoor events and parades can be a great way to make a staycation feel special.
When you do hit up a pricier local attraction, be conscious of discount days and special offers. Many museums, for example, offer cheap entry on a certain day of the week or after a certain time of day.
“One of the worst things that can happen is that September hangover when the summer bills come in, so (even for a staycation), stay on track by setting up a separate vacation account or having some savings put aside,” said Seipp.
While picnics or packing your own lunch are always budget-friendly options, Seipp said staycationers who want to dine at restaurants should consider happy hours, “kids eat free” days, and other strategic ways to save money.
How to save on a camping trip
Camping can be significantly cheaper than staying in a hotel if you already own the gear, but if you don’t, sleeping outdoors can be pricey. Experts recommend checking second-hand shops, Facebook Marketplace, and even garage sales for lightly used camping equipment.
The City Council on Tuesday approved nearly $165 million in spending for city and school budgets, various enterprise funds, Community Preservation Act money and various revolving funds for the fiscal year starting July 1.
That budget still left a $2.2 million gap between the School Committee’s so-called level services budget hit by skyrocketing special education costs, and what the mayor’s budget provided.
The School Committee was scheduled to take a final vote on the schools’ fiscal 2025 budget during its meeting Thursday evening, according to the agenda. The schools face a reduction of 20 positions as a result of the inability to close the funding gap.
The gap existed even with the use of some one-time funding by the mayor, including a $1.25 million supplemental appropriation for special education expenses this year and $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, to try and close what had been a more than $6 million shortfall. The city also provided a $1.75 million increase to the schools’ budget and has proposed the creation of a $750,000 special education stabilization fund next year.
During discussion on various departmental budgets, Councilor at-Large Valerie Gilman and others noted some of the $1.94 million in requests on the city side that were pruned out of the budget.
These cuts included $25,748 to replace a Police Department vehicle, $100,000 from the Fire Department’s overtime budget, and $30,000 for tree maintenance in the Public Works’ budget, according to a list from the treasurer/collector. The budget also trimmed $100,000 for a rooftop generator for the Rose Baker Senior Center with hope the expense could be covered through ARPA funds.
According to Budget and Finance Chair Scott Memhard, city spending breaks down this way:
General funds: Nearly $140 million, of which $51.488 million was set aside for schools.
Enterprise funds: $20.8 million.
Community Preservation Act funding: $940,000.
Revolving funds: nearly $3.2 million.
And while councilors in the Kyrouz Auditorium approved many of the recommendations of the council’s Budget and Finance Standing Committee unanimously, the vote on the school budget was 8-1, with Councilor-at-Large Jeff Worthley questioning the administration’s revenue projections in an attempt to steer more money to the school budget.
Worthley started off by looking at $175,000 in free cash to stabilize the sewer rate.
“What we are doing is taking money that was generated from taxpayers and subsidizing the sewer rate users,” he said. He asked if there as a better use for the free cash.
Memhard said Worthley raised a valuable point, but it was a little late in the game for such a change.
Council President and at-Large Councilor Tony Gross said this was brought up in subcommittee “and did not meet with a favorable result.”
The vote to use free cash to subsidize the sewer rate was 8-1 with Worthley voting “no.” He also was the lone vote against the city’s revenue projections.
“It was an unfortunate budget this year,” Councilor at-Large Jason Grow said, “certainly one obviously driven by special education costs.” It’s something he said councilors need to hold their state delegation responsible for in the future.
“I think it’s really important to remember this budget started out $6 million off of what the school department initially requested,” Grow said. He said through one-time monies and ARPA funding, the administration was able to fill $4 million of the gap.
“It’s $2 million too much,” Grow said, nothing the city-side budgets were also $2 million short.
“I don’t see how to bridge that gap,” he said. “I just don’t think that we are going to get there with revenue cooking this year. Maybe we could have done a small amount, but at the end of the day we have to be responsible for the entire city budget.”
Ward 3 Councilor Marjorie Grace thanked Worthley “for his efforts regardless of the outcome, his heart was in the right place.
“I don’t see how we can make the call any different than what they are and I’m truly sorry for that,” Grace said, looking at the cuts made.
Worthley said he voted against the mayor’s recommendation for the schools’ budget at Budget and Finance and he planned to do so again.
“I really do appreciate the calls for working together,” he said, but he did not like the term “cooking the books.”
“I think the rhetoric around that is unhelpful,” he said. He continued to question the use of about $786,000 in free cash, including the $175,000 to offset the sewer rate, and $611,000 in the budget. and he objected to revenue projections that showed significant decreases in meals and hotel taxes from year prior.
Gross noted other revenue projections “are also in the opposite direction.” He later read from a slide presentation from the schools that said “The Gloucester Public Schools will be able to, and this is with this budget, to fully able to remain strong.”
“In finalizing this budget, we have navigated significant challenges with $1.9 million in reductions on the city side and $2.2 million on the school side,” Mayor Greg Verga said in an email to the Times.
“I am proud of the collaborative work that we have done with our finance team at City Hall, which has resulted in a responsible and balanced budget.
“As I said at the City Council’s public hearing, this is not a budget without pain, but my goal has been to do the best we can with what we have and avoid making this a political issue,” Verga said. “People’s jobs should not be politicized.”
