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Zina Hutton

Staff Writer

Zina Hutton is a former staff writer for Governing. She has been a freelance culture writer, researcher and copywriter since 2015. In 2021, she started writing for Teen Vogue. At Governing, Zina focused on state and local finance, workforce, education and management and administration news.

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Future in Context
West Virginia Senator Champions School Choice, Vulnerable Communities
Driven by personal experience and an inclusive vision, Patricia Rucker is leading the campaign for universal school choice across her state. An advocate for comprehensive legislation, she supports a range of educational options.
Nov. 4, 2024
 · Paul W. Taylor, Ashley Silver, Zina Hutton
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Public Officials of the Year 2024
The Woman Who Helped Kick Off a School Choice Revolution
West Virginia had no private school choice options at all before Patricia Rucker made vouchers universal. Nearly a dozen states have followed suit.
Fall 2024
 · Zina Hutton
An illuminated red and blue light bar on top of a law enforcement vehicle at night.
Workforce
Do Civilian Review Boards Work?
2020 made police reform “sexy” on a policy level, leading to a significant increase in civilian oversight boards around the country. However, in the years following, many of these boards are still trying to find their footing.
Aug. 30, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
The entrance to the Supreme Court building on a sunny day with a clear sky.
Policy
Can States Regulate Social Media Without Drawing First Amendment Challenges?
Despite free speech challenges, state legislators have continued passing laws that age gate websites or override platforms' terms of service. Experts say there are ways to protect users without drawing First Amendment lawsuits.
Aug. 22, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
Miami,,Florida,-,Circa,July,,2022:,Police,Car,Side,View
Workforce
Why It's So Hard to Recruit Police Officers
Many big-city departments are short of officers. It's not a new problem, but young people seem to be shying away from the field.
Aug. 12, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
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Finance
The Payoff of State Film Tax Credits
Audits in a number of states have found that tax incentive programs for film and TV end up as money losers. Although some states are considering capping their programs, more are expanding theirs.
July 22, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu discussing Celtics victory parade
Policy
Homicide Rates Continue to Fall in Much of the Country
The pandemic led to a spike in violent crime that brought the issue back to the political fore. However, homicides are dropping by double digits in many major cities.
July 18, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
Freshman Isabella Polaski, left, and senior Nelly Ellis volunteer with other McDaniel College students
Management and Administration
Plummeting Enrollment Leads More Colleges to Close
College enrollment levels were already projected to decline due to lower birthrates. Recent difficulties with federal financial aid and teens’ growing concerns about cost haven’t helped.
July 12, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
people in a crowded street with some holding American flags
Magazine
Gen Z Makes Its Entrance Onto the Political Stage
Members of the youngest generation of adults are starting to hold office.
Summer 2024
 · Zina Hutton
Homes in Meridian, Idaho
Finance
Voters in Several States Can Cut — or Abolish — Property Taxes This Fall
Voters in at least seven states will decide property tax measures in November. Most would limit what homeowners have to pay, but two would eliminate the tax completely.
July 8, 2024
 · Zina Hutton
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