Stateline Stories

Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Elections Law

The Supreme Court struck down an Arizona elections policy on Monday, upholding the federal government’s power over states in elections administration and voter registration.

Forest Service Tries to Claw Back Funds from States

The U.S. Forest Service thinks it has found a way to meet its sequester target – by asking states to return money to Washington.

Delay in Implementing Sequester Forces Deeper Unemployment Cuts

Unemployment benefits were already on the chopping block thanks to sequestration. But in three-dozen states, the pain for the long-term unemployed is even greater because states have been slow to enact the across-the-board federal cuts.

Federal Road Fund Could Go Broke by 2015

With federal transportation money drying up, will the burden fall to the states?

Balancing State and Federal Roles in Boston Bomber Case

Accused Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged with federal crimes of terrorism that carry the potential for a death sentence. Does it matter that Massachusetts doesn’t have the death penalty?

Illinois Follows Nevada with Highest Unemployment

State unemployment numbers fluctuate and once again Nevada tops the country, but the state that comes in second is new.

Obama Budget Calls for More Competitive Grants

The White House budget, released Wednesday, envisions making states compete with one another for a host of federal grant programs, similar to the Race to the Top education program.

States Rack Up Victories in Bids to Collect Online Sales Taxes

After more than a decade of trying, state officials think they may get to collect billions of dollars of taxes on online sales soon. Find out why.

Sequester Will Force Universities to Scale Back Scientific Research

The sequester is already limiting the amount of money universities can offer to graduate students.

Arizona’s Border Fence Still Faces Obstacles

After nearly two years of preparation and with more than a quarter million dollars of private donations in hand, Arizona officials still have not unveiled a plan to build a border fence. But a state lawmaker who is leading the effort said that will soon change.

Sequester Cuts at Justice Department Threaten Local Drug Investigations

The partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. threatens to curb drug investigations in rural communities.

How Federalism Could Doom DOMA, But Save State Bans

Supporters of same-sex marriage are optimistic after this week’s Supreme Court arguments, but some worry about a narrow ruling.

Florida Governor Knocks Obama for Unpaid Port Bill

Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants more than just a presidential visit to Miami’s port; he wants the federal government to pay its share of the bill for big improvements under way at Florida’s biggest ports.

Justices Appear Skeptical of Defense of Marriage Act

A majority of the court seemed skeptical of whether the federal government could justify refusing to recognize state-allowed same-sex marriages.

DOMA: The Supreme Court Justices in Their Own Words

Roll over each Justice to see what they said.

Prop 8: The Supreme Court Justices on Gay Marriage in Their Own Words

Supreme Court justices heard arguments Tuesday in the first of two cases that could dramatically alter the divergent paths the states have taken on gay marriage. See their comments during the arguments by rolling your mouse over each justice.

Divided Court Confronts Gay Marriage

The justices appeared split over same-sex marriage, but the outcome of the case remained unclear.

Legislatures Consider Limits on Prisoner Deportations Through Secure Communities

As Congress considers major revisions to federal immigration laws, legislators in a few states are trying to curb the federal government’s power to deport immigrants who land in jail.

Supreme Court Will Review Michigan’s Affirmative Action Ban

The nation’s highest court will decide whether a Michigan affirmative action ban passed by voters in 2006 can prevent colleges and universities from using race when they decide which students to admit.

AGs Split Ahead of Gay Marriage Arguments

Gay marriage has divided the states, and as the Supreme Court takes up arguments this week, attorneys general are as divided as the public.

Congress May Reverse Some of Sequester’s Cuts to WIC

An effort to keep the federal government open could also deliver relief to pregnant women, mothers and young children in need of food.

Supreme Court Probes Arizona Voter Registration Law

The Supreme Court justices dissected Arizona’s challenge to a federal voter registration law during arguments Monday, even as they seemed to avoid the broader issues of states’ rights versus federal authority underlying the case.

Voter Registration in Supreme Court Spotlight

It’s gotten less attention than the challenge to the Voting Rights Act, but an Arizona challenge to the National Voter Registration Act could upset elections administration around the country.

Nullification: Old Arguments Against Feds Get New Life

States challenging Washington is not new, but Second Amendment worries have breathed new life into a movement championing a wider range of topics than ever before.

Congress Debates Highway Safety Funding Cuts

Budget battles on Capitol Hill could cost states federal money to fight distracted driving and to roll out graduated licenses for teen drivers.

The 5 States Most Vulnerable to Sequestration’s Education Cuts

Automatic federal budget cuts will slash more than $1 billion in K-12 education dollars this year, paring everything from Title I money for low-income students to school improvement initiatives.

Price tag of Sequester to States: $6 Billion

The belt-tightening from Washington begins in earnest, but states still aren’t sure just what the sequester will mean for them.

Automatic Defense Cuts Will Deal Blow to States

A Stateline analysis shows automatic defense spending reductions will hit defense contractors hard. This sector comprises as much as 8 percent of some state economies.

States in Recovery: Revenues

For nearly half the states, recovery is tenuous, with revenues still below peak levels before the recession.

Deep Divide Apparent as Supreme Court Considers Voting Rights Act

The justices divided along ideological lines in the Voting Rights Act case, leaving the outcome in doubt.

Supreme Court to Weigh States’ Rights vs. Voting Rights

States’ rights will once again take center stage at the Supreme Court Wednesday as arguments are heard over a challenge to the Voting Rights Act.

States with Heavy Military Presence Hurt Hardest

The White House published a 50-state list of potential impacts from the automatic budget cuts known as sequestration. States that rely heavily on military spending would be hurt worst.

States, GOP Lawmakers Eye Tougher Election Laws

The run-up to the 2012 elections was one of court battles and legislative jockeying over Republican-backed voter ID and elections laws that critics called bald-faced attempts to suppress turnout and disenfranchise Democratic voters.

Obama Sends $50.5 billion Sandy Relief Package to States

Federal aid is finally headed to the Atlantic Coast states, three months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged their shores.

Social Issues Challenge State-Federal Relationship

States have leapt ahead of Washington on key social issues, ushering in a new era of stress between the two levels of government.

Uncertainty from Washington Continues for States

States trying to craft their budgets for the upcoming year will have to wait until March for more details from Washington.

Northeast Governors Outraged About Sandy Aid Delay

Frustration boiled over on Wednesday, the day after the U.S. House, finishing up a compromise to avert the nation’s “fiscal cliff,” scrapped a vote on the $60.4 billion relief plan approved last month by the Senate.

‘Cliff’ Deal Answers a Few Questions for States

Congress averted the much-feared “fiscal cliff” late Tuesday, passing a legislative package to be signed promptly by President Obama. The deal answered a few burning questions for state governments, but many still linger.

Congress Likely to Postpone Online Sales Tax Collection

A bipartisan group of state elected officials has pushed hard for federal legislation that would allow states to require the collection of sales taxes on internet purchases. For now, though, that effort hasn’t overcome congressional gridlock.

Fiscal Cliff Jitters Could Boost Early State Tax Revenue

When filmmaker George Lucas sold his company and the Star Wars franchise to Walt Disney Co. this fall, he saved hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal taxes by not waiting until next year when higher tax rates are anticipated. He’s hardly alone.

Medicaid Trumps `Fiscal Cliff’ as Top State Budget Concern

Medicaid is still the biggest budget worry for the coming year, according to a new survey of state legislative directors to be released soon. Nowhere is the problem larger than in Texas, which faces a $4.3 billion Medicaid deficit.

Supreme Court Takes Up Gay Marriage Cases

The high court has accepted two gay marriage cases for its spring term. One case, out of New York, concerns whether the federal government can deny benefits to gay couples married in states that allow same-sex marriage. It will also review California’s ban on same-sex marriage.

After Obama Vow, Washington Weighs Role in Election Management

President Obama has brought renewed attention to the issue of voting difficulties around the country, and in the process has set in motion a variety of proposals to change election law.

In Fiscal Cliff Talks, Governors Get White House Seat

A group of governors on Tuesday called for Washington to find a solution — any solution — to the nation’s budget woes as the federal government’s so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ grows nearer.

Jobless Benefits At Risk in Fiscal Cliff Debate

Amid the fervor over the fiscal cliff in Washington, there’s one federal program also facing a Dec. 31, 2012 deadline that if allowed to pass could cost unemployed Americans thousands of dollars and deprive states of crucial federal funding that’s helped them weather the worst of the Great Recession.

More States Dig into Libor Scandal

As lawsuits and inquiries mount, more states are looking into the rate-rigging scandal.

Budget Cuts, Revenue Swings Await States In ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Drama

State budgets and economies would be hit particularly hard by the automatic tax increases and spending cuts caused by the looming “fiscal cliff,” if it’s not averted, according to a new report by the Pew Center on the States’ Fiscal Federalism Initiative, which explored how the fiscal cliff would affect states in a number of ways.

Despite Governor’s Push, Puerto Rican Statehood Unlikely

Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuno is pressing President Obama and Congressional leaders to get the ball rolling on statehood for the island commonwealth, after a historic referendum. But don’t expect action anytime soon.

Obama's and Romney’s Tax Plans: What Do They Mean for States?

Overlooked during the presidential campaigns is how Obama and Romney’s tax proposals could affect states. Here’s a look.

Law Enforcement Predicts Dire Impact from Automatic Cuts

Law enforcement officers fear that if the automatic funding cuts, known as sequestration, take effect on Jan.2, 2013, layoffs and program closures are sure to follow, according to a survey from the National Criminal Justice Association and the Vera Institute of Justice.

States Struggle With Unemployment Funds Still in the Red

More than $26 billion in lingering debt and billions in mounting interest have forced a number of states to scale back unemployment benefits, raise taxes, tap general funds and even turn to the private bond market.

Sequestration: How a Spending Stalemate Would Affect the States

There is still time for Congress to avoid the “fiscal cliff” that would force billions of dollars in spending cuts and tax increases at the start of next year. But whatever happens, the states run the risk of being big losers.

Welfare Waiver Proposal Hits Potential Roadblock

It took less than a month for the Obama administration’s move in July to grant states more flexibility in handling their welfare programs to shift from low-profile policy proposal to hot-button political issue that quickly permeated the presidential race.

Statehood for Puerto Rico? Romney Supports a 51st State

Would a Mitt Romney presidential win help pave the way for Puerto Rican statehood? On Wednesday, Puerto Rico’s governor said Romney has assured him of it.

One of Five Americans Struggling To Afford Food, Survey Finds

Despite record food stamp enrollment around the country and an economy considered to be on a modest upswing, the Great Recession is continuing to take its toll on many Americans, a Gallup survey found.

Heat Wave, Budget Cuts Strain Utility Safety Net

Budget cuts and a blistering hot spell wave left states short on cash this summer while tackling high energy demand. Now many worry about having enough heat when winter comes.

With VP Pick, Romney Endorses Fed-State Overhaul on Food Stamps, Medicaid

By choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate, Mitt Romney has endorsed large changes in federal-state relations, particularly in dealings with food assistance and health care.

Still No Farm Bill, But More Assistance to Drought-Ravaged States

With Congress still at an impasse over the farm bill, the Obama Administration this week pledged $30 million more to aid farmers and ranchers hit hard by drought.

A Likely Reprieve for Food Stamp Program

The food stamp program has been facing the threat of deep reductions that would cut off benefits for millions in states all over the country. But a stalemate in Congress may stave off the pain.

Health Care Ruling Casts Doubts on Billions in State-Federal Funding

By making the federal health law’s Medicaid expansion optional for states, the U.S. Supreme Court has cast doubt on decades of established state-federal programs and billions of dollars in funding tied to them.

Are States’ Unemployment Insurance Loans Dragging Down Economies?

Most states are still paying off those unemployment benefits that went out to millions of those without work during the recession, but it’s the way some are doing it that raises concern.

Alabama Police Start Slowly in Enforcing Immigration Law

CLANTON, Alabama — Alabama is off to a slow start in rolling out its law requiring police to check the immigration status of suspects. But it is ahead of the other states, including Arizona, that approved similar measures.

Health Care Ruling, Elections Dominate Governors’ Meeting

The typical low-key summer gathering of the nation’s governors was anything but subdued this year. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision leaving it up to the states whether to expand their Medicaid programs topped headlines coming from the National Governors Association meeting in Virginia.

Iowa Governor Blasts Pentagon Air Guard Cuts

Just days before he and other governors are scheduled to meet with Pentagon brass, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad attacked the Defense Department Thursday (July 12) for failing to work with governors on plans to drastically cut the size of the Air National Guard.

Food Stamp Fight on Capitol Hill

Congress is considering dramatic changes in the way states administer their food stamp programs.

What Happens to Health Law Money Already in State Coffers?

If the high court overturns all or part of the health law, Congress could seek refunds of the nearly $14 billion in federal money already sent to states to implement it.

All Eyes on U.S. Supreme Court

States await key decisions this week from the U.S. Supreme Court on health care, immigration and elections.

Obama Moves Shake Up Maryland Dream Act Debate

A major shift in U.S. immigration policy from the White House could have repercussions for a ballot measure in Maryland in November that would let undocumented students qualify for in-state tuition.

Post-Recall Wisconsin Open for Business, Governor Says

The recent recall election in Wisconsin that let Governor Scott Walker keep his job was apparently also good for businesses in the state, or so says the governor.

Public-Sector Issues Erupt in Presidential Campaign

President Obama and GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney both found themselves over the weekend explaining comments they made involving the public sector.

While Congress Stalls, States Worry About Highway Funds

A three-year standoff in Congress makes planning transportation projects harder for states.

Is Federal Red Tape Tying Up Innovative Job Programs?

The federal government has made money available for a new approach to unemployment, but states have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to get it.

Grandparents Need More State Help to Raise Kids

More children are living with relatives or close family friends because their parents can no longer care for them, but most states aren’t doing enough to help, a new report says.

States Seek Help With Exports

States want Congress to renew the charter of a bank that many people may not have heard of, but many businesses have.

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.

Alabama Immigration Debate Heats Up

While justices of the U.S. Supreme Court deliberate over the fate of Arizona’s anti-immigration law, Alabama lawmakers are deciding whether to tweak a similar they passed last year that is considered even harsher.

As Federal Funding Dries Up, States May Play Greater Clean Tech Role

Drastic federal spending cuts pose challenges for the U.S. clean energy sector, researchers say, and states may need to help fill in the gap.

Divided Congress Resorts to 3-month Highway Bill

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Congress keeps highway money flowing to the states for another three months, but the prospects are dim for a longer-term deal.

States May Lose Federal Help in Fighting Radon

Federal budget cuts worry state officials who depend on money from Washington to help combat cancer-causing radon gas.

Ohio Governor Declines Federal Disaster Aid

TODAY'S TAKE: While the governors of Indiana and Kentucky accepted federal disaster relief after devastating tornadoes, Ohio Governor John Kasich declined, saying his state could handle the recovery on its own.

Federal Credit Downgrade Hurts Colorado Localities

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: When Standard & Poors downgraded the federal government's credit rating last year, it also caused problems for municipalities in Colorado, where a unique state law governs local investments.

Governors Protest Cuts to Air Guard

TODAY'S TAKE: Governors from both parties are expressing alarm over proposed Pentagon budget cuts to the Air National Guard, saying the state-based force is taking a "disproportionate" share of the nation's fiscal pain.

Congressional Wrangling Leaves Sales Tax Deduction in Question

TODAY'S TAKE: Residents of seven states without an individual income tax are watching the budget debate on Capitol Hill to see whether they will be able to keep writing off state sales taxes on goods they purchase.

Obama Budget Shakes Up Municipal Bonds

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama wants to reduce tax breaks for high-income earners who invest in municipal bonds. The idea worries state and local governments, which say it would increase their borrowing costs.

Washington and the States: A Year of Uncertainty and Foreboding

PART TWO OF FIVE: Every state knows it is about to get less financial help from the federal government. What none of them knows is just how much less.

Feds Boost Disaster Aid for Roads

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Facing a massive backlog of state requests for aid, Washington has come through with money to help disaster-stricken states rebuild their roads and bridges.

States Await Outcome of Wrangling Over Obama Jobs Plan

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama's $447 billion jobs bill lacks the votes needed to pass the Democratic Senate, let alone the Republican House of Representatives. Lawmakers now will consider individual parts, including aid to states.

Unemployment Overpayments: Fraud or Flawed System?

According to the federal government, states made errors in paying out 11 cents of every dollar they spent on jobless benefits last year. State officials say high error rates are largely due to clerical mistakes rather than government waste.

Congressional Super Committee Short on State Experience

TAX AND BUDGET BEAT: The congressional panel charged with cutting the national debt will make decisions that are critical for states, but most of the members have served as state officials only briefly, if at all.

Before Jobs Speech, Obama Pushes Highway Funding

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: As he prepares to address Congress on his plans for creating jobs, President Obama is urging federal lawmakers to renew a major transportation law, detailing the potential jobs that could be lost in every state if it lapses.

Will Obama Jobs Plan Include Aid to States?

TODAY'S TAKE: The White House reportedly favors a $300 billion jobs program that will contain direct aid to state and local governments, which have been laying off employees by the thousands.

O'Malley Mulls Tax Hikes to Offset Federal Cuts

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Maryland's governor says tax increases could happen next year ... Virginia's governor wants a new rainy day fund ... Tennessee fights to preserve its credit rating and more tax and budget news.

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.

Transportation Deadlock Worries States

Next month, a deeply divided Congress will decide how much money to give states to build and maintain highways, bridges and public transit systems. The outcome is anybody's guess.

Amid Fiscal Uncertainty, States Prepare for Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: With the stock market reeling, the federal government's credit rating lowered and major domestic spending cuts from Congress to come, some states see far more fiscal trouble on the horizon.

Balanced Budget Amendment Would Be Tall Order

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans on Capitol Hill and in many state legislatures are talking about the need for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Even if such a plan cleared Congress, however, it would need the approval of 38 states.

For States, Debt Deal is Short on Details

Spending reductions will eventually scale back some federal aid to states, but almost all of the specifics remain to be decided.

Infographic: How a Federal Default Would Hit States

If the federal government begins defaulting on its obligations next week, it will clearly have some impact on states. The question is: How much?

States Prepare Timelines for Missed Debt Deadline

TODAY'S TAKE: States are calculating how long it will take before a political impasse over the federal debt ceiling begins to affect their bottom lines. Some are preparing backup plans, including the furlough of thousands of workers.

States Fret Over 'Game of Chicken' on Federal Debt Ceiling

TODAY'S TAKE: State officials are bracing for the impact of what Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam calls "an incredible game of chicken" over the federal debt ceiling, even going as far as calculating how long they can run programs without federal money.