Stateline Stories

Legislation Would Take State Mineral Revenue off Chopping Block

Proposals in Congress would save tens of millions of dollars in mineral payments to states from sequestration’s sweeping cuts.

Per Capita, New Anti-Terror Funds Still Favor Wyoming

The federal government is targeting more homeland security funds to high-risk urban areas this year, but more anti-terrorism money still is being spent to protect each resident in the most sparsely populated states than in populous ones. New Yorkers gained funding, but residents in Wyoming once again top a list of anti-terrorism grants ranked on a per capita basis, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service. Stateline.org also has included a state-by-state ranking of 2005 per capita security funding.

States Call For Block Grants in 2002 Farm Bill

Wyoming agriculture director Ron Micheli doesn't believe a "one-size-fits-all farm bill" works for every farmer and rancher in his state, much less the whole country. So he has joined with other state agriculture officials to recommend that Congress adopt a limited block grant approach to doling out federal agriculture dollars.

Wyoming One of Few States Facing Economic Hard Times

Smack in the middle of the longest economic boom in U.S. history, Wyoming is one of a handful of states saddled with a deficit, instead of a record-setting surplus.

Wyoming Adopts Health Insurance For Kids Of Working Poor

Wyoming, the second to last state to construct a plan to provide health insurance to kids of the working poor, has finally adopted the necessary legislation, but it took two years and a contentious battle among lawmakers. On March 1, Republican Gov. Jim Geringer signed into law a bill that launches KidCare, Wyoming's version of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Congress established the program in 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget Act, but Geringer and conservative legislators had long opposed the structure of CHIP, labeling it an "entitlement" program rather than a block grant, and a threat to "personal responsibility."

Summary of the Wyoming State of the State Address

Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat, called on the Republican-led legislature to use a "conservative" approach while drafting this year's budget.

Wind Tax Debate Not Over in Wyoming

TODAY'S TAKE: A first-in-the-nation tax on wind energy production in Wyoming is being cited by the industry as one reason why it is looking elsewhere to do business.

What Do Record Low Natural Gas Prices Mean for States?

Newly abundant and cheap natural gas has slashed home heating bills for many Americans. But in some states, the continued price drop has thinned state budgets and shifted energy production.

Pro-Baseball Franchise Hit with Unusual State Audit

More than three dozen new professional sports stadiums and arenas opened in the United States in the last decade, many of them built with taxpayer money. Some taxpayers and the people who represent them seem satisfied with the bargain, but others are beginning to ask why some of the teams that benefited have provided so little to cheer about.

States Offer Tax Breaks to Spur Organ Donation

A new Wisconsin initiative to boost organ donations in the state by giving an income-tax deduction to living donors is gaining steam in statehouses across the country. Since January, Georgia lawmakers approved an identical bill, and similar measures have been introduced in 10 other states.

Budget Plan Gives Wisconsin Big Political Issue

Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum has triggered an election year battle with his proposal to phase out a 90 year-old program of state aid to local governments to erase a $1.2 billion state budget deficit. The politically risky plan, fiercely opposed by many urban leaders and Democratic legislative leaders, would reduce the $1 billion per year "Shared Funding" program by more than one-third this year alone.

Green Bay Packers Seeking Legislative Touchdown

While most football fans focus on the clash of the St. Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans in the NFL's Super Bowl XXXIV, Wisconsin "Cheeseheads" are debating the merits of an expensive public/private plan to renovate the home field of the legendary Green Bay Packers. Gov. Tommy Thompson is an enthusiastic supporter, but many lawmakers are taking a cautious approach to the proposed Lambeau Field makeover.

Wisconsin Typical Of State Tobacco Settlement Debate

More than 440 bills dealing with how to allocate tobacco settlement funds have been introduced in the state legislatures since the $206 billion dollar settlement between 46 states and the five major tobacco companies was reached last November. With Congress moving to bar any federal claim to share in the settlement, it looks likely that states will have complete control of the money. In many, there is sharp debate on how to spend it. For a special report on how the debate is playing out in Wisconsin - click on

Wisconsin Budget Stalemate Goes On

Three months ago today (Friday), the Wisconsin Legislature should have been putting the finishing touches on a two-year, $41 billion state budget. But top legislators still are at it, and for the second budget cycle in a row the budget is delayed far past the July 1 start of the new fiscal year. There's no budget crisis, because unlike the federal government when lawmakers fail to act, Wisconsin government doesn't shut down. It continues to run at previously set budget levels, as the state discovered in 1997.

New York Senate Back At Work, Wisconsin Gets Budget

New York's state Senate returned to work after a two-month break, Wisconsin lawmakers approved a $41-billion budget three months late and squabbling between two powerful Massachusetts politicians is keeping that state without a budget well past its July 1 fiscal deadline.

Wisconsin's Gov Thompson Vows To Reshape Budget Tax Package

Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson signed the 1999-2001 state budget today, but a power struggle over the Badger State budget is not yet over. Thompson has some firm ideas about how he wants the budget's tax cut features to work, and he's used his line-item power to get what he wants. The four-term governor has cast thousands of vetoes, and has yet to suffer an override. So he's likely to prevail in the fiscal test of wills.

Wisconsin Legislative Outlook: Skirmishing Over Substance

Wisconsin was the second to last state in the Union to pass a budget this year because of partisan wrangling (Massachusetts brought up the rear), and the state's lawmakers and lobbyists say the acrimonious climate in Madison that caused the lonmg budget stalemate is likely to spill over into year 2000. Because of this, few people expect much in the way of legislative accomplishments in the next twelve months.

Wisconsin Budget Proposal Hits State Workers

TODAY'S TAKE: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker proposed a budget on Friday (February 11) that puts an end to most collective bargaining rights for public worker unions and, according to the governor's own estimates, will cost the average state employee thousands of dollars a year.

Wisconsin Pension Plan Among Most Secure

Pension benefits are a major issue in Wisconsin's current legislative stalemate. In fact, though, Wisconsin is one state where they aren't much of a problem.

Summary of the Wisconsin State of the State Address

It's been a difficult year for Wisconsin, but Gov. Jim Doyle (D) struck an upbeat tone during his Jan. 26 state of the state address. Despite budget cuts, furloughs and pay and hiring freezes, Doyle warned that more cuts were on the horizon, although he vowed to continue "protecting education, health care and public safety and protecting the middle class against tax increases."

Road Funding a Big Issue in Contest for Governor of West Virginia

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Highways emerge as a crucial topic in West Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial primary … Atlanta area officials have a long wish list of transit projects … Kansas and Texas move forward with plans for higher speed limits, and other transportation news.

School Ruling Roils Race for Washington Governor

School funding is playing an outsized role in the Washington gubernatorial race, but it may be a while before new money comes from Olympia.

Few in Northwest Neutral on Eyman Initiatives

People who live in the state of Washington either love or hate Tim Eymans political involvement. Supporters say he's fighting for taxpayers and keeping the legislature in check. Detractors say Eyman is a hired gun for special interests who abuses the initiative process.

Initiative 695 Haunts State Government In Washington

Election year for Washingtons part-time Legislature normally means a short session, just enough time to tweak the biennial budget, pass a few bills, and create an issue or two for the campaign. But this year would hardly qualify as normal.

Western State Reporters Say Taxes, Education Top 2000 Agenda

Reporters from eight Western states identified tax policy, education funding, health care reforms and apportionment of the states' tobacco settlement funds as the most pressing issues likely to be addressed by their states in the next legislative year. Over 50 journalists from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming repeatedly mentioned those topics during a recent statehouse reporters' conference in Boise, Idaho.

Tax Dispute Heats Up in Washington

TODAY'S TAKE: A tax battle is brewing in Washington state, where Democrats have proposed the first general sales-tax hike in 27 years - suspending a voter-approved initiative in order to do so. Minority Republicans, unable to stop the plan, instead have used delaying tactics to shine an election-year spotlight on Democratic tax proposals, which are meant to address a $2.7 billion budget shortfall.

Marijuana Bills Tempt Cash-Starved States

A history of marijuana laws This has been a bumper year for marijuana legislation, according to state policy observers. Crushing state budget deficits gave advocates in California, Washington, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York and elsewhere an opening to pitch marijuana as a new source of tax revenue. At the same time, the Obama administration gave users and distributors some breathing room by signaling in October that it would scale back on prosecuting them as long as they comply with state law.

Tim Eyman’s Signature Strategy

Anti-tax activists in Washington State love him. The state's legislative leaders wish he'd go away. The one thing everyone agrees on is that nobody knows how to run a ballot initiative campaign like Tim Eyman.

Rich and Famous Take Sides on Washington's Income Tax Initiative

TODAY'S TAKE: A ballot initiative that would create an income tax on top earners in Washington State is dividing some of its most famous - and wealthy - residents.

Washington Special Session: One Day, $600 Million Cut

TODAY'S TAKE: A one-day special session in Washington State on Saturday (December 11) resulted in nearly $600 million in budget cuts. But the reductions represent only about half of what is needed to close the state's $1.1 billion budget shortfall.

Tax Amnesty Pays Off in Washington State

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Washington State face plenty of fiscal problems, but their job became a little easier Tuesday (May 3) with the announcement that a three-month tax amnesty program for businesses produced more than double the amount expected.

Washington State Braces for Bad News

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Olympia are worried that a budget shortfall of $1 billion to $2 billion could emerge from a new state revenue forecast to be issued today (September 15).

Liquor Privatization Initiative Polls Well in Washington State

TODAY'S TAKE: Washington could become the first state since West Virginia in 1991 to sell off its retail liquor stores under a proposal facing the voters next week.

Revenue Increase on Table in Washington Special Session

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Washington State return to Olympia today (November 28) to address a $1.4 billion budget gap. Among the proposals being considered is a sales tax hike pushed by Governor Chris Gregoire.

Industry Lobbying Turns Soda Taxes From Fizzy to Flat

The beverage industry's fight against soda taxes shows how far an industry will go to keep its products from being lumped with alcohol, tobacco and others subject to so-called "sin taxes."

Boeing and Microsoft Boom, but Washington State Busts

Lawmakers in Olympia are finding that a common narrative about their state's economy - the notion that airplanes and software will carry the day - masks a more complicated and frustrating reality.

Summary of the Washington State of the State Address

"Jobs are the way out of this recession," Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) told the Democratic-led Legislature in her state of the state address Jan. 12, laying out a series of proposals she said would create as many as 40,000 new jobs this year.

Health Care Wrangling Could Delay State Aid

TODAY'S TAKE: Federal health care reform has been a divisive issue for states, but for some governors seeking immediate budget relief from Capitol Hill, the wrangling over the legislation is causing uncertainty.

Billions on the Ballot

In November, voters in a number of states will consider ballot measures that, if passed, would have enormous fiscal consequences. Some would raise taxes, others would slash them, and still others would impact state spending in dramatic ways.

The Not-So-Dependable Sales Tax

In a recession, people cut back on buying things they don't really need. States that depend heavily on sales tax revenue for their budgets have been hit hard as a result.

Tax Restructuring Plan Tops Virginia Governor's Agenda

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D) is pushing the most ambitious tax package in the nation to maintain his states renowned education system and shore up its economy. But even Warner agrees he faces a real challenge getting the plan through the Republican-controlled General Assembly, which reconvenes Jan. 14.

Virginia Tax Hike Could Lead to Higher Taxes Elsewhere

The impact of the tax increase in Virginia likely will be felt beyond the Old Dominion. The $1.36 billion tax hike that Virginia Republicans gave to its Democratic governor may give other cash-strapped states cover to raise taxes on their own.

Virginia Car Tax Cuts: County-By-County Impact

Click here to see a list of Virginia car taxes by county or city.

Virginia Rural Areas Slighted By Car Tax Relief

When it comes to phasing out the state's car tax, most Virginians would say don't look a gift horse in the mouth. But some legislators, especially from rural areas, are ready to give that horse a swift kick.

Budget Crisis Spurs Innovation, Reform

The state budget crisis, for all its pain, could have a silver lining. Lawmakers are being forced to look anew at ways to squeeze more out of less by streamlining management and technology systems and even changing their healthcare and tax systems. States could emerge from the crisis leaner, stronger and better able to deliver the services taxpayers demand.

On the Record: Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D)

Like many of his colleagues, Virginia Gov. Mark Warner is looking for savings everywhere he can find them to try to close his state's budget gap. In an interview with Stateline.org, Warner shared some of his ideas. To read excerpts from the interview, click on

Car Tax Phaseout Splits Virginia Republicans

A veteran of a thousand political wars, Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III barely blinks when opponents call him single-minded, dictatorial and even hallucinatory. Gilmore expected to become a lightning rod when he was appointed chairman of the Republican National Committee in January. But he may never have guessed that his most vociferous critics would be fellow Republicans back home.

Anti Car-Tax Sentiment To Be Tested In Washington State

Since Republican James S. Gilmore rode an anti car-tax pledge to the Virginia governor's mansion in 1998, the unpopular levy has become a political target in many states. The next big test of its continued viability as a revenue source will come on Nov. 2, when voters in the state of Washington will consider an even tougher anti car-tax initiative than the Gilmore proposal that started it all.

Public Broadcasting Cuts at Issue in Virginia

TODAY'S TAKE: A proposal by Virginia's governor to phase out state funding for public broadcasting ran into trouble in the state House of Delegates on Wednesday (April 21), as legislators sought to defend what they see as a valuable educational tool, particularly for children. Public programming has been a little-discussed victim of budget cuts in states from New York to Utah.

Will States' Credit Suffer From S&P Federal Downgrade?

TODAY'S TAKE: Politicians and financial analysts are preparing for the ripple effects of a first-ever downgrade of the federal government's credit rating, including what it might mean for states.

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

Bob McDonnell Breaks Virginia's Transportation Gridlock

The governor's three-year, $3 billion plan relies heavily on borrowing to fund big transportation projects. The initiative does not go far enough for many transportation advocates, but it passed the General Assembly with little of the controversy that embroiled the efforts of McDonnell's predecessors to relieve congestion.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

Weekly Wrap: States Could Hand Off Liquor Stores

Three states weigh privatizing liquor sales; Lawmakers take aim at shorter, fewer sessions.

Summary of the Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address (Gov. Tim Kaine)

Outgoing Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) offered a mixed assessment of his four years, saying the state has largely endured the recession but still faces huge challenges in transportation and higher education.

Summary of the Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address

Inheriting a $4 billion budget shortfall, first-year Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) said on Jan. 18 he would rely on spending cuts instead of tax increases to get Virginia through its worst financial crisis since the 1930s.

An Ironic Mix: Economy Up, Revenues Down

State lawmakers trying to close budget gaps may not find much to cheer about in recent reports that the economy is improving. In fact, the good economic news may even add irony to lawmakers' budget debates, according to veteran fiscal analyst Nick Jenny. The reason is that state tax revenues still are coming in well below estimates, despite the improving economy.

Vermont leads pack in taxes per person

Vermont rocketed past five other states during last fiscal year to lead the country with the highest state tax burden per resident, according to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report. In every state but New Hampshire, revenues per resident grew in fiscal year 2005.

The Spending That Isn’t Counted

Most spending programs are easily traceable in state budgets. But tax incentives are not. Some legislators think they should be.

Summary of the Vermont State of the State Address

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas (R) used his final state of the state address to urge lawmakers Jan. 7 to roll back tax increases enacted last year to balance the budget, and he called for sweeping changes to the way Vermonters pay for education.

Vermont's Pension Solution: Civility

To read the news, you'd think every state was having nasty fights over public pension issues. At least one state has chosen to do it a different way.

Snow Puts Strain on State and Local Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: The heavy snowfall that has blanketed much of the mid-Atlantic region in recent days already has exhausted an entire winter's worth of state and local cleanup budgets in some places.

Provo Stars in Utah’s Economic Recovery

Utah’s recovery has been driven by construction projects and high-tech start-ups with Provo, Forbes’ top pick for business and career opportunities, a driving force.

Utah to Use Gifts to Pay for Medicaid

If Gov. John Huntsman's plan works, Utah will use $2 million in private donations - instead of state tax dollars - to cover the dental bills of 40,000 poor residents on Medicaid next year. The unusual arrangement, and the political drama that led up to it, stirred up a hornet's nest in Utah over how Medicaid is funded and how state officials choose what services to pay for.

Utah Governor Fumes as Arizona Considers New Highway Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Arizona would like to make a toll road out of a remote 29-mile stretch of interstate highway between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Utah Governor Gary Herbert has blasted the scheme.

Summary of the Utah State of the State Address

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) used his first state of the state address to call on lawmakers Jan. 26 to exercise fiscal restraint and not raise taxes, but to also protect education from budget cuts.

Can Texas Beat Its Fund-Balance Addiction?

To balance the budget, lawmakers rely on money they can’t spend. Will that change this year?

Will Moderation Win in Texas?

The budget has improved dramatically in Texas, but spending more isn’t necessarily an easy sell.

Texas Awaits Ruling on Franchise Tax’s Fate

The Texas Supreme Court is expected within days to decide whether the state’s franchise tax, designed to cover more businesses and raise more revenue, is constitutional.

Texas Efficiency Program Sparks Political Squabble

Although much-loved by fiscal conservatives, e-Texas -- the states money-saving and efficiency program -- is under assault from the Republican-dominated Legislature.

Tough Times Bring Brazen Sales Pitches

TODAY'S TAKE: Governors are known to make friendly wagers with one another when their states' sports teams meet on the field. These days, they're also competing brazenly with each other for investors.

Amazon Blasts Texas Over Sales Tax Grab

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas Governor Rick Perry has sold his state nationally as a close friend of business. But now Amazon, the online retailer, is closing a suburban Dallas distribution center and canceling plans to expand in Texas because of what it sees as an "unfavorable regulatory climate."

With Revenues Rising, Texas Sees $1.6 Billion Surplus on Horizon

TODAY'S TAKE: While California and New York face significant budget deficits, Texas is projecting a considerable surplus by the end of the next fiscal year. The state comptroller credits rising sales taxes and natural gas revenues.

Texas Struggles to Fill a Texas-Sized Budget Hole

AUSTIN, Texas - Cutting billions of dollars in spending for public programs is tough in a state that was stingy with them even in the good years.

The Deficit Texas Didn't See Coming

Assumed for the past two years to be in decent fiscal shape, Texas now finds itself with what could be a $21 billion budget gap. It will have to be filled. But first, the state's residents have to be persuaded that it exists.

In Texas, School Growth Clashes With a Shrinking Budget

AUSTIN, Texas - As Texas schools enroll 500 new students a day, state leaders are lopping billions of dollars from the education budget. The courts may get the final say on an issue that could force Texas to reexamine its entire fiscal system.

Party Switch Gives Texas House Republicans Supermajority

TRANSITION WATCH: Two-thirds control of the House means Texas Republicans can overcome Democratic delaying tactics, outgoing governors issue their final pardons, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Tennessee Tax Fight Scrambles State's Political Battle Lines

Tennessee's legislature is meeting in special session to debate a controversial tax package that Gov. Don Sunquist says is his state's only way out of fiscal chaos. The reform plan has sparked a bitter fight that is proving anew the old saying that politics makes strange bedfellows. For Republican Sundquist is allied with the Democrats, and opposed by his fellow Republicans.

Summary of the Tennessee State of the State Address

Term-limited Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) unveiled a new budget plan that would cut state spending and use up about $200 million in rainy day funds during his final state of the state address Feb. 1.

Budget Picture Brightens in New Fiscal Year

TODAY'S TAKE: State revenues are a long way from catching up to where they were before the recession started, but reports out of Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee and Virginia show that they are climbing back.

Amazon Cuts Another Deal, Will Collect Tax in Tennessee

TODAY'S TAKE: A month after the nation's largest online retailer agreed to collect sales taxes in California, it struck a deal to do the same in Tennessee, adding pressure on Congress to come up with a national law governing online sales.

How a Small Town's Bond Bust Led to a Model State Debt Policy

Lewisburg, Tennessee, got tangled up in an interest rate swap deal gone bad. As the town of 11,000 wrestles with the fiscal fallout, the state comptroller is forcing local governments to think hard before they engage in exotic investment deals.

Credit Card Companies Fuel South Dakota Surplus

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: Many credit card firms make their home in South Dakota, which does not limit the interest rates they can charge their customers. While the sector has been hit hard recently amid tougher federal regulations, new state tax collection figures suggest it may be coming back, helping South Dakota in the process.

South Dakota Governor Pitches Balanced Budget Amendment

TAX AND BUDGET BEAT: South Dakota already balances its budget each year, but Governor Dennis Daugaard thinks his state would be better off with the requirement explicitly in the state constitution.

Summary of the South Dakota State of the State Address

In his final state of the state address, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R) called for lawmakers to help carry on the state's progress in education and the economy, saying South Dakota's low 5 percent unemployment rate shows the state is heading in the right direction.

Frugal Governor Finds State Government A Tough Sell

A notorious penny-pincher, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is trying to bring his model of personal economizing to the structure of state government. Even he admits this isn't easy.

Weekly Wrap: Washington State, South Carolina Clash in jobs Competition

Why Washington state did not offer Boeing new incentives; Questions about government transparency in Utah; Job-creating commission may not have generated jobs.

Education's Less-Than-Certain Windfall

There's $10 billion for schools in the state aid bill Congress passed last month. But some school systems have reason to wonder whether they are going to see the money.

South Carolina Budget Board's Days May Be Numbered

TAX AND BUDGET BEAT: For decades, South Carolina governors have been trying to consolidate power by killing the state's Budget and Control Board. This year, it may finally happen.

Amazon Gains Upper Hand in South Carolina Tax Break Battle

Despite determined opposition from big retail chains and most of the state's business establishment, a huge tax exemption for the on-line company is moving forward.

Summary of the South Carolina State of the State Address

South Carolina Gov. Sanford, once considered a strong GOP presidential contender, used his final state of the state address to again apologize for the "storm" his extramarital affair wrought and laid out three goals he hopes to accomplish in his final year in office, including a cap on spending.

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Rhode Island Faces an Investment Gone Awry

After an investment many questioned from the beginning, Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios bankruptcy has left Rhode Island with a significant debt to pay, and facing questions over the future of economic development efforts.

Locals Take Losses in State Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: The trickle-down effect of state budget problems is on display this week in New York and Rhode Island, where governors announced plans to cut aid to localities.

In Rhode Island, Chafee Follows Through on Taxes

TODAY'S TAKE: The nation's only politically independent governor, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, won election on the uncommon platform of increasing taxes. On Tuesday (March 8), Chafee followed through on that promise when he delivered his first budget to state lawmakers.

Rhode Island Begins Debate Over Ballooning Pension Obligations

TODAY'S TAKE: Hundreds of demonstrators are expected in Providence today (October 26) as state lawmakers hold their first public hearing on a major overhaul of the state pension system, one that asks more of current retirees as well as future pensioners.

A Few Candidates Buck Conventional Wisdom on Taxes

Taxes are a hot subject in this year's gubernatorial campaigns, with many calling for tax cuts. But candidates willing to talk about higher taxes are a rare breed. Still, there are a few of them.

Former Senator Runs on Tax Reform in R.I.

TODAY'S TAKE: Lincoln Chafee, a former Republican U.S. senator from Rhode Island, is running for governor - a job his father held- as an independent. He's also running on a plan to raise taxes.

Summary of the Rhode Island State of the State Address

Gov. Donald Carcieri said Jan. 26 he would use his final year in office to revive Rhode Island's economy through tax credits instead of tax increases and by continuing to cut government spending.

Should States Get Out of the Booze Business?

Pennsylvania is as close as it has ever come to privatizing liquor sales following a House vote in March. Tricky questions await the Senate as it considers whether to modernize or dismantle the state’s multifarious system.