Stateline Stories

Three States Buck Tide by Eyeing Tax Hikes

At a time when governors and legislators across the nation are swimming in surplus revenue and striving to outdo each other in fashioning politically attractive tax cuts, Alaska, West Virginia and Maryland are going against the tide by considering significant tax hikes. In the most noteworthy case, Alaska Governor Tony Knowles, a Democrat, is mulling over a plan to enact both a personal income tax and a statewide sales tax to address the state's projected $900 million Fiscal Year 2000 budget shortfall.

Medical Marijuana Use Uncertain Despite Referenda

Nearly one person in five in this country lives in a state that exempts patients who use marijuana under a physician's supervision from prosecution for illegal drug use. But advocates say residents of Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and California should think again if they believe their state's law assures people ready access to medical marijuana. The White House Office of Drug Control Policy says federal authorities will not sanction pot-smoking until scientific evidence establishes that medical benefits outweigh risks

Medical Marijuana Report Shows Pot Helps Some Patients

Voters who supported medical marijuana initiatives in six Western states now know that science stands behind their vote, based on a government-ordered report on the effectiveness of pot in easing unpleasant side-effects of certain illnesses. The study, conducted at the request of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, was released today by the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine. It says a review of all relevant scientific evidence found that marijuana's active components are potentially effective in treating pain, nausea, the anorexia of AIDS wasting, and other symptoms, and should be tested in clinical trials.

Minnesota, West Virginia, Washington Adjourn; Alaska In Special Session

While Minnesota's governor and lawmakers celebrate the end of a legislative session that gave citizens the largest tax cut in state history, Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles has ordered his legislature to continue work in a special session until they forge a long-term budget plan. West Virginia and Washington lawmakers wrapped up special sessions this week by passing compromise bills on nagging issues, bringing to 27 the number of legislatures which have completed work for the year. For more information, click on

Four States Consider Income Tax; Four States Reject It

Facing education funding woes and a variety of budget shortfalls, lawmakers in New Hampshire and three other states that do not collect income taxes considered reversing course this year--and in each case defeated or abandoned those plans for fear of retribution from the voters. To read about this politically perilous policy issue, click on

Connecticut Tops in Teacher Pay, Educators' Union Says

Teachers in Connecticut continue to earn more than their peers in other states, a survey by the American Federation of Teachers, a union that represents more than one million educators, shows. The average Connecticut teacher's salary during the 1997-1998 school year - the latest time period for which there are figures - was $51, 727. South Dakota had the lowest average teacher salary -- $27, 839. The national average teacher's salary was $39,347, the AFT said.

California Lawmakers Adjourn, Others Face Special Sessions

As California wrapped up its legislative season, lawmakers in Missouri, Alaska and Delaware were preparing for special sessions. In California, landmark legislation was approved that will lead to sweeping nursing home reforms.

Michigan, Wisconsin Return, Alaska Tackles Native Rights

Summer has officially come to an end for Michigan and Wisconsin lawmakers who began their fall legislative sessions this week. Also, Alaska started a special session on Wednesday so Gov. Tony Knowles could give lawmakers one last chance to pass a rural subsistence constitutional amendment and prevent a federal takeover of fish and game management in the state.

New Federal Rules Force Action In Alaska, Wisconsin

New federal regulations that arrive with the onset of the fiscal year, Friday, October 1, forced decisions by lawmakers in Wisconsin and Alaska this week. In Alaska, lawmakers let a deadline imposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior pass, letting the federal government assume control of fisheries. In Wisconsin, where the Assembly and Senate are still divided over a budget for the state fiscal year that began July 1, Gov. Tommy Thompson prompted lawmakers to appropriate $46 million in welfare money.

New Mexico Gov Finds Few Takers For Drug Stance

In a visit to Washington last week, New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson got red carpet treatment from drug policy reform advocates because of his call for drug legalization. Johnson's views are not resonating politically however, and he is the first to admit that this issue is "politically a zero for anyone holding office." Although one-third of the U.S. population lives in one of the 11 states where marijuana has been decriminalized, efforts to relax anti-drug laws have been dead in the water for more than two decades.

Alaska State of the State Address 2000

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 12 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Tony Knowles' 2000 State of the State Address: Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer, Senate President Drue Pearce, House Speaker Brian Porter, members of the 21st Alaska Legislature, my cabinet, my wife Susan, my children Luke and Sara my fellow Alaskans. Good eve

E-Voting: States Better Get Ready, Experts Say

When it comes to Internet voting, Gov. George Pataki of New York and Gray Davis of California have a similar message: Proceed with caution. "We want to accelerate the pace of Internet voting," Davis said. But he stipulated that "we need to develop a secure, reliable system" before offering voters online ballots. Davis predicted that Californians would be voting via Internet within five to seven years, though some Internet executives expect it to happen a lot sooner.

Western Governors Wary of Federal Road-Free Forest Plan

A nervous group of Western governors says a Clinton administration proposal to make 54 million acres of national forest road-free would wreak havoc with logging, mining and tourism taking place on adjoining state and private property.

Debate Continues Over Abortion Waiting Periods

Four state legislatures are debating whether to follow the lead of 14 states that impose a waiting period on women who want an abortion, but pro-choice opponents blocked the measure in Colorado, Iowa and Virginia this year. States where controversial legislation remains an issue are Alabama, Alaska, Delaware and Minnesota.

Massachusetts, Alaska Join States In Mandating Diabetes Coverage

Diabetics with insurance can now count on having their health plans cover the disease in 40 states. Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci Thursday (5/4) and Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles last month signed bills that require health insurers to provide coverage for diabetes.

Amidst Fat, Happy Neighbors, Four States Tighten Belts

The axiom about rising tides lifting all boats apparently doesnt apply to states. Because while much of the country is awash in budget surpluses, Alaska, Louisiana, Tennessee and Wyoming have struggled to surmount shortfalls.

Voters Send Mixed Signals On Growth, Environment

Voters in 23 states considered ballot measures dealing with growth management and the environment on Nov. 7. Some of the most highly publicized proposals were rejected, but experts dismiss suggestions that the defeat of prominent "smart growth" measures in Arizona and Colorado means that interest in curbing sprawl has cooled.

Alaska State of the State Address 2001

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Gov. Tony Knowles 2001 State of the State Address: Lt. Governor Ulmer, Senate President Halford, House Speaker Porter, members of the 22nd Alaska Legislature, my cabinet, my wife Susan, our children - Devon, Luke and Sara - and fellow Alaskans. Good evening.

Alaska's Treasure Chest Becomes Debate Topic

Alaska has a pot of money that provides every eligible state resident with a yearly dividend well in excess of $1,000. This treasure chest, officially known as the Alaska Permanent Fund, was built by investing a portion of the state's oil revenues not devoted to financing state government operations. Overall oil revenues have declined in recent years, however, creating fiscal problems for the state. Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles and leading legislators want to dip into Permanent Fund earnings to solve the problem. But such a move might mean dividend payments might not grow as fast in the future as they have in the past. So Knowles and his allies are encountering resistance.

States Tackle Privacy Loopholes Created By Congress

When Congress voted two years ago to tear down Depression-era barriers that had long kept banks, investment firms, insurance companies and other elements of the financial services industry from merging , Wisconsin State Representative Marlin Schneider had just one comment: "They're nuts," he said of the federal lawmakers. Since then, a growing number of state legislators have come to the same conclusion as they've tried to address privacy loopholes in the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999.

Tracking Election Reform: Florida Moves Forward

Election reform efforts suffered a partisan blow in Congress this week but received a top-level vote of confidence in Florida, the state regarded as ground zero for voter discontent in November 2000. Capitol Hill Republicans and Democrats broke off talks Tuesday (3/27) to create an election reform task force after the two sides could not agree on the make-up of a panel. In Florida meantime, Gov. Jeb Bush (R) expressed confidence that the legislature would adopt a "system that is the best in all 50 states."

Western Mines Drive Up Toxic Releases, EPA Says

Americans might have been exposed to a higher level of toxic chemicals and chemical compounds in 1999 than they were the year before, according to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data. The nations industries generated 7.77 billion pounds of toxic chemicals and compounds in 1999, a 5.3 percent jump from 1998 due largely to increases in emissions and solid waste disposals from metal mining facilities in the West.

On the Record: U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) Discusses CARA

Last year, Alaska Republican Don Young convinced three-fourths of the U.S. House of Representatives to support his Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 2000 (CARA), only to see it die in the Senate despite support from state and local governments, thousands of outdoor advocacy groups, and more than sixty Senators.

Governors Sound Off on Medicaid Budget Fix

The National Governors Association is pushing for an economic stimulus plan that would dole out more federal dollars to state Medicaid programs

Alaska State of the State Address 2002

JUNEAU, Alaska – Jan. 16 - Following is the full text of Gov. Tony Knowles' 2002 State of the State Address, delivered on Jan. 16: Lt. Governor Ulmer, President Halford, Speaker Porter, members of the 22nd Alaska Legislature, my cabinet, my wife Susan, our daughter Devon, fellow Alaskans. Good evening. I'm

Alaska Tops in Federal Dollars, Census Says

The federal government spent about twice as much per capita in Alaska than in Nevada where per capita federal spending was less than $5,000 last year, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released April 23.

New Jersey First In School Spending

When it comes to per pupil school spending, New Jersey is at the head of the class. The Garden State spent $10,283 per student in 2000, outdoing second-ranked New York by $244, according to a new Census Bureau report on public education.

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.

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.

Alaska Senate District Tests Candidates Stamina

In Alaska's Senate District C, the rigors of campaigning probably exceed what even presidential candidates must endure. At nearly 240,000 square miles, District C is nearly as big as Texas. And the candidates must rely on a costly, difficult transportation system to get from place to place.

Women Could Win Big On Nov. 5

Voters in nine states will determine on Nov. 5 whether 2002 will live up to its billing as "the year of the woman governor."

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Alaska Officials Eye Oil Fund in Budget Crisis

Alaska, like most states, is facing a major budget deficit. But Alaska, unlike any other state, has enough money in the bank to cover this year's deficit nearly 50 times over.

Tax Bite Big in Maine, Small in Alaska

Alaska and Maine are far apart geographically, but their tax burdens represent an even bigger divide -- Maine residents have the nation's highest state and local tax burden, 12.2 percent of income, while Alaska residents have the nation's lowest, 5.5 percent. The calculations come from the Tax Foundation, a conservative lobbying group in Washington, D.C.

Alaska, Massachusetts Governors Sell Budgets with Advertising

Looking to win popular support for their budget programs this spring, GOP governors in Alaska and Massachusetts bypassed journalists and went directly to citizens through unprecedented paid advertisements in newspaper and on radio and television.

Alaska First in Per-Person Federal Dollars

Alaskans get about twice as much federal aid as people in Nevada where average per-person federal spending was less than $5,000 last year, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released June 4.

Alaska Governor Takes Heat for Budget Cuts

State fiscal ills are forcing budget cuts from Maine to California. In most cases, elected leaders are spreading the political blame around. Not so in Alaska, where Republican Gov. Frank Murkowski is taking all the heat.

State Efforts To Deter Suicide Stalling

Alaska leads the nation in the number of people that kill themselves it has a suicide rate more than twice the national average. But its among the 23 states without a statewide suicide prevention program.

Alaska State of the State Address 2004

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 13 - Following is the full text of Alaska Gov. Frank H. Murkowski's (R) 2004 State of the State address: Happy New Year to all of you. The good news is there are only 17 more Saturdays until the Session ends. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker and members of the Alaska State Legislature I appreci

Alaskan State Checks Could Shrink

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) is considering giving residents a smaller annual paycheck from the state in order to balance the budget.

Alaskans Split on How to Get State Out of the Red

Alaska is bitterly divided on whether to use a portion of its oil wealth its $28 billion permanent fund to get itself out of budget trouble. While the state faces a projected $500 million budget deficit in the next fiscal year, proposals to tap the fund to plug the gap face fierce resistance. Even a high-profile assembly of citizens has failed to forge consensus.

Alaska, Virginia Rank Tops in Grabbing Federal Dollars

In the annual sweepstakes for federal money, Alaskans per capita came out on top in 2003 while Virginia got the most bucks in federal contracts, and California garnered the most defense dollars, according to new U.S. Census data. The Census Web site has a query system that allows users to search for federal funding levels by state, county and programs.

Alaska Ballot Measure Would Treat Pot Like Liquor

Like a stoned driver crisscrossing the center line, Alaska has veered left and right on the issue of legalizing marijuana. On Nov. 2, voters will be asked to take Alaska further than any other state toward liberalizing use of marijuana, over the objections of state and federal officials.

Eight States Raised Taxes in 2004

Only eight states had to resort to hiking taxes in 2004 to balance their books, a sign that states fiscal squeeze may finally be over, researchers said in a new report released Monday.

Alaska Tops in Internet Use

Alaska, known for dog-mushing, forests and forget-me-nots, also can boast about its great surfing Internet surfing, that is. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the Land of the Midnight Sun is the most wired state in the nation.

Western Governors University Improves Its Grade

Western Governors University, an online academic institution established by 19 states in 1997, has more than doubled its enrollment in the past year to 3,000 students. The surge in enrollment came as e-learning at colleges and universities across the country recorded a dramatic rise. While the number of students taking courses on the Internet is increasing, academics and entrepreneurs disagree over whether the trend is good or bad.

Alaska State of the State Address 2005

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, and members of the Alaska Legislature Welcome back to Juneau and thank you for the opportunity to deliver this State of the State address and to all Alaskans a Happy New Year. First I'm pleased to introduce my partnerNancy. Last year in July we shared our 50th Wedding Anniversary with a big

Alaska to Label Bio-Tech Fish

Alaska is the first state in the nation to require special labeling for genetically modified fish. Although no bioengineered fish yet are approved as food, the regulation is on the cutting edge of national efforts to regulate biotechnology in the food chain.

Alaska Tires of Sitting on Natural Gas Wealth

Alaskans say it's time to tap the state's vast natural gas reserves and bring them to energy-starved markets in the Lower 48. Now political muscle is being applied to try to push the international oil companies that lease the gas into starting a mammoth pipeline project.

State AGs Fight Teen Smoking—Onscreen

More than 30 attorneys general are mounting a campaign to add anti-smoking ads to the beginning of films in which actors light up onscreen. The bid to fight teen smoking was prompted by a study that showed a marked increase in smoking among children who watch movie characters puffing away.

Alaska State of the State Address 2006

Tonight I would like to thank the Legislature for your strong support of the priorities of this administration: • adding to Alaska's transportation infrastructure, with the approval of last year's capital budget which relieved significant congestion in the Mat-Su Valley, Anchorage, Kenai and Fairbanks • increasing edu

Alaska No. 1 in 'pork' per capita, again

Alaska -- infamous for its federally funded "bridges to nowhere" -- ranked first in per-capita federal spending for pork-barrel projects last year, a distinction it has held for the past 16 years. Hawaii came in second, and Georgia ranked last, according to the latest report from a group that hawks congressional spending. The report and database offer 9,963 examples of what the group calls wasteful federal spending, searchable by state.

Once, Twice, Three Times a Gov?

Among the fresh faces running in the nation's 36 gubernatorial races this year are three who have seen it all before - because they used to be governors. Former Govs. Tony Knowles (D) of Alaska, Don Siegelman (D) of Alabama and William Weld (R) of Massachusetts are seeking second shots at their old jobs. Since 1977, 16 of 45 former state chief executives who have attempted gubernatorial comebacks have regained their seats.

Gas Pipeline Dispute Fuels Wild Alaska Race

Republican Gov. Frank Murkowski's controversial proposed contract for a natural gas pipeline to the Midwest adds fuel to the fire in Alaska's hotly contested gubernatorial race. With his disapproval ratings rising, Murkowski faces a tough primary fight from two challengers, including one seeking to be the state's first woman governor. The winner likely will face a popular former two-term Democratic governor

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

Alaska State of the State Address 2007

JUNEAU , Alaska , Jan. 17 - Following is the prepared text of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 2007 state of the state address. Click here to access the governor's state of the state web site to view and hear the address. Good evening. It is an honor to stand before you tonight. Lt Governor Parnell. Madame Pre

Some Rookie Governors Fumble

From Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) indulging in $12,000 drapes for his office to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) enraging labor supporters with his first veto, some of this year's freshmen governors have gotten off to a wobbly start.

Pipeline Dispute Dominates Alaska Gov's First Year

JUNEAU, Alaska - As America waits for new supplies of natural gas, an epic struggle is under way in Alaska between the new governor, who polls show is the most popular politician in state history, and the powerful multinational companies that own oil and gas leases on the North Slope.

Democratic mid-term gains affecting policy

So complete was the Democratic rout in the 2006 midterm elections that the party even gained legislative influence in Alaska, Idaho, North and South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming - states long dominated by the Republicans. And those gains, though small, are translating into policy achievements.

States, feds try to keep up with wildfires

With major wildfires burning in more than a dozen states and officials on high alert for more, authorities are scrambling to contain the blazes and keep new ones from igniting, despite unfavorable weather and strained resources.

Report: Women govs get high marks

Women running for governor still have to work harder than men, but once elected, voters think female governors are better at getting things done and solving problems than their male counterparts, new research released Nov. 29 shows.

Palin strikes a pose in Vogue

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is set to join the glitterati in the fashion magazine Vogue. Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) gets a whole bunch of charcoal for Christmas. And New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) wins a New Hampshire primary. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

Alaska State of the State Address 2008

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site and hear audio of the address. Lieutenant Governor, members of the 25th Alaska State Legislature and all Alaskans, thank you for this opportunity to spe

Worth Noting: 'Taxasaurus' Sighted in Colorado

A gecko-like creature with a governor's head is spotted near Denver. A kidney transplant violates ethics laws in Alaska. And D.C.'s mayor gets snubbed again by those with statehood status. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Lead Push for Paid Sick Days

In the midst of this year's flu epidemic, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make. Lawmakers in 12 states and the District of Columbia are considering bills that would make paid sick days a minimum labor standard.

WORTH NOTING: Gov. Palin Expecting No. 5 — Soon

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) in Washington, D.C., Feb. 25.Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) explains her "bump." Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) has a "first girlfriend." And the "governator" reports some unusual gifts from celebrities. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Scramble to Ease Pain at the Pump

(Updated 3:46 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2008) As Memorial Day weekend approaches and with gas prices around $4 a gallon, many states are offering motorists at the start of the summer driving season suggestions and some solutions for relief.

States Move to Regulate Senior Guardians

As the U.S. population ages and families scatter across the country, the frail elderly increasingly end up relying on court-appointed guardians when they can no longer take care of their personal affairs. California just joined six other states in watching over these professionals charged with protecting society's most vulnerable adults.

Alaska Governor First Woman in No. 2 GOP Slot

Alaska Gov.Sarah Palin (R)Sarah Palin, the first woman to serve in Alaska's top post, is now the first female to be chosen as a vice-presidential running mate in the Republican Party.

Alaska Still the Last Frontier at GOP Convention

After Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama tapped U.S. Sen. Joe Biden to be his running mate, Delaware, as Biden's home state, was rewarded at the Democratic National Convention with prime seating.

What Alaskans Are Saying About Palin

Sept. 2, 2008, 6:45 p.m. EDTWith the exception of Gov. Sarah Palin's lawyer, it appears U.S. Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign staffers didn't ask key Alaskans what they thought about the first-term governor before naming her his running mate, the Anchorage Daily News, The New York Times and others report. If they had, McCain's people might have heard something like this: "She's a total beginner on national and international issues," the Anchorage Daily News wrote in an editorial, it's her "one huge weakness." "Most people would acknowledge that, regardless of her charm and good intentions, Palin is not ready for the top job," the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner wrote. "At the national level Palin will have to be much more than a fresh and pretty face. Even in the next 24 hours she'll need a boatload of schooling on a shipload of issues, and the savvy to convince others she really does know what she's talking about," The Juneau Empire wrote. The Juneau paper continues: "For Palin and her handlers to say she's reformed a corrupt political system in her first two years as Alaska's governor is a stretch at best. So is saying she boldly bucked the influences of big oil in the state, and that she flatly said no to Ketchikan's infamous 'bridge to nowhere,' that had been earmarked in the federal budget." The editorial writers also noted some serious political risks, among them an ongoing investigation into Palin's termination of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan. Some charge Monegan was fired because he failed to bow to pressure from Palin's allies to fire a state trooper who had a messy divorce from Palin's sister. "It's a gamble that could pay off big, or it could be a bust of unparalleled proportions," The Juneau Empire wrote of McCain's choice. The Fairbanks paper concluded, "It's clear that McCain picked Palin for reasons of image, not substance. She's a woman. She has fought corruption. She has fought the oil companies. She's married to a union member. These are portrayals for campaign speeches; they are not policy positions." But all three papers say the attention paid to Alaska is good for the state. And the Anchorage paper notes that Palin offers a compelling political image. "Palin is comfortable around guns and snowmachines and fishing boats. She has a son in the military, soon to be deployed to Iraq. Those nontraditional female credentials help communicate the toughness that Republicans want to project in their campaign. Her youth and good looks are a handy complement to McCain, who is the oldest first-time presidential candidate in U.S. history." -Christine Vestal Comments

Newest States in the Union Get top Billing

With Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's addition to the Republican national ticket, all of the last three states admitted to the Union - Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona - can boast of being the home to major party candidates in this presidential election.

WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book

Idaho's first lady publishes "Ida Visits the Capitol." Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: 'Hockey mom' to make NHL debut

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will take part in Saturday's Philadelphia Flyers-New York Rangers game. Devotees of fish pedicures in Texas and the state of Washington will have to settle for more traditional foot-cleansing methods. And an Iowa appeals court finds that slow-pitch softball is a contact sport. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

State Laws Pose Hurdles for Student Voters

College students who registered to vote in the state where they attend school have faced sometimes daunting regulations that vary from state to state. And they may confront one more hurdle - showing acceptable identification at the polls.

Slumping Economy Hits Prosperous States

With the fall in energy and farm prices, many well-off states are finding they can't escape the national recession.

Alaska State of the State Address 2009

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 22 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Thank you. Our good Lieutenant Governor Parnell, President Stevens, Speaker Chenault, lawmakers, Native Leaders, my dea

Tracking the Recession: Gloom in Alaska

Alaska's 22-year string of adding jobs is about to end, economists say, as the price of oil falls along with state revenue.

Tracking the Recession – Much Ado About a Small Stimulus Pot

After weeks of speculation and intense political pressure, a reluctant Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Friday (April 3) became the last governor to formally notify the White House that he plans to accept at least some federal dollars from the stimulus package - but the controversy is far from over.

Report: 11 States Emerging From Recession

It's going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report.

Alaska State of the State Address 2010

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sean Parnell's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Craig Campbell, President Gary Stevens, Speaker Mike Chenault, cabinet members, legislators, my family - Sandy, Grace and Rachel. Thank you for joining us. Tonight, we r

Summary of the Alaska State of the State Address

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell used his first state of the state address to call for new merit scholarships to Alaska universities, a two-year suspension of the state's gas tax and stepped-up measures to stop an "epidemic" of domestic violence and rape.

Weekly Wrap: In Gloomy Times, Alaska Bounces Back

Oil price increases fuel Alaska's $2.2 billion budget surplus; Delaware sees at least five more years of slow revenue growth; and President Obama calls on Congress to continue a popular municipal bond program.

States Tackling Public Employee Retirement Benefits in 2010

Since legislatures convened last month, at least 16 states are weighing changes to their worker pension plans. Employees, retirees and unions say they will contest some of the proposals.

What's the Fuss Over Lieutenant Govs?

Naming a new lieutenant governor in California has been no easy task. At one point last month, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democratic leaders of the Assembly fought over whether the Assembly had actually approved Schwarzenegger's pick for the post. In California, as in several other states, it's hard to keep in mind that the lieutenant governor's office is primarily designed to be a sort of insurance policy in case something happens to the governor. Instead, in several states like California, the position recently has been a political liability. The intrigue is even more baffling because many of the most hotly contested fights are in states where the lieutenant governor's powers are relatively weak.

More States Drop Out of 'Race'

TODAY'S TAKE: Alaska and Texas raised eyebrows last year when they declined to join the "Race to the Top," the Obama administration's effort to revamp the nation's K-12 schools by handing out $4.35 billion in grants to states that change their education policies. But with 40 jurisdictions applying and only two winners announced in the first round of the competition, more states are deciding not to participate in round two.

Are There Enough Docs for the Newly Insured?

After Massachusetts started rolling out its 2006 law to ensure that nearly every one of its residents had health insurance, the sudden influx of newly insured patients created long waits to see primary care doctors. Now, physicians worry the entire country could see the same thing happen when the recently passed national health law takes full effect in 2014.

On the Ballot in Alaska: Transparency

After seeing money flow in unusual ways through a pair of controversial campaigns, Alaska has made some changes to its ballot initiative process. Also: Stateline's updated guide to what's on state ballots in 2010.

Serving the Wide Open Spaces

Representing rural constituents is a chore when it takes a day's drive for a legislator to reach them. The problem is about to get worse.

Despite Debt Fears, Voters OK Most State Bond Measures

Where borrowing was on the ballot Tuesday, voters usually said yes. Meanwhile, Colorado affirmed its ability to issue debt.

Alaska's Governor Shakes Up Gas Pipeline Team

TRANSITION WATCH: Alaska's Sean Parnell dismisses cabinet members working on a massive infrastructure project, Ohio's incoming House Speaker calls for Medicaid cuts, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Deval Patrick Asks His Cabinet for Resignation Letters

TRANSITION WATCH: The request of Massachusetts' governor that cabinet members reapply for their jobs, West Virginia's shy new chief executive, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Trickle of Democratic Legislators Become Republicans

TRANSITION WATCH: Fewer state-level Democrats are becoming Republicans than in 1994, new Speakers of the House are elected in Montana and Tennessee and other news of the historic shift in power in the states

LePage Struggles to Fill Maine Cabinet Due to Salary Concerns

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine's governor-elect says top choices for key roles have turned him down, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell promises a fight with the feds over Medicaid funding, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Alaska State of the State Address 2011

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sean Parnell's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor Treadwell, fellow Alaskans, thank you for joining us. The State of the State address is a time to take stock of the progress we've made together. In

Surging Oil Prices Deliver Huge Surplus to Alaska

TODAY'S TAKE: With more than $11 billion already in its savings accounts, Alaska is projecting a new $3.4 billion surplus because of soaring oil prices. The debate now turns to what to do with all the money. 'Really, how much is enough?' Governor Sean Parnell asks, pushing lawmakers to approve tax cuts.

Several States Wrap Up Their Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri and Vermont have finished their budgets or are expected to do so this week, while Alaska is closing in on a deal to end a divisive special session over spending.

In Alaska, High Oil Prices Spark an Unusual Budget Fight

Alaska lawmakers face an enviable predicament: what to do with a gusher of oil revenues flowing into the state treasury. The question has led to a surprising power struggle between Governor Sean Parnell and a bipartisan coalition in the state Senate.

California, New Jersey Offer Low-Fee Unemployment Cards

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: California and New Jersey offer the best prepaid cards with the fewest fees to access unemployment benefits … Florida uses Twitter to help find homes for foster children ... Nine states could face penalties for missing welfare's work participation thresholds, and other social policy news.

Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Falters

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Low natural gas prices undercut plans for a pipeline from Alaska to the Lower 48 ... Florida's environmental agency ends fight against global warming ... Montana limits environmental review challenges, and more energy and environment news.