The Pew Charitable Trusts - State and Consumer Initiatives about

Infographic: Risky Refunds

What are the risks when consumers receive their tax refund on a prepaid card? The use of general purpose reloadable prepaid cards has grown 600 percent since 2010, and Americans are expected to load over $200 billion on them this year, according to the Mercator Advisory Group.

States Bolstered by GlaxoSmithKline Settlement

The country’s largest health-care fraud settlement will send millions of dollars back into state Medicaid programs.

Insurance Changes Explained: Why State Officials Are Nervous About New Federal Rules

Traditionally, the federal government has left most regulation of insurance to the states. But passage of the Dodd-Frank law two years ago inserted the federal government deeper into the mix.

New Jersey's Waiver Wars

Governor Chris Christie is seeking to make New Jersey’s tough regulatory climate more business-friendly, but environmental groups say his new waiver rule goes too far.

Homebrewing Laws Tapped for Change

An estimated 1 million Americans brew beer and make wine at home at least once a year. But that is still illegal in two states, and in some others, they can make it, but can't share it outside their homes. Efforts are under way to change that.

Jobless in 15 States to Lose Extended Benefits

Lower state unemployment rates are usually a cause for celebration. But in as many as 15 states, that good news also has triggered the loss of unemployment benefits for thousands of workers starting next month.

Where the Bank Failures Are

When banks go under, states often have a big role in making sure that a healthier bank buys the assets and that consumers experience a smooth transition.

Bans on BPA Gain Traction

TODAY'S TAKE: Wisconsin on Wednesday (March 3) became the third state after Connecticut and Minnesota to ban the manufacture of baby bottles and "sippy cups" containing the chemical BPA, or Bisphenol A. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have cited concerns over the chemical, including possible effects on the development of fetuses, babies and young children. At least nine other states are considering similar legislation, with Maryland poised to become the next to adopt a ban.

Voters May Decide Fate of Payday Loans

In Ohio and Arizona, the payday loan industry is trying a different strategy in its battle to survive.

Payday Lenders Catch Lawmakers' Attention

Legislators in Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon recently have clamped down on the short-term, high-interest lending industry, blaming it for saddling residents with dangerous levels of debt.

States Lose in Bank Squabble With Feds

State regulators are locked out of a slice of the home mortgage-lending industry, thanks to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. But the turf war between states and the federal government over banking regulations isn't over.

More States Sold on Reforming Gift Cards

It has taken a few years, but state legislatures are catching up with glitches in the popularity of gift cards, the quick-fix solution for those too befuddled or time-pressed to find the perfect present.

Minnesota Governor Leads Fight for Legal Rx Imports

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) is leading a growing cadre of governors, including several other Republicans, who favor importing less expensive medicine from Canada as a way to curb rising prescription drug costs. Stateline.org sat down with Pawlenty and got his take on the contentious issue that is creating a rift between many states and the federal government and is making waves in the presidential campaign.

Gas Prices Hit State Fleets, Consumer Wallets

Memorial Day, meant to honor soldiers' sacrifices, this year will mean consumers' wallets get pinched as they hit the road for the ceremonial start of summer. Soaring gas prices are also affecting state vehicle fleets and fuel budgets. California and Florida are launching price-gouging investigations, and a few states are thinking about suspending their state gas tax.

Legislators Aim to Protect Value of Popular Gift Cards

State legislators are responding to shoppers complaints that some of those plastic gift cards that have become so popular in recent years are a consumer rip-off because they expire or lose value over time. Nearly half of the states are considering following Californias lead and regulating the high-tech presents. Some cards, though, may be caught up in a federal-state tug of war.