Stateline Headlines

What’s Next in the Fight Over Same-Sex Marriage?

Gay marriage supporters have been on a winning streak in some states since Election Day 2012. But other states could cause that success to slow to a crawl — or even grind to a halt.

Tesla rides high, but faces formidable foe: car dealers

U.S. approves expanded gas exports

Lax state rules provide cover for sponsors of attack ads

Foreign Law Bans: Political Statement or Unconstitutional?

State lawmakers are focused on keeping U.S. courts away from the influence of foreign law. But does banning all foreign law go too far?

Driver’s seat

Obamacare myths and realities

4 public-college presidents pass $1-million mark in pay

Rust-Belt reaches for immigrant tide

Obama, Texas and jobs

Cabinet secretary solicits large donations to publicize health care law

Democrats, Voting Rights Activists Strike Back on Elections Laws

In 2012 Democrats were focused on fighting against voter ID laws and other measures that restricted voting. Now they are turning the tables.

States Rush to Fix Capitol Buildings After Years of Decline

In challenging budget times, how much should states spend to preserve crumbling capitol buildings?

New State Gun Laws Show Power of One-Party Control

Despite the push from President Obama on gun control, states are going their own way on new gun laws—especially ones dominated by one party or the other. Which states passed gun control and which states loosened regulations?

Obama Backs Funding for Violence Against Women Act

The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act will ensure that federal dollars keep flowing to state courts, prosecutors and law enforcement to combat violence against women.

Governors Ask Lawmakers to Prevent Future Shootings

The recent mass shootings in Colorado and Connecticut reshaped governors’ legislative agendas this year, and many used their once-a-year legislative addresses to ask lawmakers to take up gun control, mental health treatment and school safety.

Governors Balance Pardons With Politics

Governors are more reluctant to use their pardon power in the face of heightened political scrutiny. But some still issue regular pardons.

Republicans Reassess Social Issue Strategy

Political pressure and last year’s elections have led Republican lawmakers to rethink their approach to controversial social questions.

2013: The Year of Big Majorities

Last November’s voting left one party or the other in full control of government in most states of the country. But how they plan to use their power is a tricky question.

2013: A Year of Big Majorities

Last November’s voting left one party or the other in full control of government in most states of the country. But how they plan to use their power is a tricky question.

Election Year Brings Big Changes in State Policy

From battles in the legislatures to battles at the polls, Stateline reporters traveled all over the country in 2012 reporting on news from the states.

Best of #StateReads: Roots of a Voting Rights Challenge

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: United States of Subsidies

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: Washington State Loses Women and Latino Lawmakers

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: Why New Jersey’s Trains Flooded but New York’s Stayed Dry

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Why Colorado Children Die of Abuse and Neglect

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Voters Approve More State Debt

Voters in New Jersey and Alabama heed their governors’ call and approve bond issues as a way to boost their states’ economies.

Historic Gay Marriage, Marijuana Measures Win Approval

After years of rejecting same-sex marriage at the ballot box, three states endorse it.

In Legislative Elections, Majorities and Supermajorities at Stake

In a small group of chambers in about a dozen states, Democrats and Republicans may swap legislative majorities. Elsewhere, the main drama will be just how large the majority party’s advantage will be.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Term Limits Encourage Politicians To Go Professional

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Bond Measures Put Some Governors’ Clout on Line

Some governors are urging voters to approve bond issues as way to boost their states’ economies.

Infographic: Ballot Measures Gave Voters Say on Divisive Issues

Voters in 38 states will decide 174 statewide ballot measures on Election Day. Are any on your ballot?

Best of #StateReads: Abuse Suits Against Scouts Hinge on State Laws

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

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.

States Brace for Huge Legislative Turnover

Once-a-decade redistricting, term limits and the national election are expected to cause significant legislative turnover in states on Election Day. Some worry about the loss of experience and influence, but others applaud creating opportunities for fresh ideas.

Federal Court Clears South Carolina Voter ID Law

A federal court has cleared the way for South Carolina’s voter ID law to be in place in 2013, despite the Justice Department’s decision to oppose the law.

Are Voter ID Opponents Winning the Battle but Losing the War?

Voter ID opponents have won high-profile court battles, but may be losing ground on the longer-term legal fight against the laws.

Obama vs. Romney: Issues Key to States (Infographic)

On a variety of issues, President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney are pushing competing proposals that would profoundly affect states.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Confronts Crime by Parolees and Probationers

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Program Abused by Traffickers

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: Slow and Underfunded, EPA Program Falls Short in Toxic Site Cleanups

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: Florida Investigates Online Educator

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Democrats Seeking Comeback in State Legislatures

Republicans won landslide victories in legislative chambers two years ago. Democrats hope to reverse some of the results in November. In many states, though, it won’t be easy.

Best of #StateReads: Kentucky Judges Review Child-Abuse List

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

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.

Amid Lawsuits and Controversy, States Prepare for Voter ID

Identifying and verifying hordes of extra voters will be a daunting task for many states ahead of Election Day.

Best of #StateReads: N. C. Regulators Miss Catching Cheating Businesses

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Infographic: Voter Turnout in National Elections

It’s well-known that more people turn out to vote in presidential election years than in mid-term years, but the numbers also show a general upward trend over the past two decades for both kinds of elections.

Best of #StateReads: On Further Review, Georgia Dropout Rate Doubles

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

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.

Legislatures May Soon See Many New Faces

An extraordinary number of state legislators may lose their seats this year, but neither Republicans nor Democrats are likely to make big gains in the number of state legislative chambers each controls.

Christie Headlines Romney Event With GOP Governors

Ten Republican governors joined Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, for a rally and fundraiser in Colorado Thursday (August 3), but most of the attention seemed focused on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Romney gave Christie, who is often mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick

Best of #StateReads: California Mental Health Money Spent Elsewhere

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Study: Incumbents Facing Greater Challenges in State Races

To the newbie go the spoils? When it comes to state elections, that’s rarely the case.

How Ready Are States for the 2012 Election?

It’s highly likely that there will be more close elections in the states — and more election technology that will fail to perform as designed, according to a new report.

Best of #StateReads: California Parks Director Resigns After Budget Revelations

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: Illinois Fails to Investigate Abuse and Neglect in Deaths of Disabled

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

With Pick Looming, Governors High on Romney’s VP List

Mitt Romney is expected to soon announce his pick for a running mate, and several governors remain on the short list of possibilities. On Monday (July 16), a top adviser to the presumptive GOP nominee told the Associated Press the campaign could announce its pick by the end of the week. And the campaign had pr

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.

Best of #StateReads: Florida Closes TB Hospital as Outbreak Spreads

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Dangerous Times in New Jersey Halfway Houses

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Governor Touts Massachusetts’ Success, Stumps for Obama

Americans will decide the fate of the American Dream this November, said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in a speech to a progressive legal society in Washington, D.C. Thursday.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Getting Aggressive With Pension Investments

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Ruling Drops 200 Candidates From S.C. Ballot

South Carolina voters head to the polls for primary elections today. What’s missing is most of the candidates. Two decisions by the South Carolina Supreme Court—one in May and another earlier this month—removed more than 200 challengers for state legislature and local offices from today’s contests.

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.

Walker Win in Wisconsin Tops Historic Primary Day

In one of the busiest election days of 2012 and one of the most historic, voters in Wisconsin decided not to recall their Republican governor who set off a national debate by curtailing collective bargaining rights for state public employees. Voters in six other states also went to the polls.

Best of #StateReads: California Diverts Funds From 9-11 Plates

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Radio Governors Hitting the Airwaves to Reach Voters

Its 9 a.m. Friday and Minnesotans tuned to WCCO radio are topping off their cups of coffee with a dose of state politics. Good morning Minnesota Were glad youre listening, booms Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty as he opens his weekly call-in show. Minnesotas top official is one of many governors who regularly hit the airwaves to connect with voters.

Need a laugh? State Law Books Offer Comic Relief

Odd and obsolete state laws from eras gone by often remain on the books, and what once seemed like a good idea becomes a punch line. Consider, for example, an Arkansas statute that makes it illegal to mispronounce the name of that state.

Mixed Prospects for States in Election-Year Congress

Election-year politics and a tight congressional schedule might bring both good and bad news for states. Theres a good chance Washington will fork over more federal dollars for highways. But on the downside, Congress could cost states billions of dollars in taxes, sources on and off Capitol Hill tell Stateline.org.

Governor Races Likely to Turn on Budget Issues

In the 11 governors' races in 2004, voters won't have a Hollywood movie star to provide political sizzle. But they may get a chance to vote for a former baseball All Star, a top White House aide or the husband of a former governor. Six seats held by Democrats and five by the GOP are up for grabs; three states have no incumbent on the ballot, and four races are in key presidential swing states. Stateline.org has compiled a rundown of the races, issues and major candidates.

State of the State Speeches: More Than Hot Air?

Governors annual state of the state speeches havent lacked drama this year: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) opened by joking, Ive changed my mind. I want to go back to acting. New York Gov. George Pataki (R) began by accidentally dropping his lengthy speech on the floor. But besides good theater, this years addresses also produced noteworthy ideas. How often governors words turn into legislative action depends on several variables, political scientists say.

Secret Iraq Trip Rankles Statehouse Press Corps

Six of the nations governors sneaked away on a top-secret trip to Baghdad this week. Only the governors spouses and a top state staffer or two knew about the hush-hush Pentagon operation. Only one news reporter from each state was invited along, but was sworn to secrecy. When the news finally broke, no one was more surprised than the statehouse reporters left behind without a clue. The clandestine trip to war-ravaged Iraq is stirring a brouhaha at home among state governments watchdogs in the media.

There Certainly Is Life After Being Governor

They used to have mansions, chauffeured cars, a media mob hanging on every word, security staff and sometimes access to the state plane. Now many drive their own cars and hunt for parking. Former governors find there is life after running a state, even if it's hard to give up the perks and power. Ex-governors wind up in acting, lobbying and even jail.

Statehouse Blogs Range from Brash to Boring

Poorly punctuated and periodically provocative, online diaries called blogs short for Web logs - are flooding the Internet as celebrities, everyday authors and now a fledgling group of Web-wise state legislators rant to a worldwide audience about everything or nothing at all.

State-Party Dilemma Matching '02 Funding Level

New federal campaign rules mean state political parties will have millions of dollars less in their coffers this election year. According to a new report, state parties raised $819 million for the 2002 elections, of which $217 million came from the national parties, money now banned under new federal campaign finance rules.

Statehouse Races: Overlooked, Not Overrated

The presidential election may get more media attention, but statehouse races this November wont lack for drama. Control of 25 state legislative chambers could switch political parties with a shift of just three seats. Throw in new legislative maps and term limits in a handful of states and the statehouse elections are shaping up to be nail-biters for both parties.

Tax Foe Renews Attack on National Governors Association

As many states enter the final budget planning stages for fiscal 2005, a conservative anti-tax group is once again prodding governors to take what it calls a cost-saving measure: drop out of the National Governors Association.

Money Mattering More in Judicial Elections

Big-money politics, expensive television advertising and special interest pressure are creeping into state judicial elections. A new report documents record amounts of money flowing into campaigns for justices for some states' highest courts, raising questions about whether judgeships are becoming too political. In the 38 states to elect their high court judges, reforms are slow in coming.

Statehouse Lobbying Hits $890 Million

Nearly 42,000 lobbyists wined, dined and jawboned state lawmakers to the tune of $890 million in trying to influence legislation in 2003, a watchdog group said in a new report released May 19. In eight states, the tab for statehouse lobbying zoomed 30 percent or more. Lobbyists spent more in California than in any other state tracked in the report.

Dean Looking to Sway Statehouse Races

Former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean is credited with attracting and energizing a massive grass-roots base of supporters through the Internet and raising millions of dollars in precious small contributions. Now the maverick ex-Vermont governor is hoping to share his influence and popularity with local and statewide candidates in order to build a progressive political farm team.

Nader Struggles to Break State Ballot Barriers

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader already has missed getting on the presidential ballot in Texas, failed his first attempt in Oregon and still is searching for statewide organizers for his late-blooming campaign in 35 states. Getting on the ballot as an independent candidate will require collecting up to 1.5 million signatures under a confusing array of state election laws. Although Nader is sure to be listed as a candidate in at least a handful of states, its still uncertain he will get on enough ballots in crucial states to pose a threat to the election of Democrat John Kerry.

Online Campaigns Still an Art, Not a Science

The Internet is evolving from a novelty item to an integral campaign tool as many candidates at the state level try for the first time to tap the political power and wealth of the online world. But having a Web site, even a good one, is no silver bullet for state-level candidates, and there is no magic formula for fund raising on the Internet, political consultants and technology experts warn.

States Pause to Remember Ronald Reagan

State offices and agencies in at least 13 states were scheduled to be closed Friday to mark the national day of mourning in remembrance of former President Ronald Reagan. At least 30 governors planned to attend Reagans funeral in Washington, D.C.

See Jane Stop Running

You may have come a long way, baby, but fewer women of late are finding their way to the statehouse. The number of women in state legislatures has leveled off, holding steady at about 22 percent for the past five years. Researchers say one reason is that fewer women are running for office. Many women say they need to be asked to run before they consider a political career path, so state-based training programs are trying to encourage women to enter state politics.

Small Donors Equal Big Bucks for State Party Coffers

New campaign finance laws don't seem to have hurt state parties' warchests heading into Election 2004. State and local political parties are raking in cash at a record pace, with increasing emphasis on small individual donors to fund presidential and congressional campaign efforts.

Tomorrow's Leaders Examine Today's Issues

While most of their peers enjoy summer vacation, thousands of high school students are getting a taste of political leadership. Boys State and Girls State programs give young people a chance to run a model government and give state officials a glimpse of the next generations interests. This year, student politicos have tackled such issues as education reform, natural resource protection and drunk driving laws.

NGA and NCSL Meetings to Focus on New Challenges

After months of political wrangling over their own states problems, the nations governors and state legislators gather next week for their respective annual meetings to exchange lessons learned and hear from national experts on upcoming challenges facing states.

Corporate Dollars Buy Access to NGA Meeting

There's a price to pay to mingle with governors at this weekend's summer meeting of the National Governors Association in Seattle. Some 65 sponsors, mostly businesses, have plunked down $10,000 to $150,000 each -- for a total of $2.2 million -- to help host the annual event, which isn't open to the public, and gain face time with state officials with whom they often do business.

Maryland Delegate with Lobbying Expertise to Lead NCSL

Delegate John Adams Hurson, a Maryland Democrat, takes over the helm of the National Conference of State Legislatures this week at the groups annual meeting, which opens today. Hurson, a native of metropolitan Washington, D.C., hopes his knowledge of the federal governments inner workings will help boost states issues, including his No. 1 concern: rising health care costs.

Defying Convention, Some Governors Staying Home

When U.S. Sen. John Kerry officially accepts the presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention this week, a few of his partys highest elected state officials will be missing in action.

Democrats Say Kerry Would Bring Better Times for States

If John Kerry is elected president, Democrats foresee a new partnership between the federal government and states. The U.S. senator from Massachusetts accepted his party's presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention Thursday night, and he and his supporters said a Kerry White House would pursue new strategies to create jobs, lessen health care costs and boost state economies.

States Stung by Work Sent Overseas

State governments are caught up in a national political firestorm over outsourcing U.S. jobs to cheaper operations overseas. Paying foreign workers to do state taxpayer-funded jobs touches a political nerve that has motivated 35 statehouses to consider anti-outsourcing legislation this year and nearly a dozen states to curb offshoring. Surprisingly, many states didnt even know their work had left the country.

Olympic Spirit Alive in Statehouses

As the world turns its attention to the 28th Olympiad in Athens this month, state legislatures across the country continue to compete in a public policy Olympics of their own. While the venues may not be as spectacular as the Parthenon or the Acropolis, the public policy challenges going on in the nations statehouses can be likened to many of the events to be held in Greece.

Federal Preemption: A Serious Threat

Since the early days of our nation, few issues have been more enduring than the tension between the federal government and states.

School Spending Is Center Stage in Governors' Races

Candidates are more likely to be fighting over how to pay for public schools than over big new education proposals in this year's 11 governors' races. But the No Child Left Behind Act, the nations most sweeping education reform in 40 years, is being hotly debated in just one gubernatorial campaign, despite mounting pressure on states to meet the federal education requirements.

GOP Showcases Minorities, Women, Moderates

The Republican National Convention, which opened Monday, will feature several state officials who are minorities, women or moderates to highlight the GOPs effort to increase diversity in its ranks and dispel the partys image as overwhelmingly white and male.