Stateline Headlines

State, Federal Officials Hold Anti-Terrorism Summit

Taking the first concrete steps toward a unified state-federal counter-terrorism policy, Attorney General Janet Reno, Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore, North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt and officials from 48 states gathered in Williamsburg, Virginia Tuesday and Wednesday for a national summit. Justice Department officials used the meeting to announce the first ever direct funding to states for counter terrorism equipment and training.

States Vary Widely In Y2K Compliance Progress

Only seven months remain before states confront the much-ballyhooed millennium bug, the Y2K computer glitch. Nebraska and North Dakota say they have already ensured their computers will function properly on Jan. 1, 2000; 19 other states claim to have completed three-quarters or more of the work. Sixteen more say they have finished at least half the programming needed to become Y2K compliant. But 13 states are less than halfway there or have failed to report their status, according to the National Association of State Information Resource Executives, which is monitoring the situation. Click on

States Spending More than $3 Billion On Y2K Problem

To assure that their computer systems are Y2K-ready as of next New Year's Day, 43 states are spending more than $3.3 billion - a sum exceeding the combined gross national product of Guyana and Suriname in South America. Georgia is the leading Y2K spender, followed by California and New York. For more information, click on

Y2K Preparedness Reports, Other Info On Internet

Not surprisingly, volumes of Y2K information are floating in cyberspace, ranging from millennium sky-is-falling and head-in-the-sand ruminations from private citizens to Y2K web sites maintained by some of the public sector's top computer experts. In the final installment of our four-part Y2K series, stateline.org looks at some of the most helpful sites. For more information, click on

First Y2K Doomsday Passes With Whimper Instead Of Bang

No budget programs crashed, no computers spontaneously combusted, and no lights went out in state capitols as the 46 states which began fiscal year 2000 on July 1 easily cleared the first serious Y2K hurdle. For more on the first major state test of Y2K computer readiness, click on

Officials Go All Out To Limit Potential For School Violence

While students enjoyed summer break, lawmakers and education officials worked overtime to prevent further outbursts of school violence like the one that stunned Columbine High School in suburban Denver. As a result, many students returning from vacation are encountering security badges, demands to carry see-through book bags -- even newly created web sites for placing tips about weapons and bombs.

Privacy Issue Draws Intense Interest In Wisconsin

Both political parties in Wisconsin are eager to ease citizen worries about the invasion of privacy, a popular issue these days. Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson has a 14-member task force at work to develop a comprehensive plan for the security of personal information. Meanwhile, Democrats in the legislature are pushing an ambitious package of proposals to restrict the release of personal information.

Majority Of States Have Finished Most Y2K Preparations

With the new millennium less than four months away, Wisconsin this week became the latest state to declare its vital computer systems Y2K-ready. The biggest laggard is Alabama, which reports that only 42 percent of its mission-critical computers are Y2K-compliant, as opposed to 30 percent in May. In Texas, which is 97 percent prepared, residents are still buying record numbers of firearms -- just in case Armageddon accompanies the millennium bug. For more, click on

High Court Hears States Rights' Case Involving Motorists

A policy that infuriated citizens in South Carolina, Florida and Colorado this year -- the disclosure of driver's license information -- is getting a U.S. Supreme Court review. At issue is whether the federal government can use the Driver's Privacy Protection Act to keep states from using motor vehicle records as they please.

Most States Ready to Confront Millennium Bug

With the year 2000 just days away, most states are reporting 90 percent or more of their mission-critical computer systems are Y2K-compliant. That's not true of Alabama, which appears to be playing cyber-chicken with the turn of the century and whatever computer woes it brings. Earlier this week, Alabama said only 57 percent of its mission-critical computers are prepared to cope with the new millennium.

On the Record: Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes

Among the 43 states that revealed how much they spent for Y2K computer fixes, Georgia's $322 million budget was the largest. Last weekend, while attending the National Governors' Association winter meeting in Washington, D.C., Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes told Stateline.org Senior Writer Blair S. Walker that Georgia received a lot more than Millennium Bug protection for its money.

Aging Dams Raise State, Local Concern

Take a walk outdoors on a sunny afternoon with Bruce Julian of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and youll get an education. Standing on a jogging path that tops Northern Virginia's Lake Braddock dam -- lapsing into Washington DC bureaucratic jargon, Julian calls it "Dam 7" -- the NRCS's national policy coordinator explains what's wrong with dams across the country by pointing out what this dams builders did right.

State Campaigns Against Identity Theft Enter New Phase

Imagine you return from a trip abroad. You are detained at the border, arrested and thrown in jail for a crime committed by someone else posing as you. It's the worst-case scenario for a victim of identity theft, say experts, a crime that has hit more and more people in the United States in the last decade.

Preparations For West Nile Virus Spread West

Earlier this year, Stateline.org reported that 17 states along the Eastern Seaboard were drawing up plans to monitor and combat mosquitoes that might carry the potentially deadly West Nile virus. Since then, these preparations have spread west, and more money has been allotted to states for their efforts.

Pennsylvania, Washington Take Different Paths To E-Government

Microsoft and Pennsylvania. Bill Gates and Gov. Tom Ridge. Their state web site development partnership is stirring up controversy in the Keystone State. Should states partner with private Internet companies to develop their web sites? Or should they follow the example of Gates' home state, Washington, and go it alone?

States Ramp Up Cyber-Enforcement Efforts

Hackers, identity thieves and other malicious individuals are preying on the fast-growing Internet, prompting aggressive state action to maintain Web law and order. Part of the thrust has been legislative, in the form of new and modified laws that spell out unlawful online conduct and its penalties. Lawmakers are working in tandem with law enforcement officials, particularly state attorneys general, who are allocating more money and manpower to stemming computer crime.

State, Local Governments Receive Kudos for Web Sites

Since 1995, Government Technology has singled out state and local governments that host particularly innovative Web sites. North Carolina and Georgia were winners, as was a tiny county in Nevada.

Eco-Terrorists Targeted By Get Tough State Laws

Boise Cascade Inc. recently dedicated its newest timber and wood products office in Monmouth, Ore. The imposing building is a steel-capped, cinderblock fortress. That's because the original log-cabin office was burned to the ground on Christmas Day, 1999, by a fringe environmentalist group called the Earth Liberation Front (ELF).

State Guard Units Filling Expanded Mission

The National Guard is not a part-time service for "weekend warriors" anymore, but an integral part of U.S. military missions worldwide. Filling jobs ranging from chaplains to postal workers, pilots to infantry troops, state National Guard members are on duty in the United States and 48 other countries, augmenting the nation's active duty force or dealing with the latest natural disasters.

Southern Governors Conference Cancelled After D.C., New York Attacks

The final day of the Southern Governors Associations Conference in Lexington, KY was canceled Tuesday because of the attacks in New York and in Washington D.C. Conference Chair Governor Paul Patton and other governors made the decision when the overwhelming nature of events of the morning became known to them and to conference attendees. As the entire nation watches with great sadness the events unfolding in New York and Washington D.C., our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the many people who have been affected by this terrible tragedy, Governor Patton said. I know all Kentuckians join me and the rest of the nation in hopeful prayer as we await further details of these horrifying events.

June Exercise Planned to Deal with Terrorist Strikes

Three months ago, some of the nation's governors gathered in the City of Gotham to deal with a massive biological terrorist attack that threatened to kill thousands and instill panic in residents of the State of New Aberdeen. Fortunately, no one died and no one was hurt. The event was only a fictional exercise held in a Washington D.C. hotel conference room in June. But the scenario laid out at the National Governors Association Summit on Domestic Terrorism was eerily similar to the hellish terrorists attacks on Tuesday (9/11) that demolished the twin World Trade Center Towers in New York and split a section of the Pentagon in half.

State Officials Use Internet in Crisis

In the wake of the terrorist attacks on America, governors and other top state officials are turning to the Internet to deliver messages of consolation and anger, hope and fortitude to fellow Americans. "Today's horrific incident at the World Trade Center which appears to be part of a coordinated terrorist attack is a tragedy of unspeakable proportions and a crime against all Americans and all decent people around the world," said New York Gov. George Pataki in a statement posted on the state Web site just after Tuesday's attack.

Battleground States React to Terrorist Strikes

New York, Virginia and Maryland remained in a state of emergency Wednesday after terrorists, in what looms as the deadliest attack in U.S. history, rammed hijacked passenger jets into Manhattan's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In all three states, hundreds of National Guard units were mobilized or on standby to help with security , search and rescue efforts and the treatment of casualties.

Attacks Lead States to Take Precautionary Measures

While search and rescue crews labor to find survivors, assess damage and clear rubble following Tuesdays terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., state of emergency declarations were in effect in several states as governors and other officials move to prevent civil disruptions and offer aid to recovery efforts.

Attacks Affect Policy Conferences

Governors of the southern states were getting ready for a day of policy meetings and debate in Lexington, Ky last Tuesday when the United States came under attack. It was the final day of the annual conference of the Southern Governors Association and it turned out to be a short one. Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton, the conference chair, and other governors decided to cancel the day's activities when the overwhelming nature of the morning's events became apparent. Many other national and regional policy conferences have been cancelled in the wake of Tuesday's events. But at least one organization, the National Association of State Budget Officers, is pressing on.

Governors Spearhead War Relief Effort

Governors of the other 49 states joined with New York Gov. George Pataki Monday to create a relief fund for victims of the attack on the World Trade Center and provide equipment and supplies for the recovery effort, the National Governors Association announced. Those wishing to donate are being encouraged by governors to send money to the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, P.O. Box 5028, Albany, New York 12205. The hotline number for the fund is 1-800-801-8092.

State Disaster Teams Vary in Approach, Design

Before last week's terrorist attacks, emergency workers in New York were used to dealing with the dangers of ice storms, snow emergencies and floods. Even so, the group charged with overseeing disastersknown as the New York State Emergency Management Officeassembled an Offsite Air Disaster Task Force nearly a year ago, at the behest of Gov. George Pataki. Thanks to foresight like that, the panel completed an air disaster blueprint last spring, and "had plans in place" to deal with the terrorist attacks, spokesperson Dennis Michalski says.

States Move To Deal With Attack Effects

Gov. James Gilmore of Virginia Wednesday lifted the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits so workers hurt by the closing of Reagan-National Airport can get immediate financial help. Gilmore also announced establishment of the Virginia Post-Attack Economic Response Task Force to assess the adverse impact on the state's economy and develop a plan for dealing with it. A similar task force is contemplated by Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who scheduled a special meeting with local officials and business leaders Wednesday about the potential impact of revenue losses on businesses directly related to the state's travel and tourism industry.

Bush Taps Pennsylvania Governor to be Home Security Czar

When President Bush decided to create a Cabinet-level Office of Homeland Security, he turned to an old Harvard-educated friend of 21 years and a former Vietnam combat veteran to head it -- Republican Gov. Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania. Ridge, who was scheduled to end his second four-year term as governor in January 2003, said he planned to resign as chief executive of his state on Oct. 5. His fellow Republican, Lt. Gov. Mark Schweiker, will take over the reins of state government.

Little-Known Compact Aids U.S. Defense, Officials Say

More states are expected to sign onto an interstate agreement that gets rid of bureaucratic wrangling when helicopters, firefighters or trucks are needed in emergencies. The Emergency Management Assistance Compact, (EMAC), already endorsed by 41 states, enables mutual aid during times of emergency. New York formally adopted the agreement six days after the terrorists attacks.

Statehouse Security Under Review

Following the shooting deaths of two police officers at the U.S. Capitol in 1998, the states undertook an appraisal of their own Capitol security measures and found them in many cases to be woefully inadequate. Three years later, in the wake of the devastating Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, the states are again reassessing security to see what more can be done to protect lawmakers and visitors alike while keeping capitol complexes as open as possible.

State Health Officials Trade Ideas on Preparedness

Days before a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon, Virginia emergency medical personnel completed massage training. This turned out to be invaluable in caring for rescue workers with aching muscles from heavy lifting, and has emerged as a lesson learned from the terrorist attacks, Virginia Health Commissioner Anne Peterson said.

Crop Duster Groundings Might Hit Harvest

Farmers in many states might feel some impact at harvest time this fall from the post-September 11 grounding of 5,000 crop dusters. Planes and helicopters used to spray fertilizer and chemicals on millions of acres of U.S. farmland are flying again now, but they had to stand down for a day or more three times in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon -- and the groundings occurred during a phase of the growing season crucial to the survival of crops susceptible to disease and insects.

Missouri Governor First to Name Anti-terrorism Adviser

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden became the first state leader in the country Wednesday to follow President Bush's lead in creating a Cabinet-level advisory position on anti-terrorism.

Bush Asks States to Help Secure Airports

President Bush wants the states to help secure the nation's airports as part of his plan to aid the struggling airlines and reassure Americans it's safe to fly again.Speaking at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, the nation's busiest, Bush Thursday called on the governors to deploy up to 4,000 National Guard military police at federal expense to bolster airport security. He said the MPs would man checkpoints to help identify people, screen vehicles and look for suspicious baggage.

Hazmat Trucks Draw Scrutiny

Thousands of trucks carry explosives, fuels, corrosive acids and other volatile chemical agents over America's highways every day with state-issued hazardous material placards reminding passing vehicles and cargo handlers to exercise special caution. Now that the U.S. Department of Transportation has asked law enforcement agencies to pull over all such trucks and verify drivers' identity and background, the placards have become magnets of suspicion.

Tourist States Suffering But Hopeful

Las Vegas and Reno were reduced to ghost towns the weekend after the attacks of September 11. Hotels that rarely see weekend vacancies were left wondering if they could even fill every other room. The next weekend, Las Vegas' hotel occupancy rate was up to 80 percent, not far from its usual 95 percent mark, and Reno could boast a 100 percent occupancy rate. This weekend? Well, no one knows what to expect. But Bruce Bommarito, the head of Nevada's Commission on Tourism, thinks the safe bet is on continued improvement.

Bioterrorism Threat Finds States, Feds Lacking: GAO

State public health departments will lead the response to any germ warfare attack on the United States, but even the most charitable assessment of their preparations to date suggests they are only slowly rising to the challenge, the General Accounting Office says.

On the Record: Maryland Health Secretary Georges Benjamin, M.D.

While federal officials disagree over the readiness of the nation's public health system to respond to a terrorist attack involving biological or chemical weapons, Maryland Health Secretary Georges C. Benjamin, a physician appointed by Gov. Parris N. Glendening two years ago to oversee the state's 10,000 public health employees, says the discussion is no longer theoretical: His department is already working to defend the public. Benjamin, the new president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, says states are in a better position to respond to an act of bioterrorism than they were even three weeks ago, but much more needs to be done.

NGA Database New Tool In Anti-Terror Fight

At least 25 states and hundreds of private citizens, companies and organizations are ready to render emergency services in the event of another terrorist attack or disaster on U.S. soil. Over the last two weeks, the National Governors Association has compiled a huge database of services and equipment that could be dispatched on a moments notice. The NGA database could turn out to be one of the most important developments in emergency preparedness to emerge from the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks on September 11.

Iowa Official Puts $11.4M Price Tag on Preparedness

The cost of an official assessment of Iowas anti-terrorism needs? At least $750,000. The estimated cost per resident of fully equipping Iowas public health system to deal with a terrorist attack using biological or chemical weapons? $3.91. The peace of mind that would come to state residents from knowing that Iowa's health system is ready to help them in a crisis? Priceless. State epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Quinlisk estimated the costs of preparing her state to counter a chemical or biological attack in testimony before a U.S. Senate panel last week.

NEMAs Trina Hembree Preaches Preparedness

While most of America was caught off-guard by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Trina Hembree had long known the threat of terrorism was real. As executive director of the National Emergency Management Association, Hembree last year wrote a prophetic essay, "Terrorism Comes to America," and worked with state emergency management directors on domestic preparedness.

States Go Slow on Wiretap Expansion

While the U.S. Congress is nearing a vote on a bill that would expand federal wiretapping in order to combat terrorism, most states are taking a go slow approach. Foes of increasing states surveillance powers say state prosecutors may never use new wiretapping laws because combatting terrorism is a federal responsibility.

Election Reform Landscape Altered By Terror War

Most everything was altered by the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on Sept. 11 - from transportation to law enforcement to peoples attitudes to politics. The election reform landscape, once dominated by partisan disputes, might have been altered as well.

Border Issues Thrust to Fore: Security vs. Trade

In an effort to reduce the threat of terrorists slipping into the country, Immigration and Customs officials have tightened the nation's northern and southern borders, prompting local and state officials to call for increased border staffing to ease the flow of goods and people. At stake is the economic health of states, regions and industries dependent on open borders for survival.

Fear of Terror, Fraud Dogs Vote-By-Mail

Holding elections through the post office rather than the polling place is becoming popular in Western states. But fears of violations of privacy, widespread voter fraud, a failure to follow instructions and even terrorism are appearing to grow just as quickly, casting doubt on the future of vote-by-mail.

War Eclipses New Jersey, Virginia Races

September 11 changed America. People talk about a new patriotism and tolerance for one another, a new sense of purpose. This new reality is hardly reflected in the only major U.S. election campaigns this year. In New Jersey and Virginia, both of which were tragically affected by the the terrorist attacks, the candidates for governor are trying to engage distracted voters with traditional politics.

America Under Fire: Huckabee of Arkansas Reflects,

The office of governor is powerful. But when they assumed office, none of the 50 men and women who occupy that office could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges they have faced since September 11. From time to time, STATELINE.ORG will publish the reflections of governors on their role in America's War with Terrorism. We begin with Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

States, Health Plans Address Anthrax-Related Rx Issues

In the wake of October's anthrax attacks in Florida, New York and Washington, D.C., states and insurers have seen an increased request for antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin or Cipro, as it's known. Maine and Virginia have now stepped up education for doctors on antibiotic use, while Georgia officials are asking doctors to justify why they are prescribing the drug.

Michigan Governor Calls Terrorist Attacks 'Watershed Moment'

The office of governor is powerful. But when they assumed office, none of the 50 men and women who took the job could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges they have faced since September 11. From time to time, STATELINE.ORG will publish the reflections of governors on their role in America's War with Terrorism. Michigan Gov. John Engler, a 53-year-old Republican, offers his observations on what life and governing have been like in recent weeks. As Chairman of the National Governors Association, his responsibilities also include serving as the lead contact with the federal government on behalf of the nations governors.

States Cracking Down on Terrorism Hoaxes

In the wake of September 11, many states have experienced a flood of terrorism-related hoaxes, taxing both emergency response resources and state funds. In an effort to reduce the number of these hoaxes, states are working to toughen laws and penalties governing these "false alarms."

America Under Fire: Engler of Michigan Reflects

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges they've faced since September 11. From time to time, STATELINE.ORG will publish the reflections of governors on their role in America's War with Terrorism. Michigan's John Engler, a 53-year-old Republican, offers his observations on what life and governing have been like in recent weeks.

America Under Fire: North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. From time to time, Stateline.org will publish the reflections of governors on their role in Americas war with Terrorism. North Dakotas John Hoeven, a 44-year-old Republican, reflects on what governing has been like in recent weeks.

State by State Anti-Terror Breakdown

A state by state breakdown of anti-terrorism action.

States Shoulder New Anti-Terror Burden

The sudden scramble to shore up defenses against every conceivable terrorist threat has placed significant new security and preparedness burdens on state governments across the country, a Stateline.org survey of anti-terror activity in the 50 states has found.

America Under Fire: Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on their role in Americas war with Terrorism. In this installment, Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum gives his views.

State-by-State Anti-Terror Update

On Nov. 14, Stateline.org compiled a roundup of actions taken by state governments to prepare for the possibility of a terrorist attack. Following is an update.

Fighting Bioterror Takes Big Thinking, Officials Say

Texas State Senator Dianne White Delisi doesnt claim psychic powers, but she did have the foresight four years ago to urge a study on how prepared the Lone Star State was for a bioterrorism attack. How did her colleagues react? "I was met with chuckles when I floated that around," she says.

America Under Fire: Nebraska Gov Mike Johanns

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. From time to time, Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on the state role in Americas war with terrorism. In this installment, Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns talks about appointing a security task force to help prepare the state for emergencies.

Governors Seek $4B For Anti-Terror Effort

The nations governors say their efforts to guard against threats to public health and critical infrastructure posed by the ongoing possibility of terrorist acts will cost the states at least $4 billion in the first year after the Sept. 11 attacks on New York City and the Pentagon.

America Under Fire: Florida Gov. Jeb Bush

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. From time to time, Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on their role in Americas fight with terrorism. In this installment, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, talks about how the attacks affected him as an elected official and family man, and his assessment of how Americans are coping.

Chemical Stockpiles Raise New Worries

U.S. homeland security worries following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have added urgency to concerns about chemical weapons stockpiles in eight states.

State by State Security Update

Stateline.org is tracking actions taken by state governments around the country since Sept. 11 to prepare for the possibility of a new terrorist attack. Following is an updated compilation of significant measures taken in the last three months.

America Under Fire: Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on their role in Americas war with terrorism. In this installment, Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon talks about his response to the attacks and an anthrax scare in his state.

State Officials Recommend Driver's License Database

State motor vehicle officials stopped short of calling for a national identity card on Monday (1/14) when they unveiled a plan to expand the nation's existing commercial drivers database to include all 200 million passenger car drivers. But their plan is still being touted by security experts as one step closer to a unified, nationwide system to help identify and keep track of individuals suspected of terrorist or other criminal activities.

Legislatures Meet Amid Tighter Security

State capitols still belong to the people but increasingly resemble the visiting room at the state prison, thanks to post-9/11 security measures. As 39 legislatures begin sessions this month, capitol visitors in most states will face new barricades and requests for I.D.

Hawaii Leads In Bioterror Lawmaking

Hawaii officials are in the forefront of developing a legal framework to deal with bio-terrorism. The island state is probably more keenly aware of the threat of pandemics than other states -- and extraordinary measures that may be needed to deal with such crises -- because it regularly sees exotic ailments rare in the rest of the country.

Public Health, Rx Bills Top State Agendas

Bioterrorism and public health measures arising from the threat of further terrorist attacks loom as high priority issues for states to address this year. They come to the forefront at a time when there may not be enough money in state coffers to support other new healthcare programs or expansions.

States Declare Open Season On Public Access

Terrorists used American planes to kill U.S. citizens on Sept. 11, and now state lawmakers want to prevent evildoers from using our own maps and security plans to take more lives.

Mexican IDs Gain In Western States

The Mexican government is succeeding with diplomatic efforts to convince U.S. state agencies, law enforcement jurisdictions and financial institutions to accept a Mexican national photo ID card from its citizens as proof positive of their identity.

No Stampede For New Terrorism Laws

In contrast with the federal rush to expand police powers to go after suspected terrorists, most state legislatures are moving slowly on post-9/11 homeland protection measures as they seek to balance national security concerns with the preservation of civil liberties.

Anti-Terror Action Slower Than Expected

When lawmakers in nearly forty states returned to their capitals in January, two issues loomed large on the public agenda: the economy and terrorism. But with regular sessions finished in eleven states and gavels ready to fall in another eight before the end of April, less has happened on the anti-terror front than people expected.

Govs Press For Homeland Security Funds

The nations governors asked the federal government Wednesday (4/10) for more anti-terrorism dollars, telling the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee that states can't handle the estimated first-year cost of at least $5 billion to implement post-September 11 security programs on their own.

HHS Chief Touts Bioterrorism Response

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson is bragging about the turnaround time between passage of a $1.1 bioterrorism prevention bill and completion of state plans for spending the money. Thompson told the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday (5/2) that his department got first-round readiness plans from nearly every state health department by April 15 -- less than 100 days after President Bush signed the legislation.

States Rush to Claim $1 Billion in Bioterrorism Aid

For public health officials across the country, April 15 delivered an extra shot of adrenaline that had nothing to do with filing last-minute income tax returns. Rather, it was the finish line of a 74-day sprint to submit complex and lengthy bioterror aid requests to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Immigrant Licensing: Security Vs Safety Concerns

After learning that most of the 19 hijackers responsible for the Sept. 11 terrorist attack had obtained drivers licenses in Florida, New Jersey or Virginia using faked credentials, many state lawmakers rushed to introduce legislation aimed at restricting licenses for immigrants as a security measure. Nine months later, most of those initiatives have stalled amid competing concerns over highway safety and anti-terror policy.

South Carolina Anti-Terror Bill Broader Than Most

Should South Carolina suffer a terrorist threat or attack, the nation may get to evaluate the power of state legislation to protect residents from physical, financial or psychological harm.

Emergency Communications A Major Problem

If the United States ever deals with another massive terrorist assault, the survival of thousands may depend upon one wonky, eight-syllable word: interoperability. Right now, its a major problem.

States Offer Free Pills No One Wants To Take

Several states want to give away free medicine, but they hope it will not get used. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11and perceived threats against nuclear facilities, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) made potassium iodide pills available for people who live or work within a 10-mile radius of a nuclear reactor.

State Leaders Back Bush Homeland Security Plan

State officials say President Bushs sweeping proposal to reorganize federal security and intelligence agencies into a new department is just the thing theyve been looking for since last years terrorist attacks.

National Guard's Post 9-11 Role Uncertain

When al Qaeda terrorists attacked the United States on 9/11, the head of the National Guard's homeland security office was hosting a meeting on what the Guard could do to prevent such a thing. It's a question that remains unresolved.

State Emergency Aid Compact: 47 Down, Three To Go?

Gov. Tony Knowles has signed legislation making Alaska the 47th state to enter a six-year old interstate agreement to cooperate in responding to natural and civil disasters such as terrorist attacks.

States Strive to Protect E-Gov Gains Post-9-11

For states in the vanguard of e-government the delivery of government services via the Internet -- post 9/11 security concerns are posing new challenges at a time when the fiscal squeeze felt by most of the states is affecting information technology budgets.

Terror Insurance: A New, Risky Business

Book lovers understand that the J. Willard Marriott Library and its three million-volume collection at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City are, in a sense, priceless.

Bush Security Plan: States To Share Roles, Costs

State and local governments "can and should play important roles" in protecting people and property from future terrorist activity and will share the $100 billion annual cost with the federal government, President Bushs new homeland security blueprint says.

Lawmakers' Security Report Poses Questions

Ask state lawmakers what they're doing to make the country safe from terrorism and what you'll hear in reply is: We're asking questions, questions and more questions. A report released Thursday (7/25) by a nationwide panel of legislators meshes with the vision President Bush has articulated of a national partnership of federal, state and local governments.

States Sept. 11 Response Draws Kudos, Criticism

Since the devastating attacks nearly a year ago that plunged the country into a war against terrorism, it has become clear that states have a major role to play in improving homeland security. How well are they doing? In this, the first of a series of Stateline.org reports, we provide a broad overview of what has been done in the last 12 months.

Southern Governors to Coordinate Emergency Response

With the nation approaching the first anniversary of last Septembers terrorist attacks, governors from across the South have unveiled a plan to link their health and emergency agencies to better coordinate response and relief efforts.

Driver's License Changes Test Limits of Civil Liberties

In the nation's war on terrorism, some drivers license agencies have taken on responsibilities never envisioned. Many public officials now view them as one of the nation's primary tools for weeding out potential terrorists and identity thieves.

War on Terror Restricts Information Flow

After hijacked planes slammed into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, Attorney General John Ashcroft told federal agencies to clamp down on releasing records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the law requiring government agencies to make information available on request.

Alaska Won't 'Break The Bank' on Security Spending

Like other states, Alaska scrambled in the wake of the terrorist attacks to assess risk and heighten security around critical infrastructure. But despite recommendations by the governor for broad spending on new security measures, Alaskas looming budget deficit kept lawmakers from approving all but a fraction of funds targeted to ongoing homeland security projects.

State Lawmakers Urged to Stress Civics

After last September 11, a wave of patriotism washed over the country, inspiring state legislation to promote national pride among U.S. public school students. But a national legislative task force says more is needed specifically, a return of civics to public school curriculums.

Public Health Officials Prep for Bioterror With New Hires

Unemployment is up across the country. Some companies receive up to 400 resumes for each open position. But if you can fight, detect or help plan a response to a bioterrorism attack, you can find work in almost any state.

States Lean on Feds For Security Funds

State officials have been talking up the importance of homeland security, but few of them have been putting up much state money for the protection of their citizens. Instead, most states have been relying on the federal government to subsidize or even completely fund their security efforts.

One Year Later, States Better Prepared For Terror

Are we better prepared to handle a terrorist attack than we were one year ago? Yes, but. That's the answer from the man who managed New York State's response to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

State Anti-Terrorism Chiefs Play Unclear Role

When the next terrorist attack comes - as the nation's leaders assert it inevitably will the person in charge of your state's response may not be its homeland security director. Most are high-level policy advisors who command broad respect. But few have any new money or staff with which to do their jobs.

Governors Launch Anti-Terror Network

Declaring that direction of future national homeland security efforts "has to come from the governors," a leading member of the National Governors' Association has announced plans for a multistate interagency anti-terror information network. Its purpose: To help officials operate more effectively across all levels of government and the private sector to prevent or respond to terrorist activity.

Most Governors Silent On Iraq

In the national debate over whether to go to war with Iraq, most governors are remaining silent. Six GOP governors and one moderate Democratic governor support President Bushs call to invade Iraq. Only Vermont's Gov. Howard Dean (D) has voiced qualified opposition. And 19 governors are officially mum, based on a canvass of the 50 chief executives.

Security Push Discourages Innovation

Public policy makers were told to "think outside of the box" so often in the 1990s the phrase became a clichi. After the Sept. 11 attacks, with most states running large deficits and the size and shape of the policy box less certain, many leading the anti-terror effort say it seems more like a luxury.

States Showcase Model Security Plans

Dozens of state homeland security leaders are in Savannah, Ga. this week to discuss their plans at a "best practices" summit organized by the National Governors Association.