Stateline Stories

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.

On the Record: Wyoming Chief of Homeland Security

No state gets more federal money per resident to fight terrorism than Wyoming, a high plains state with three times more cattle than people. That distinction has the state in the forefront of a national dispute over whether billions of federal homeland security dollars are being targeted at the greatest risks. For Wyomings view of anti-terrorism spending, Stateline.org spoke with Joe Moore, head of the states Office of Homeland Security since its inception in March 2003.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Govs' Anger With Feds Boils Over

CHARLESTON, S.C. - As they approach crucial November elections, governors from both parties blame the Republican-led Congress and White House for a widening chasm between the federal government and the states.

In Case of Attack, Who Would Run the Legislature?

An obscure Cold War statute would allow South Carolina legislators to designate successors in case lawmakers were wiped out in an attack on the United States. Problem is no one now serving in the General Assembly has submitted a list of emergency successors. At least three other states have similar succession laws on the books.

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

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.

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.

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?

Pennsylvania Ordeal Raises New Questions About States' Info-Gathering

TODAY'S TAKE: Relatively little is known about state governments' homeland security operations, but a scandal in Pennsylvania is focusing new attention on how much information is being collected -- and about whom.

Oklahoma Tops in Disaster Declarations, Ninth in Disaster Grants

Oklahoma ranks behind eight states in the amount of federal money received to help clean up debris and patch public infrastructure since 1998. Who’s number one?

Oklahoma’s Emergency Chief Has Weathered 36 Disasters

The head of Oklahoma’s disaster relief efforts, who will lead the recovery from Monday’s tornado, is the longest-serving state emergency management chief.

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.

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.

Report: Sandy Inundated East Coast With Sewage

Hurricane Sandy’s floodwaters last October inundated East Coast with sewage. Researchers have now estimated how much flowed from crippled treatment plants.

States May Lose Crucial Flood-Predicting Tools

Due to state, federal and local budget shortages, the U.S. Geological Survey may shut off hundreds of streamflow gauges across the country, increasing danger in flood-prone areas.

New Mexico law sparks push for Guard benefits

Click to enlarge. After attending the funeral of a fallen soldier, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson vowed his state would do more for its National Guard troops. His efforts to pay the life insurance premiums of guardsmen have inspired similar bills in 35 other state capitals.

New Mexico Law Sparks Push for Guard Benefits

After attending the funeral of a fallen soldier, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson vowed his state would do more for its National Guard troops. His efforts to pay the life insurance premiums of guardsmen have inspired similar bills in 35 other state capitals.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson on the Issues

SANTA FE, N.M. - In a June 10 interview with Stateline, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson discussed how the immigration issue is playing in this year's race to succeed him. He described the benefit of sending the National Guard to secure the border and discussed his recent trip with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to tour the border area.

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.

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.

At New Jersey Gas Pumps, Life Returns to Normal

Governor Chris Christie announced Monday the state would end gas rationing in 12 New Jersey counties, signaling major progress made in restoring power and fuel delivery to areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

New Jersey Officials: Displaced Sandy Victims May Vote By Email

New Jersey voters displaced by Hurricane Sandy may cast their ballots using fax or email, state officials announced Saturday, prompting concern among some computer security experts.

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.

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.

Real ID Dropouts Leave Security Holes

Defying Uncle Sam, four states have passed laws refusing to comply with federal rules to make driver's licenses more secure, casting further doubt on the future of the 2005 Real ID Act.

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.

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.

2004 Sessions: Talk, Little Action in Most Legislatures

As many statehouses wind down for the year, Stateline.org takes a look at the major issues dominating the 2004 legislative session. For the first time in four years, states fiscal picture is brightening. Most legislatures opted not to tackle many social issues, such as gay marriage, passing the buck for voters to decide this fall.

Smallpox Vaccination Plan Behind Schedule

President Bushs plan to inoculate 500,000 health care and emergency workers against smallpox is far behind schedule, delayed by state worries about adequate funding and compensation for the vaccines potentially dangerous side effects.

Governors to Bush: Fund Mandates

After a tense weekend marked by partisan politics and power plays, the nation's governors came together Monday and crafted a statement on their priorities for Congress and the Bush administration. It complained of what they say is a proliferation of unfunded mandates.

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.

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.

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.

Govs: We're in Charge of Disasters

Hoping to fend off a federal takeover in emergency leadership, a number of the nation's governors are banding together to ensure state authorities remain in control during catastrophic disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. "Let Texans run Texas," Gov. Rick Perry told Congress Wednesday, capturing the prevailing opinion among governors as federal and state officials wrestle over who should take the lead in responding to disasters.

Avian Flu is States' Latest Security Threat

Across the country, states are reassessing their pandemic plans as fear of the deadly avian flu swells globally. Some states are may buy their own medication. Plans for quarantines are being drawn up. But some experts wonder whether states, and the country, can ever truly prepare for a doomsday disease.

Foreign Fights Sapping the Guard

A congressional report reinforces state officials' concerns that overseas campaigns are taking a toll on the National Guard. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, four of every five members of the Army National Guard have been deployed, and more than $1 billion worth of equipment has been left in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, according to a tally by the Government Accountability Office.

Govs Press Base Closing Lawsuits

With the Pentagon's latest base closing plan all but a done deal, the governors of Connecticut, Illinois and Pennsylvania vowed to pursue lawsuits in an effort to save Air National Guard units in their states.

States Adjust Disaster Plans for Elders

Drawing a lesson from this year's deadly hurricane season, state aging departments and emergency planners are updating their disaster playbooks to ensure that senior citizens are not left behind. Under review are nursing home evacuation procedures and state registries of at-risk elders.

East Coast States Prepare for Hurricane Irene

TODAY'S TAKE: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Virginia declared states of emergency ahead of the storm, which is expected to make landfall on Saturday (August 27).

Feds Give States Another Two Years to Comply with Real ID

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: States now have until January 2013 to comply with Real ID … California opts not to issue transportation bonds again, to keep cash on hand… The New Mexico House reverses course on driver's licenses for unauthorized immigrants, and other transportation news.

Two States Lead Revolt Against Real ID

Updated 3:50 p.m. EDT, WednesdayMontana and Washington state defied the U.S. government this week, enacting the first state laws to reject the 2005 federal Real ID Act and ratcheting up pressure on Congress to amend or repeal national standards for driver's licenses.

States' Rebellion at Real ID Echoes in Congress

Two states leading a revolt against the Real ID Act have picked up new firepower in the U.S. Senate in their fight to roll back an unprecedented federal overhaul of state driver's licenses.

Kansas City Develops Internet-Based Security System

A coalition of city governments is preparing to launch an Internet-based homeland security initiative in Kansas City that is meant to help emergency workers better respond to terrorism or natural disasters.

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.

Mo. Treasurer Crusades to Deny Funds to Terrorists

Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Steelman may be far from the front lines in the war on terrorism but she's on the cutting edge of efforts to fight it with the power of the U.S. dollar.

Missouri Governor Wins Plaudits for Disaster Response

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Tornadoes and severe flooding have devastated Missouri this spring, spurring Governor Jay Nixon to take the lead in helping communities recover.

Federal Cuts Could Harm Flood Forecasting

As climate change increases the likelihood of extreme droughts and floods, experts say shutting off the stream-flow gauges could have costly consequences.

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.

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.

Boston Bombings Show Future Use for Police Drones

The manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers has raised fresh questions about the use of domestic drones by law enforcement.

After Boston Bombings, a Failure of Communications

Congress approved $7 billion to build a national public safety broadband network, but making it work will require buy-in from 60,000 public safety agencies. The Boston Marathon bombings gave fresh urgency to the issue.

Security Cameras Were Key to Finding Boston Bombers

Will the successful use of video analysis to identify the suspect accused of planting explosives near the finish line of the Boston Marathon spark a new push for more surveillance cameras in American cities?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jindal Stays Put as Isaac Swirls Toward Coast

This week was supposed to be Bobby Jindal’s time in the limelight — a chance at complete redemption for the Louisiana governor, whose star in the Republican Party is rising once again. But a hurricane named Isaac thought otherwise.

Katrina Alters Vista for Barbour, Blanco

Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Haley Barbour took their oaths as governors of Louisiana and Mississippi two days apart in January 2004. Twenty months later, Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf states, tearing apart landscapes and lives and severely testing the leadership of both governors. This report is from "State of the States 2006," Stateline.org's annual overview of significant policy trends in the 50 states.

Katrina, Rita Create Unexpected Boom

Despite dire forecasts that Gulf Coast governors would have to slash state budgets in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita one year ago, a new report finds that booming "hurricane economies" have fueled state revenue surpluses across the region.

States Urge Hurricane Awareness

The governors of Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia have declared official awareness periods to highlight the beginning of what forecasters say could be a dangerous hurricane season.

Two Govs Seek Inquiry Into Women in Military

Two of the country's most powerful Democratic female governors - and commanders-in-chief of their states' National Guard units - have called on the Pentagon to investigate the extent of sexual abuse of women in combat by fellow soldiers.

Kan. Tornado Unleashes Guard Supply Furor

The Kansas tornado that leveled the small town of Greensburg, Kan., is stirring up a tempest of its own over whether the Iraq war has drained National Guard troops of their ability to assist states in natural disasters.

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.

Summary of the Iowa Condition of the State Address

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) called on lawmakers Jan. 12 to eliminate certain tax breaks and adopt his "government efficiency" proposals that he said could provide enough savings to allow the state to restore recent cuts in education and other key programs and invest in more "green-collar" jobs.

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.

Dogfight Looms over Air Guard Units

In July, the governors of Illinois and Pennsylvania sued to stop the Pentagon from eliminating Air National Guard units in their states. At risk are jobs and security, the governors contend. But legal experts said the outcome of these lawsuits could alter something bigger: how federal and state officials share the National Guard.

Drone Limits Become Law

Police agencies in five states already have drones, and lawmakers want to make sure protections are in place before more agencies spend more money. Which cities already have drones?

Hawaii Urges Restraint In Homeland Security

The Hawaii legislature is debating a non-binding resolution that condemns sweeping new federal powers to fight terrorism and calls on state and local officials to avoid any actions that threaten the civil rights of the states residents. The measure has passed the state House. If the state Senate passes it, which sponsors say is likely, Hawaii will become the first state to go on record against provisions of the 2001 USA Patriot Act and the 2002 Homeland Security Act.

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.

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.

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.

Florida Guard Able to Cope with Record-Setting Storms

Florida's onslaught of hurricanes provided a major test of the ability of state-based National Guard troops to respond to a local disaster, at a time when Guard troops are deployed in record numbers overseas. Even with a fifth of Floridas Guard members stationed abroad, state officials said they had access to enough soldiers and equipment to provide disaster relief although they borrowed several hundred guardsmen from other states.

Tourism States Brace for Potential Gulf War

The nations most tourism-dependent states could suffer a crippling decline in revenue if a U.S.-led invasion of Iraq scares would-be travelers away from the countrys most popular vacation and business destinations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

States, Feds Poised to Write New Chapter in Public Safety Communications

As a plan for a national emergency network takes shape, many questions remain unanswered.

Northeastern States Seek Terrorist-Intelligence Sharing

Homeland security officials in 10 northeastern states want to establish intelligence-sharing centers that would better disseminate terrorist-related information between federal law enforcement and local police officers. Mark Cohen, who heads the New York State Office of Public Security, said the ability to share intelligence in real time is the most critical component for homeland security in the states.

Drivers' Licenses Now a Tool for Homeland Security

Massachusetts and Colorado are ahead of other states in making their drivers licenses more secure since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Officials hope that state innovations in issuing drivers' licenses will serve as models as a new federal intelligence bill, signed Dec. 17 by President Bush, for the first time involves the federal government in setting nationwide standards for state-issued drivers documents.

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.

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).

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.

A History of Recent U.S. Disasters

A look back at three of the worst natural disasters of the 1990s reveals the lessons emergency planners learned from each: Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992, the Northridge earthquake in California in 1994, and the Red River floods in North Dakota in 1997.

Report Charts Homeland Security Failures

TODAY'S TAKE: Since Sept. 11, 2001, state and local governments have received some $30 billion in grants from the federal government to improve their homeland security capabilities. But that money hasn't necessarily bought security, according to a new report from the Center for Public Integrity and the Center for Investigative Reporting.

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 test pandemic plans with free flu shots

As flu season nears, some states are offering free immunization programs that double as tests of their emergency response plans for a flu pandemic or bioterrorism attack. Arkansas last month conducted the largest vaccination drive in the country, delivering more than 100,000 shots across the state in a three-day emergency response drill.

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.

Harassment of Muslims Up in Arizona, 9 Other States, Report Says

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, reported Monday that discrimination and violence against Muslims increased in 10 states in 2003. Arizona, California and New York saw the largest reported increases.

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.

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.

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.

Governors Demand Information on Guard Changes

The nation's governors, skeptical of a move to reshape the National Guard, have asked the Pentagon to furnish a state-by-state account of the plan's impact and are insisting on a chance to sign off on any changes in the Guard's structure. Concerns about illegal immigration and health also took center stage at the National Governors Association's winter meeting, which concluded Tuesday (Feb. 28).

Mexico Violence Sparks State Action

(Updated 2 p.m. EDT, March 26, 2009)While Mexico's raging drug war looms as the Obama administration's next big foreign policy battleground, states on the front line are taking steps to combat the violence already spilling into their back yards.